Last weeks airport meeting

[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.

 

[goofer]

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!