A question for any frequent flyers in the USA

piece of cake jonesey. You just need your passport.
Unlike the UK, last minute flights here are more expensive than pre-booked (unless you go on stand by which is a bit of a lottery) so if you can do any planning, it will save you money.

that depends on how much money you have.  you CAN just show up at the airport and get tickets to any city in the US easily (with your passport, of course), but doing so will cost you a lot of dough.  if you don't book your travel in advance (at least 2 weeks) then ticket prices are a premium.  sometimes 200-400% higher than what you could have gotten it for by booking early. 

I would also suggest renting a car!  it will be the cheapest and most flexible transportation by far! 

well - taking the bus will be cheaper - but not as flexible!

If the cities you're planning on visiting are far apart (more than a 100 miles), do a little airfare search for that time frame and see what deals you can find.

If they're < 100 miles, then renting a car would probably be the best.  

Driving is a fantastic way to tour the States. But if you're driving in the west, just be aware that everything is really spread out. It takes hours and hours to drive places. Maybe check out Stephen Fry in America for a good overview.

Might I suggest you come visit Utah? http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/ If you're into the outdoors, I don't know that there's a better bang for your buck place to visit. No, I don't get kickbacks :)

Check with the Bouy Ltd. He'll book for you at a higher cost than anywhere else. You simply can't pay more for less anywhere.

Wow! Fantastic response.

Thanks one and all.

The cities we want to spend some time at are spread out all over the country, so driving is going to be a no-no.

I think with this information, we're going to have to sit down, plan a detailed route and book in advance.

Thanks everyone, great information and just what we needed.

and if you're in cowtown - maybe we can squeeze lunch or dinner in Colin!

Orlando Fl.

We'll......be glad to treat you for some fun & food!!!

bapu

Mesh


Orlando Fl.

We'll......be glad to treat you for some fun & food!!!

You want Colin to help with your pest and animal infestation?

Come to think of it, I do need a incinerator terminator illuminator aligator bug killer.

A few words of advice on dealing with the TSA in US airports.

Stand where you're told to stand.  Don't make eye contact or speak unless absolutely necessary.  Don't show signs of aggression or irritation.  Don't sigh, moan, or roll your eyes at them.  Whatever you do, never show any signs that you would not gladly spend the entire day waiting in their line.

Some of them may smile, ask how you're doing, or attempt in some way to engage you in a non confrontational manner.  Don't be fooled by these insidious tricks.  The TSA personnel may look human, but don't be deceived.  Many times, I've seen TSA goons beguile their prey just before they pounce. 

You don't want a TSA SS officer to snap on a glove, uncap a tube, and give you a "private screening" whenever he gets that special feeling.  Just follow directions in the most humble, sheeplike manner possible.  Don't jump when they scream something unintelligible in your ear.  Prepare to remove every metallic object from your person, empty your pockets, take off your shoes and belt, remove your jacket, remove your laptop/tablet, remove all liquids/gels, and DO NOT ARGUE OR REASON WITH THEM.

They are the absolute and undisputed Lords of the Airport.  It's a good idea not to dispute that illusion.

On the positive side, it can be very entertaining to watch other victims attempt to assert their "rights". 

UbiquitousBubba


A few words of advice on dealing with the TSA in US airports.

Stand where you're told to stand.  Don't make eye contact or speak unless absolutely necessary.  Don't show signs of aggression or irritation.  Don't sigh, moan, or roll your eyes at them.  Whatever you do, never show any signs that you would not gladly spend the entire day waiting in their line.

Some of them may smile, ask how you're doing, or attempt in some way to engage you in a non confrontational manner.  Don't be fooled by these insidious tricks.  The TSA personnel may look human, but don't be deceived.  Many times, I've seen TSA goons beguile their prey just before they pounce. 

You don't want a TSA SS officer to snap on a glove, uncap a tube, and give you a "private screening" whenever he gets that special feeling.  Just follow directions in the most humble, sheeplike manner possible.  Don't jump when they scream something unintelligible in your ear.  Prepare to remove every metallic object from your person, empty your pockets, take off your shoes and belt, remove your jacket, remove your laptop/tablet, remove all liquids/gels, and DO NOT ARGUE OR REASON WITH THEM.

They are the absolute and undisputed Lords of the Airport.  It's a good idea not to dispute that illusion.

On the positive side, it can be very entertaining to watch other victims attempt to assert their "rights". 

Sounds like you've had some, um, shall we say, experience?  with this Bubba!
 
I know a guy in the TSA at Portland International who likes to joke about "setting a new watermark" on his rubber glove... 

Bristol_Jonesey

UbiquitousBubba


A few words of advice on dealing with the TSA in US airports.

Stand where you're told to stand.  Don't make eye contact or speak unless absolutely necessary.  Don't show signs of aggression or irritation.  Don't sigh, moan, or roll your eyes at them.  Whatever you do, never show any signs that you would not gladly spend the entire day waiting in their line.

Some of them may smile, ask how you're doing, or attempt in some way to engage you in a non confrontational manner.  Don't be fooled by these insidious tricks.  The TSA personnel may look human, but don't be deceived.  Many times, I've seen TSA goons beguile their prey just before they pounce. 

You don't want a TSA SS officer to snap on a glove, uncap a tube, and give you a "private screening" whenever he gets that special feeling.  Just follow directions in the most humble, sheeplike manner possible.  Don't jump when they scream something unintelligible in your ear.  Prepare to remove every metallic object from your person, empty your pockets, take off your shoes and belt, remove your jacket, remove your laptop/tablet, remove all liquids/gels, and DO NOT ARGUE OR REASON WITH THEM.

They are the absolute and undisputed Lords of the Airport.  It's a good idea not to dispute that illusion.

On the positive side, it can be very entertaining to watch other victims attempt to assert their "rights". 

Yikes - thanks for the warning!!! I'm not exactly known for my patience 


Thank you all for your wonderful & courteous invitations - I'll have to figure some of this in when we start planning our route.

Jonesey - you'll be fine. Just use your English manners, smile and don't try to smuggle anything.

daryl1968
Jonesey - you'll be fine. Just use your English manners, smile and don't try to smuggle anything. 

That's some bad advice there arse Daryl. His English manners will make him stand out like a sore thumb amongst us mongrel colonials.

bapu

daryl1968
Jonesey - you'll be fine. Just use your English manners, smile and don't try to smuggle anything. 

That's some bad advice there arse Daryl. His English manners will make him stand out like a sore thumb amongst us mongrel colonials.

Yeah, whatever you do never try and reason with any kind of US officialdom. In my experience they have no idea of the concept.
Makes you wonder where they find these people as the "ordinary" folk always seem so helpful and friendly - especially the ladies if you have a Brit accent. No idea why, but they seem to like it.