With airfares rising through the roof I'm wondering if it's worth it to take the cheaper early morning flights to save on costs. I've found that in looking for airfares for my trip to Guatemala next month the non-stop flights from LAX to Guatemala City have virtually more than doubled since my first trip there last year ($255 last August and now $675). The only way it seems I can get a reasonable fare is to change planes and leave at 6.45 a.m. Then it drops to about $320.
I'm used to the 8.00 a.m. - 10.00 a.m. flights out of Europe, but the idea of waking up at 4.00 a.m. isn't a pretty thought. What are your experiences with these crazy early flights? I seem to be running across them more and more when trying to find airfare deals in general and I am the Queen of scoring cheap airfares.
The answer is don't get up at 4. Have a nap in the afternoon, get up at 8 in the evening, have a late supper, pack and by the time you do that you will be ready to go for the flight and you will I suspect sleep on the aircraft.
Here's a helpful(?) hint for those ultra-early departures:
I have a pre-departure checklist that includes all of those dumb last-minute things that always have me thinking, on the way to the airport, "Did I remember to do that before I left?" It includes such monumental tasks as "trash out," "lights off," and "windows closed." I use it even before later departures, but I really rely on it in those pre-dawn hours when my brain is operating at about 20% of its normal level.
And if it's any consolation, highway traffic on the way to the airport is relatively light at 4:30 am, so that saves you a little time!
Posts: 691 | Location: San Francisco Bay Area | Registered: 28 June 2006
I often take the 6am flight from Washington to Miami to connect to Central America. I have to get up around 3 or 3:30 for it and while I don't like it, it is worth it! I also think it makes a big difference how long the travel day will be. When I catch the 6am flight, I can be in Guatemala at noon their time, which is great. In June, however, I had to catch that same flight on my way to Suriname, which was not as pleasant - after connecting in Miami, I had a nine hour layover in Port of Spain before continuing to Paramaribo, and didn't get to my hotel until almost 3am the next day. So I was up for almost 24 hours, which was tough since I had slept very little the night before! (And the funny thing is that if there had been a direct flight from Miami, it would have been less than 5 hours.)
I have also done it several times to go to California - it always seems to be the cheapest option.
Bottom line: I totally do it. Both to save money and because there is often not that many options.
From one who prides herself in being cheap, ok one who goes for good deals... , I would take an early flight, early wake up alarm, esp. if it means over $350 savings.
Ah, thanks for the good replies. I have actually decided I might try and get the cheap 6.45 a.m. flight as even with the layover in Mexico city I get into Guatemala by 2.45 p.m. I can deal with that!
Robert, the hand is not 100%. I still can't put too much pressure on it and my thumb has a life of its own. It's healing slowly, but it is healing.
When I think about it I remember getting up really early in Rome to get the first train out to the airport. It was actually kind of nice to beat the crowds. Perhaps there is is no too early after all...
With your savings, it might be worth it to use Priceline to get a nice hotel by the airport. I have to do this when flying from SEA (although I have no choice, really), and I really like that I have a very minimal commute (5-minute shuttle ride) to get to the airport. It's much more relaxing when you have an early, early flight.
If you'd be driving to the airport, sometimes staying at a hotel with a Park & Fly deal is better than using airport parking (in general, I don't know the situation at LAX).
One advantage to the early morning flights no one has mentioned, is that they are rarely delayed. You can often find us sleepy-eyed at the airport at 5 or 5:30am, kids in tow. And as Chiocciola mentioned, it leaves you a nice chunk of your first day at your destination.
Kathy, Even David, who simply hates to get up early, will do that for a savings of that kind. It would not be my first choice, as it would be yours, but I think you would be wise to book that flight, and then daydream about what you can do with the savings.
I too, am the "Queen of cheap", she proudly admits! I'd do just about anything to save some money. When you fly out of Fresno (FAT) your prices are higher anyway. But it's better than driving 3 to 5 hours to SFO or Lax and dealing with traffic, parking and hoards of happy travelers! FAT is such a breeze in those areas!
We always choose the early flights. It's better to "get out of Dodge" as quickly as possible before something goes wrong and spoils your trip. The main problem in early flights out of FAT in the winter is the big risk of delay due to our famous tule fog. That is where layovers come in handy, a built in cushion for fog related delays.
Yes, I am known as the "Queen of cheap" in my family! It's a trait I hope I have passed on to my kids. When you save here, you have more money there.
Denise
Posts: 212 | Location: California | Registered: 12 February 2006
I booked my ticket late last night. I will leave at 6.45 a.m. and in doing so will save a huge chunk of money. I will splurge just a little and hire a private car to take me to the airport (20 mins to LAX with no traffic). It's only about $35 more than a shuttle and my driver will get me there on MY timeline and without those annoying shuttle stops to pick up other people. Not bad when you have leisure time, but at 4.30 a.m. I want peace and speed.
I think I like the idea of the early morning flight because it means I can nap on the plane and still have most of the day to play when I get to my destination. Thanks for helping me see that early morning light!
Originally posted by teachick: I booked my ticket late last night. I will leave at 6.45 a.m. and in doing so will save a huge chunk of money. I will splurge just a little and hire a private car to take me to the airport (20 mins to LAX with no traffic). It's only about $35 more than a shuttle and my driver will get me there on MY timeline and without those annoying shuttle stops to pick up other people. Not bad when you have leisure time, but at 4.30 a.m. I want peace and speed.
I think I like the idea of the early morning flight because it means I can nap on the plane and still have most of the day to play when I get to my destination. Thanks for helping me see that early morning light!
Kathy we also take a Taxi but not a "private car", if by that you mean a limo. A taxi from Culver City to the airport is 20 dollars total, not really more than a shuttle.It probably is 30-40 for a taxi from your place. call a taxi company to price it out. RR
, I would take an early flight, early wake up alarm, esp. if it means over $350 savings.
