Booking flight/car rental/hotel package...TIPS?

[CapnHook]

Posted: 5/9/05 at 10:37pm

I'll be flying to Tucson, AZ for a wedding. I know of Orbitz and Expedia - and I used one of the two once before.

Anyone have tips on getting the cheapest package/deal/flights?

Preference of which airline? Flying from NC - so it'll be a long flight, with probably one changeover.

ALSO - I am trying to factor this in as well:

In the searches I have conducted so far - the changeover was in Chicago. How can I arrange a LONG changeover, so that I can spend the night in going to see a show in CHICAGO, then go back to the airport? Don't want to spend extra money for hotel and car rental. Looks like we would need a hotel, unless the plane leaves that night.

How far is the theatre district from the airport? Can we take a bus? What shows are hot in Chicago?

Thanks!

[TheBoyfromChi]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 1:13am

I can't help with the first part, but as far as staying over in Chicago...
The theatre district isn't what I'd say is close to any airport, however I do know that the CTA has many ways to get to both O'Hare and Midway. I believe there is a line that goes to each one, and buses that can get you to each stop. Check out the CTA website...i believe it is www.chicagotransitauthority.com...I use it to get everywhere, even though I've been here for a while. Just use trip planner.
However....most hotels I know of downtown and near the theatre district tend to not be so cheap. Once again though, you could always look up hotels that are not downtown and find ways for the CTA to get you there. Chicago's public transportation is amazing.
When is the trip and I'll let you know if I can think of anything good that I know of at least.
Hope this helped, good luck!

[liotte]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 1:16am

Most airlines won't let you stop overnight unless you are using mileage. An exception I have found is taking the last flight out of the day, and then the first flight out in the morning. Though you would probably miss a show that way...
You can try getting bumped off (and get paid in the process and get a hotel overnight) but that's only if they are sold out.
A multi-leg trip with an intentional stopover will probably cost a lot more.
And just FYI- the blue line goes from ohare to the loop (downtown), and the orange line from midway to the loop.

[Elphaba]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 1:43am

airlines don't do that anymore, ie if you fly from NYC to Chicago to Tucson, and want to stay in Chicago, you'll pay more.

the best I have found for flights, car rentals, and/or hotels is http://www.sidestep.com

I always use them for airlines....hotels I search on my own

[Elphaba]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 1:45am

and.....most layovers are never as long as you are looking for.
Airlines realize that most people don't want say, an 8 hour layover....unless perhaps it's in London or Amsterdam, etc

[CapnHook]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 12:19pm

Thanks - bump.

I'm told it's cheaper to fly on certain days than others? Also at certain times?

Chicago isn't a priority. Will just try to work it in.

[shameless]

Posted: 5/10/05 at 12:24pm

Cap - I've had better luck with Travelocity than Expedia.