Last weeks airport meeting

[Cork On the Ocean]

At last weeks airport meeting, they said the airport is scheduled to break ground very soon (forgot to write down date). The construction will take 30 months and should be completed by early 2010.

There will originally be 7 gates (later up to 12) and the terminal will be twice the size of the existing terminal to start.

Also, Pier Park is FLYING. Seems like construction really picked up when they got the final money for the airport, doesn't it?

Hope it will finally be affordable to fly out of there.

[Paula]

Hi Cork:

Right now it is pretty expensive (relatively speaking) to get to SoWal from the midwest and there are no direct flights (from the northeast, midwest, west coast) so it usually takes a minimum of 5 hours to get to SoWal from Detroit and usually longer (but it's worth it for me and I get a lot of reading done). But since there's going to be a new airport, I sure hope there's going to be some direct flights from Detroit (a Northwest hub) at more reasonable rates -- perhaps rates that compete with the rates availabe to go to more southern parts of Florida.

[wallymom]

Someone had told me "they" (whoever that is) already have non-stop flights scheduled from three places in Europe...London and two others. Has anyone else heard this???

[Geo]

Hi Cork:

Right now it is pretty expensive (relatively speaking) to get to SoWal from the midwest and there are no direct flights (from the northeast, midwest, west coast) so it usually takes a minimum of 5 hours to get to SoWal from Detroit and usually longer (but it's worth it for me and I get a lot of reading done). But since there's going to be a new airport, I sure hope there's going to be some direct flights from Detroit (a Northwest hub) at more reasonable rates -- perhaps rates that compete with the rates availabe to go to more southern parts of Florida.

I have been flying direct on American to/fro Ft. Walton Beach for $180-$250 roundtrip.

[beachmouse]

There have long been rumors about direct regular service flights from Europe, but for now I suspect they're only that.

For a while I've been saying to look at the flight options that PNS has- that's probably pretty similar to what the new PC airport is going to have over the first five years.

[Paula]

I have been flying direct on American to/fro Ft. Walton Beach for $180-$250 roundtrip.

geowickey... From where? My average flight is about $350 from Detroit to either Panama City or Fort Walton. I rarely get lower than that but there are sometimes specials that bring it to about $320.

[beachmouse]

I'm guessing it's the promotional rates for the new ORD-VPS non-stop flights.

[Beachlover2]

Yes the promo rates for AA non-stop flight from VPS to ORD is still going on - I have had a couple just under $200.00 and just now booked one for end of October for $250.00 Not as good as the beginning but still a good rate.This flight is a joy - so nice to not worry about your connection in Atlanta - Dallas or Memphis. The flight originates at ORD leaving at 12:45pm and arrives at VPS at 3:10 pm - leaves VPS at 3:35 and arrives back at ORD at 6:10 pm. Both trips I have made on this got me in early - unheard of for ORD.

[Geo]

Yes the promo rates for AA non-stop flight from VPS to ORD is still going on - I have had a couple just under $200.00 and just now booked one for end of October for $250.00 Not as good as the beginning but still a good rate.This flight is a joy - so nice to not worry about your connection in Atlanta - Dallas or Memphis. The flight originates at ORD leaving at 12:45pm and arrives at VPS at 3:10 pm - leaves VPS at 3:35 and arrives back at ORD at 6:10 pm. Both trips I have made on this got me in early - unheard of for ORD.

Yep, that's the one. Sorry I didn't specify...

Cheers to all!

G

[Cork On the Ocean]

Hi Cork:

Right now it is pretty expensive (relatively speaking) to get to SoWal from the midwest and there are no direct flights (from the northeast, midwest, west coast) so it usually takes a minimum of 5 hours to get to SoWal from Detroit and usually longer (but it's worth it for me and I get a lot of reading done). But since there's going to be a new airport, I sure hope there's going to be some direct flights from Detroit (a Northwest hub) at more reasonable rates -- perhaps rates that compete with the rates availabe to go to more southern parts of Florida.

Yeah, it's ridiculous. I generally drive to Tallahassee or Pensacola to get a decent rate if I want to go down to Tampa. I think once the airport does open they'll be a lot of new competition. I've heard that it's going to be a very desirable airport to fly into because it's the first airport after 9/11 and supposedly will have enhanced security so supposed to bring a lot of new traffic for that reason.

[scooterbug44]

Yeah, it's ridiculous. I generally drive to Tallahassee or Pensacola to get a decent rate if I want to go down to Tampa. I think once the airport does open they'll be a lot of new competition. I've heard that it's going to be a very desirable airport to fly into because it's the first airport after 9/11 and supposedly will have enhanced security so supposed to bring a lot of new traffic for that reason.

Will be interesting to see how the general design is different post 9-11, but remember that security is only as good as the security at any connecting airport!

[Cork On the Ocean]

Will be interesting to see how the general design is different post 9-11, but remember that security is only as good as the security at any connecting airport!

So right you are. I have a copy of the layout if anybody has any interest. Also have a video with a lot of stuff (figures, conceptional plans etc.) about the airport at:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulJY5xKebGM"]YouTube - Panama City Beach Florida Current Growth[/ame]

[Uncle Timmy]

So right you are. I have a copy of the layout if anybody has any interest. Also have a video with a lot of stuff (figures, conceptional plans etc.) about the airport at:

I do believe that is the sexiest video host since Daisy Fuentes did her stint on MTV...........

..........oh and the person holding her looked good too! LOL! Just teasing!

Glad to see you're back in town. We need to get together soon.

[Tom at BV]

geowickey... From where? My average flight is about $350 from Detroit to either Panama City or Fort Walton. I rarely get lower than that but there are sometimes specials that bring it to about $320.

Paula,
I recently purchased tickets using NW airlines DTW metro to VPS Ft.Walton @ $240.00 ea. round trip for the Thanksgiving holiday. I was able to save over $100.00 when I elilminated travel dates on Fri. Sat. & Sunday's. I will leave on a Wed. & return on a Tues. for this excellent rate. I always find the best rates going direct with NW. The problem now is finding a good car rental rate. We are looking forward to our (13) day visit @ Blue Mtn Beach.

Tom

[Paula]

Thanks, Tom. I always fly Northwest, but haven't had a fare that good in a long time. I will check on more flexible dates in the future, though I'm typically pretty flexible, but I'll be more specific about avoiding Fri - Sunday travel dates. Guess I'll just have to stay a little longer than usual for a long weekend - Thursday - Tuesday... no problem there! Northwest frequent fliers often has car specials in their mail (if you get a northwest charge card). Also, if you sign up for car rental places emails they often give free days, upgrades, and discounts. I have a 3 day car rental for November from Panama City for under $40 from National because of a free day for a weekend rental (of course, it's a teeny car, but I'm trying to be more environmentally conscious anyway so I think of it as a noble teeny car). thanks for the advice on not flying Fri-Sun.

[Beachlover2]

For car rental - try Priceline. I once got a car with Priceline for $13.00 per day - ended up with Hertz. The only thing is make sure you are really going - you pay for the car whether you show up or not.

[DC]

Hi Cork:

Right now it is pretty expensive (relatively speaking) to get to SoWal from the midwest and there are no direct flights (from the northeast, midwest, west coast) so it usually takes a minimum of 5 hours to get to SoWal from Detroit and usually longer (but it's worth it for me and I get a lot of reading done). But since there's going to be a new airport, I sure hope there's going to be some direct flights from Detroit (a Northwest hub) at more reasonable rates -- perhaps rates that compete with the rates availabe to go to more southern parts of Florida.

Daily direct flight to and from Chicago's O'Hare Airport began in early September. American Eagle Airlines depart Okaloosa Regional airport at 3:35p.m. each day and arrive at 6:10 p.m. Flights leave O'Hare at noon and arrive at Okaloosa Regional at 3:10 p.m.

The average round-trip fare is $205.

This might be of some help to you.

[Paula]

Thanks. Chicago doesn't help because we live about 3.5 hours away from Chicago, but I sure hope they do that from Detroit sometime soon.

[InletBchDweller]

Paula,

go to www.airfarewatchdog.com

I have seen some great prices from this site...

[Paula]

Looks like a very useful site, IBD. I just signed myself up for alerts, though they don't offer alerts for PCB or Fort Walton (just Pensacola locally). But I can use this site for my other travels as well.

Does anyone fly into Pensacola to come to SoWal and, if so, is it an easy drive and how far is it (frankly, extra driving time usually isn't worth it to me because I typically want to get to SoWal as soon as I can, but I'm curious).

[SGB]

Does anyone fly into Pensacola to come to SoWal and, if so, is it an easy drive and how far is it (frankly, extra driving time usually isn't worth it to me because I typically want to get to SoWal as soon as I can, but I'm curious).

We have been flying into/out of Pensacola quite a bit lately. The fares have been very good from there. We live on the west side of SoWal, so the time is less from here. It's about 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 hours from here to the airport. We don't mind the drive and usually work a shopping mission in while we're there. We go 98 the whole way.

[shakennotstirred]

Does anyone fly into Pensacola to come to SoWal and, if so, is it an easy drive and how far is it (frankly, extra driving time usually isn't worth it to me because I typically want to get to SoWal as soon as I can, but I'm curious).

I have flown into Pensacola a couple times. I think it was about an hour and twenty minutes to Miramar Beach. Most of the drive was on 98. I prefer flying into Fort Walton but we were able to save $100 each this next trip by flying into Pensacola.

[scooterbug44]

I used to split my flying equally between Pensacola & Ft. Walton - slightly longer drive, but it's pretty/easy driving w/ minimal traffic so no major issues IMO.

The only deciding factor for me is that I can get a ride and not pay for parking most of the time if I fly out of Ft. Walton, which cancels out the savings on a PNS ticket vs. a VPS one.

My only caveat is that the American Airlines flight from the DFW hub to Pensacola is ALWAYS overweight so a lot of luggage gets left there, so you should carry-on, or plan for it to arrive in a day or so.

[Paula]

Thanks, I just checked flight comparisons from Detroit to Pensacola and the rates were about the same to Fort Walton adn sometimes I can get a good fare to Panama City as well. So, looks like I'll stick with Northwest for now into PC or Fort Walton. But thanks for all the advice. IBD's recommended website will save us some $ going to other places in the future I'm sure.

[goofer44]

Paula
sometimes i fly to pensacola from phoenix when the fares to ft walton or panama city are cost prohibitive. i arrange a car to pick me up and take me to 30-a. the fare averages about $120. pm me and i will give you one of my drivers who moonlights on his own, he charges me $100.
billy

[Paula]

Thanks, Goofer. I'll definitely get the name of the driver even for flying into Fort Walton or Panama City Beach. And I'll keep my eye open for Pensacola flights. Frankly, in the middle of winter especially, I'd pay just about anything to get to SoWal from Detroit!