Expert: David Stewart White - 3/2/2006

Question
We are taking a cruise (one way)to Copenhagen in May.
We were thinking about catching a flight to London and stay for a few days..We will need to  book a 1 way flight back to the states (Orlando florida) once we get to London..Do you know of an agency (maybe a discounter of sorts) who can book such a flight?We don't want to look into a flight to London and hotel until we are sure we can get back to Florida for a reasonable price.
Thanks

Answer
Hi,

There are two airlines that make nonstop flights between London and Orlando:  British Airways (BA) and Virgin Atlantic (VA).  Their regular prices are exactly the same--about $780 one way (coach).  I've seen only one other routing--taking two stops/changes on Iberia airlines through Madrid--for less money (almost $600) and I doubt the savings is worth the time and connetions hassle.  One way fares usually cost proportionately more than roundtrip fares, for some obscure reason that only airline executives understand.

Sure, there are consolidators and supposed discount airline ticket sellers.  I really doubt they can beat the airlines' direct prices.  (Even Priceline.co.uk failed this test when I tried it.)  But check the BA and VA sites carefully for any sale fares.  Unfortunately, May is not that far off and you pretty much have to book soon since your cruise will be a one-way ticket to Europe.  That doesn't give you much time to wait for sales by either airline.  

Have you checked with your cruise line?  Sometimes they can assist in booking return airfare in conjunction with a cruise.  Whether they can help if your return departure point is not the same as the cruise ending point is something I have no real knowledge of.

I hope this is helpful.

David White
mail@OnOurOwnInLondon.com