A Guide to Finding the Best Flights to Orlando

For many of us, the holiday starts as soon as we arrive at the airport. That is more so when travelling long haul to Orlando. Whether you’re planning a holiday of a lifetime or looking forward to returning to the Sunshine State, we’ve put this guide together to help you find the best flights for your trip. That way, your next holiday can start on just the right note!

Flights to Orlando are available to book through our website and can be booked as part of a package holiday with one of our Orlando villas. If you require any help with your Orlando holiday search, do get in contact with the Debbie’s Villas team.

Travel Off-Season

One thing you’ll quickly notice when planning your flight is how much the ticket prices can change. The flight industry more than most, is impacted by supply and demand, meaning that prices change rapidly depending on when you want to travel. The biggest example of this is the school holidays, where similar flights can have considerably different prices just days apart from each other.

One of the best ways to beat this price hike is to fly at a different time of the year. Not only will you enjoy a cheaper flight, but the airport itself is likely to be less busy, making for a more comfortable experience. If you can’t travel on a different date, choosing a flight at a more unsociable time (such as early in the morning or late at night) can have a similar effect.

Our website will generally pick the most recommended flight for your journey. However you can click on the ‘Alternative Flight Options’ button, to see what other flight times are available – sometimes they can be cheaper than the flight we have recommended for you.

Choosing Airports and Layovers

One part of finding the best flights to Orlando will be deciding where to depart and arrive. Often, we choose these locations out of convenience, but by looking at other airport destinations in Orlando, you may discover a better journey from a different airport to be your favourite. Considering other airports could also help you save on both travel time and cost.

Another option available for long-distance air travel is layovers or indirect flights, which involves stopping for a few hours in a connecting city, often for a lower overall price. These can suit certain people but can also take differing forms, from quick turnarounds to one night stays. Therefore, do your research before deciding what’s best for you.

While comparing your options, you may notice that there are two airports in the Orlando area, Orlando International (MCO) and Sanford (SFB). The latter one tends to be cheaper but is a bit further from our villas in Orlando than MCO and is generally less convenient. Another airport some visitors choose is Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is located around 75 minutes from Orlando but can offer cheaper flights.

The vast majority of visitors will travel through Orlando International Airport, which is ideally located within easy reach of the region’s theme parks and other popular hotspots. However, one of the downsides of this airport is getting through immigration. Those that fly into MCO a lot will know how busy immigration can get, as it is often the arrival point for foreign visitors. If you fly indirect or to a more domestically-favoured airport like SFB or TPA, you can avoid these long immigration queues.

Book Early

Similar to the above point, airport prices and experiences fluctuate rapidly depending on interest. However, if booking way in advance, prices tend to be slightly cheaper, as demand hasn’t had time to set in yet. Flights are released 11 months in advance and this can be a great time to book for many family holidays to Florida, as it provides peace of mind that the first step of travel is organised.

If you’re looking to save even more money on your flight to Orlando, it’s recommended that you book your journey around three months in advance of your departure, as this is said to be a “Prime Booking Window”. Keep an eye on prices around this time and be prepared to book the best deal.

Once your flight is booked, you should also look at confirming car parking at your departure airport and car hire in Orlando, the latter of which you can purchase with us at Debbie’s Villas as part of a package holiday.

Beware Budget Flights

When travelling to Orlando, you’ll discover that many different airline operators offer flights. Some people may wish to choose the cheapest option straight away, but there are many things you need to consider beforehand.

Some flights to Orlando appear incredibly cheap at first but include hidden extras that you’ll likely need to buy. Examples of this include additional charges for basics such as checking-in bags or choosing your seats (important if travelling as a family). On the other hand, some slightly more expensive flights may come with extras such as a free meal, which could be particularly welcome on the 8-hour-plus journey! Consider everything offered by the various airlines before making your decision.

Consider Airport Lounges

Sometimes considered as an unnecessary extra, purchasing access for your airport’s premium lounge can be a godsend when it comes to departure day! If travelling at peak time, these places offer a touch of relaxation, allowing you and your guests to prepare for the long journey ahead.

While some lounges can seem expensive, these places often come with complimentary food and drink, which can take some of the cost away. Also, there will be no struggling to find a quiet place to sit and relax while you wait for your flight, allowing you to get into the holiday spirit!

Check In-Flight Options

When travelling to Orlando for the first time, the length of the journey can be somewhat daunting for some. You will need something to keep you occupied during the trip, and it’s sometimes easy to assume that all airlines offer a similar in-flight package. However, this isn’t the case. To help make your journey one to remember for all the right reasons, check out what amenities are available on your flight and use them to the max! Also take a look at our blog, Top Tips for Travelling with Children, especially if it’s your first time taking the kids away on a long-haul flight.

Many long-haul flights to Orlando come with a personal entertainment system, usually consisting of a small screen with a selection of films and TV shows to enjoy. Some airlines offer a free meal during your flight, while others provide complimentary drinks and other amenities that can make your journey even more special!

Hopefully, this guide will help you turn booking and enjoying your flight into a wonderful experience and the best way to start your holiday! Here at Debbie’s Villas, we have been helping people enjoy Florida villa holidays for many years. If you have any questions about flights or travelling to Orlando, feel free to get in contact with us! Alternatively, browse our range of authentic luxury Orlando villas, ideally located near the region’s best attractions!