So there is about 10 of us heading to PCB March 12th through the 19th. When is a good time to get a plane ticket. Should we wait a while, or just get them now. Last year we drove so we didn't have to worry. Prices from WI to PCB are about $354 round trip but there really aren't anymore morning flights on the 12th. If you have any recommendations let me know.

last year there was 4 of us that went through a travel agent and booked flights in the beginning of january from chicago last year and we pd 264 a piece for our flights. The bad thing is you can't get a direct flight into pcb you have to connect probably in memphis i'd assume since ur in the same location / area as i am. Then you will get on this lil bitty puddle jumper plane that will take you into pcb. Believe me u go right over the water the runway like meets the water freaked me out at first.

But i wouldn't be worried right now wait till about january check around with some travel agents maybe u can get group rates? especially since its for spring break they try to hook u up pretty good at least ours did.

hope this helps

Well........our spring break destination is still up in the air, but PCB could once again, for the 4th year in a row be our destination! And, if so.........I may fly and let the other guys drive! The 12 hours there is enough to kill anyone!! But, we'll see! ILL know more about this years trip in the coming months! But, by the end of september going into october we will be set! Enjoy

Jason

You have three basic potential options for air travel to Panama City. Northwest Airlines, Delta, and US Airways. All three provide good service to Panama City. The sooner you book for Spring Break the better because the flights will be sold out! There are lots of great events being planned right now for the Beach! Spring Break is still going to be huge in Panama City Beach!

Diamond's right.... options are limited for PC airport right now, but it's good service. A new and bigger airport could be on the horizon for Panama City very soon, though.

I've also heard that it's much cheaper to fly into Ft. Walton Beach vs. PC, but that probably wouldn't be a good option unless you're planning on renting a car (FWB is about 90 mins from PCB)>

Good luck!

I agree with getting tickets early!! Im still trying to gather the troops to see who is coming and who is not, then.........where in the world we are going. I know at least 2 of the guys want to head back to pcb, so...........thats a good chance where we will end up. I dont care, I love pcb to death, its like a second home to me almost! And........it would be nice if we could get an even greater Tripsmarter.com party going for this year!! March 12-19, something then! Well..........thats a long ways off, but, a great idea never the less! Well, Im off to school!! First night of college this year, gosh, Im so thrilled!!! Well, talk to you all later only 198 days until I leave for spring break, where ever Im headed!! And hopefully thats pcb!! Enjoy

Jason

Thanks for the info guys. I am trying to get everybody together to book a flight. They all want to wait for some stupid reason. If they don't wanna get one now I will just fly myself!! How is flying on those little Turboprop planes?? I don't mind jets but I have never been on one of those little planes. I know you have to fly on those to get to PCB.

the puddle jumper planes are very small!! like barely room to stand up but they are fine... they move very very fast! you will be there in no time once u get on it trust me! and the pcb airport is only like 4 terminals believe me u can't get lost in it..

It's not all "puddle jumpers." Not by a long shot.

Northwest flies small jets (50 seat, two seats on each side of the aisle) jets after you connect in Memphis.

On Delta, you might get a smaller jet, or an prop plane on the leg from Atlanta to Panama City. Both seat 70 people. It's kind of a toss up to which is better: The jet will get you there a few minutes faster, and the plane is a little quieter (on the inside), but the prop plane (which looks like a flying box) is more comfortable as far as elbow and head room.

I'd avoid flying US Air into Panama City unless the savings is pretty good, or it is the only flight available. You will be connecting in Tampa or Orlando and flying across the Gulf of Mexico on a 19 seat turbo prop plane you can't even stand up in. (And no restroom ... bummer for you that had too much to drink at the airport bar).

On top of that, the plane often will land in Ft. Walton Beach first, with a 10 minute stop that is not enough time to even stretch (let alone run in to potty), but adding 45 minutes to a flight that has already taken a long time. So you are probably flying way out of your way to get on a true puddle jumper, with that puddle being the Gulf.

Don't get me wrong: The 19 seaters are plenty safe. Get you where you are going. If you waited too long to book, and it is the cheapest (or only option), no problem. Just take a good bathroom break (and don't hit the booze) until you touch down in Panama City.

But no longer fear flying into Panama City thinking you'll be on some tiny plane like you saw in the old TV series Wings. But do book way, way, way early. It's not Vegas or Chicago where there are tons of flights/seats available anywhere, anytime.