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Air options: American v. United (Newark v. Phili) #109336
10/07/2016 01:52 PM
10/07/2016 01:52 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 786
ME
singbeach Offline OP
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singbeach  Offline OP
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I've heard folks say flying through Phili is a nightmare? Decent price to get home, but on American. Then an even better price on United through Newark. Is it worth paying an extra $30 to avoid Phili and fly home on United? This trip originates in Boston end of November to early December (too short, but better than not at all!) Thanks fellow TTOLers! This trip planning on a budget is not for the faint-hearted!

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Re: Air options: American v. United (Newark v. Phili) [Re: singbeach] #109337
10/07/2016 02:15 PM
10/07/2016 02:15 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,075
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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boucharda  Offline
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Posts: 5,075
Massachusetts
Quote
. Then an even better price on United through Newark.


Quote
Is it worth paying an extra $30 to avoid Phili and fly home on United?


A bit confused how United can be a better price but cost $30 more....but anyway...it all depends on how much layover time there is. If there is a decent layover then it is a wash...


Last edited by boucharda; 10/07/2016 02:18 PM.
Re: Air options: American v. United (Newark v. Phili) [Re: boucharda] #109338
10/07/2016 02:21 PM
10/07/2016 02:21 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 786
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singbeach Offline OP
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singbeach  Offline OP
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Yup, United 239.00 via Newark (1.36 layover) ; American 267.00 via Phili (2 hr. layover). And, we were going to leave Boston on American...wonder if better to stay with same airline all the way? Usually we do, but, price and schedule and watching!

Re: Air options: American v. United (Newark v. Phili) [Re: singbeach] #109339
10/07/2016 02:28 PM
10/07/2016 02:28 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,075
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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boucharda  Offline
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Posts: 5,075
Massachusetts
$28 is not bad. If i have options I always choose a longer layover on the return BUT... my main issue with AA is there constant changing of flights from those that are booked.

It seems my 2 hour layover always becomes 55 minutes a couple of weeks before the flight and I am stuck keeping that flight or paying a stupid price for a last minute fare.

It's all a crap shoot now....

Re: Air options: American v. United (Newark v. Phili) [Re: boucharda] #109340
10/07/2016 02:49 PM
10/07/2016 02:49 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,618
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Posts: 14,618
Brookfield, CT.
Quote
boucharda said:
$28 is not bad. If i have options I always choose a longer layover on the return BUT... my main issue with AA is there constant changing of flights from those that are booked.

It seems my 2 hour layover always becomes 55 minutes a couple of weeks before the flight and I am stuck keeping that flight or paying a stupid price for a last minute fare.

It's all a crap shoot now....


AA usually makes seasonal adjustments of their prices but this time of year, their November flights and rates should be pretty stable. That said, all things can be changed at the whim of each of the airlines and nothing is absolutely set in stone.

The only benefit I can see of AA over United is AA does offer more flights and options if there should be any problems with your scheduled flight. Well, that and a little more comfort room for clearing C & I on the way home. In the event you need to change terminals you may need that extra time. And truthfully, many will say to avoid PA in the winter months, but chances are pretty good if you can't fly into PA due to weather issues you may not fly into Boston either. I wouldn't worry that much about it.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Air options: American v. United (Newark v. Phili) [Re: pat] #109341
10/07/2016 03:57 PM
10/07/2016 03:57 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 786
ME
singbeach Offline OP
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singbeach  Offline OP
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Well Pat, BOS, CT, PA, NJ...just about all in the same weather that time of year, I guess!!!! I know, so much to think about! Thanks..

Re: Air options: American v. United (Newark v. Phili) [Re: singbeach] #109342
10/07/2016 09:11 PM
10/07/2016 09:11 PM
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 131
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smalbany Offline
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smalbany  Offline
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Posts: 131
My experience last December at Newark arriving on a United international flight and transferring to a domestic United flight was that 1:30 hours would not be enough time. United domestic terminals at Newark have TSA at the entrance to each pier. The lines were very long and there was no seperate pre-check option. At PHL, when arriving on an international flight there are multiple TSA check points with pre-check.

Re: Air options: American v. United (Newark v. Phili) [Re: singbeach] #109343
10/08/2016 01:45 PM
10/08/2016 01:45 PM
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 913
N CENT COMMONWEALTH OF MA
SXMSAMMY Offline
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SXMSAMMY  Offline
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Posts: 913
N CENT COMMONWEALTH OF MA
I have transferred in Philly on the way home from SXM without a hitch. Make it even easier with trusted traveler...



Re: Air options: American v. United (Newark v. Phili) [Re: SXMSAMMY] #109344
10/08/2016 02:15 PM
10/08/2016 02:15 PM
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1
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Pon2121 Offline
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When going to SXM we always go through Charlotte. Ten years ago, when our SXM flight to CLT was delayed we were put on a flight to Phili. We had no lines at customs or going back through security again. Now we always schedule our home flight through Phili and have the same no lines situation. It may be the time of day (early evening) we are arriving, but it couldn't be a better experience. I am always amused when I read about bad experiences in Phili, but for 10 years it couldn't be better for us.

Re: Air options: American v. United (Newark v. Phili) [Re: singbeach] #109345
10/08/2016 05:04 PM
10/08/2016 05:04 PM
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 298
Upstate, NY
Mikel Offline
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Mikel  Offline
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Posts: 298
Upstate, NY
Everyone has their own opinions, but I transfer through PHL almost every year on the way home from SXM and only once had a problem. I personally would not let what you have heard factor into my decision.

Re: Air options: American v. United (Newark v. Phili) [Re: smalbany] #109346
10/10/2016 03:13 PM
10/10/2016 03:13 PM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 80
Brunswick - Upstate NY
Islandercpl Offline
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Islandercpl  Offline
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Posts: 80
Brunswick - Upstate NY
I have a question.....we have flown out of and returned to Newark for several years now.....then drove back to Albany, NY. Has worked perfect! This December I will be taking my 85 year old Mom...her first trip to St. Maarten, out of the country for that matter....been widowed, had breast cancer and just recently lung cancer...just want to do something special for her. Sorry....here is my question. We will need to change terminals for our connecting flight back to Albany....is it complete craziness, or is it pretty much no big deal? The flight I'm looking at has roughly 2:45 min layover....so I know time wise is okay. She doesn't need any assistance, just the pep in her step is a little off. In all the years we've traveled, we've never had to change terminals...I know strange, isn't it.

Re: Air options: American v. United (Newark v. Phili) [Re: Islandercpl] #109347
10/10/2016 09:42 PM
10/10/2016 09:42 PM
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 131
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smalbany Offline
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smalbany  Offline
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Have you considered wheelchair service? I would understand how Mom would want to exercise her independence, but having the escort will help alot on reducing the wear and tear. A 5 hour flight followed by the march to immigration, collect your bags, clear customs, recheck your bags, change terminals, go through TSA to board your flight to Albany and onward to your gate. I'm exhausted just thinking about it!

Re: Air options: American v. United (Newark v. Phili) [Re: smalbany] #109348
10/10/2016 09:50 PM
10/10/2016 09:50 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,355
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Central Florida!
That was actually what I was thinking. Even if mom technically doesn't need it, it can definitely be helpful, with immigration, customs, etc., etc...


Carol Hill
Re: Air options: American v. United (Newark v. Phili) [Re: smalbany] #109349
10/11/2016 06:54 AM
10/11/2016 06:54 AM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,000
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
RI Bob C Offline
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RI Bob C  Offline
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North Kingstown, Rhode Island
Dot has to wheelchair and that is one of the very few benefits that comes with an aging body.

Re: Air options: American v. United (Newark v. Phili) [Re: RI Bob C] #109350
10/11/2016 07:45 AM
10/11/2016 07:45 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 819
Grosse Pointe, Michigan
Leagle49 Offline
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Leagle49  Offline
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Grosse Pointe, Michigan
Flights form SXM normally arrive at Terminal B and sometimes at Terminal C. Your flight to Albany and departs from Terminal A. There is a SkyTrain linking the terminals which is pretty fast and efficient. You can use either an elevator or escalator to get to the SkyTrain level.

Re: Air options: American v. United (Newark v. Phili) [Re: smalbany] #109351
10/11/2016 11:34 AM
10/11/2016 11:34 AM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 80
Brunswick - Upstate NY
Islandercpl Offline
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Islandercpl  Offline
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Brunswick - Upstate NY
Thanks all......really appreciate it. I will definitely ask/get the wheelchair service. I've seen may people in our travels having assistance and was wondering how that worked. My first time traveling with a senior senior...yes I did double that since now adays we are considered a senior citizen at 55! Safe travels to all :-)

Re: Air options: American v. United (Newark v. Phili) [Re: Islandercpl] #109352
10/11/2016 11:54 AM
10/11/2016 11:54 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,355
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Central Florida!
I think with most airlines, it is a check box when you are booking the ticket. Does the person need assistance, and you check whether the person can walk at all, needs their OWN wheelchair, etc. I have done it several times when booking tickets for mom, who is 90..


Carol Hill

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