Jerseygirl

Done that once or twice...also flown into Heathrow and then up to Manchester. I would do neither again...it puts too much time on the journey. I will only fly from Newark direct to Manchester.

jumping doris

I hadn't thought of the border bit. We are 325 miles away.
We are driving up to Syracuse next weekend and we have been told to allow about 5 hours (in normal weather conditions).

jumping doris

It would waste too much precious time when I could be on the Wirral.

We haven't driven in the UK for nearly 3 years but that North/ South journey was always so unpredictable and I don't suppose it's changed much.

Jerseygirl

It takes us around 3 1/3 to 4 hrs to get to Syracuse (approx 240 miles)...it's halfway between here and Toronto. That's non stop driving...maybe a quick 5 min bathroom break. Bearing in mind our journey from home to Toronto is motorway all the way.

The reason the borders are a problem is because of the USD vs the CD...loads of Canadians flock over the border into the US to take advantage of the cheap US prices. There is also an outlet centre and mall right off the Lewiston crossing. One evening we waited 3 hrs to cross into Canada...that was 10 pm to 1 am. Obviously rush hour is busy and Sunday evenings. The Niagara crossing is a much quieter crossing of late.

danfan

Oh hell, I didn't think about time to cross the border. Pants!

Doris, it stinks that Pitt has such a crappy airport, doesn't it? When we moved up here from VA I told my mum that there's an international airport so she could come right here. Tosh! At her age she really doesn't want to be changing 3 flights.

I forgot you'd be traveling to the Wirral too. 2 of us trying to get there from Pgh! If we ever move house again, I'll be checking nearby airport flight routes to help me chose where I live!

robin1234

I always fly to Heathrow from Ottawa, even though I live in the United States. Ottawa is about an hour and a half from here. Air Canada have a very reliable and comfortable flight every evening, we're flying mid-April this year and the price is about $750 each including all taxes and fees; so, not super-cheap, but pretty reasonable, even with the higher Canadian dollar. Our border crossing, Ogdensburg-Prescott, is super easy in both directions. Ottawa is the quietest, most stress-free, laid-back international airport - I recommend it!

TCM

Try kayak.com. By far the most comprehensive flight search website I've found.

However, if you have to travel in the summer, you are looking at some serious cash for 4 people, regardless.

Quick search for early June, mid week flights, to regional UK airports the best you'll find (direct flight) is floating around $1k each. In my experience, regional airports are always more expensive than flying to a main hub (Heathrow vs Manchester, Cleveland vs JFK for example)

Virgin has flights for under $700 from JFK, Jetblue hops from Cleveland to JFK running around $140 - a little cheaper, but not much.

Jerseygirl

I fly Continental to Manchester...in the 12 years we've lived here prices haven't gone up that much for off season. Of course you now have several hundred dollars taxes and fees on top of that. Are you restricted to flying in the summer months...this is the most expensive time to fly.

danfan

Thanks TCM, I'll try that. Never thought of Cleveland either,

Jersey, yes summer's really the only time. The kids get only 4 days off for Easter (last year they only only ONE day!) and only 5 for Christmas, and of course no half terms. One week is just not enough for a trip that far.
We already took them out of school for a few days over Thanksgiving to visit family in TN so school want a really good reason if we take them out for anything else. Plus my son is struggling to pass this grade and I think taking him out for 2 weeks would be really tough on him. Unfortunately.

danfan

Deleted this post because my question didn't make sense!

Socal Local

I have found in the past that it is cheaper to book a separate London to Manchester flight than trying to get a direct flight to Manchester - I guess the only problem with this is maybe a risk if the inbound flight to London is delayed - worth making sure that it is a reasonably long stopover.

Jmaster911

I've always found that booking a flight that far away is always going to be expensive. I always wait until about 3-4 months before the flight and generally save a boat load of money.

Not many people are booking this far in advance and so there is no pressure on the airline to fill the plane. Its like stocks, just watch it everyday and hope to buy at the lowest price.

AmerLisa

We are planning our first trip back this summer, since moving here 4 years ago and I'm astounded at the prices. We won't be purchasing our tickets until next month.....but I'm hoping I'll see a reduction in prices by then. At this point I don't even care what airlines we fly on......I'm sure I'll regret saying that!

Englishmum

Aer Lingus is promoting a 'Fare Sale' until August on its website.

I don't know if these prices would work for you? You could choose from NYC or Washington Dulles.....but presumably would need to then book a dirt-cheap flight with Ryanair to Manchester....?

http://www.aerlingus.com/cgi-bin/obe...D=0&Category=3

danfan

That website kayak.com is very good at bringing up many options and I've been using that to look at different options. Since we're thinking of travelling in about 4 months, I think now is a reasonable time to start looking?