nytraveler

I don;t think yuo are looking at the right flight. You ned to look for a multi-city or multi-destination ticket. That will give you a proce 1/2 of the round trip for each city. Any ticket for more than $3000 RT to O'Hare - is not an economy ticket - it's either business or somethng else strange. Check kayak.com - multi-city ticket and look again.

johnnyomalley

Also check airbnb.com for apartments

Lauren_Strunsee

Yes, from ORD > LHR / ROM > ORD, I'm seeing no less than a total price for all family members being $11896, or $2380/person included non-stop flights. 1-stop is cheaper and can be made for a total around $5000 for all members to fly -definitely a safer bet pocket-wise, and that may be our only option if we decide to take that route.

Thanks for the information, Travelforbeer. I'll take that into consideration and relay it to my parents.

ellenem

Did you use the multi-city function?
Did you try Kayak?

Lauren_Strunsee

Yes, I used that option both through kayak and orbitz.

annhig

Lauren - i'm getting the same info as ellenem on Kayak - it's showing $1274 for a non-stop flight out with virgin, and a one-stop going back with ?.

if you want non-stop both ways it goes up to $1537 each.

on kayak, it's the third button along that you want - it says multi-city

you need to reset the 2nd line as it comes up automatically with london as your departure point.

I would suggest using easyjet or similar between Paris and Rome - so you only need to put in ORD-LHR and ROM-ORD.

Lauren_Strunsee

Kayak - it's showing $1274 for a non-stop flight out with virgin, and a one-stop going back with ?
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Yes, I'm seeing that too...

& then when I select non-stop both ways, the price jumps to 2300+. with America Airlines showing up most frequently. ex: (american airlines / $2380.00)

ORD 9:10a → LHR 10:45p 7h 35m nonstop
FCO 11:15a → ORD 3:00p 10h 45m nonstop

PalenQ

consider taking overnight trains between say Rome and Vienna - say a hotel cost and travel time. Lots of overnight trains going everywhere. If going by rail look at the Eurail Select Pass valid in up to five countries - right now a special deal if buy before May 30 you get a free day - check out these great sites IMO for learning lots about European rail travel and overnight trains - www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.seat61.com.

ellenem

Kayak just offered me this nonstop-both-ways pair for $1261 on American Airlines:
ORD 9:10a → LHR 10:45p 7h 35m nonstop
FCO 7:45a → ORD 10:10a 8h 25m nonstop

And this nonstop-both-ways pair on United for $1261:
ORD 6:20p → LHR 8:25p 8h 05m nonstop
FCO 7:45a → ORD 10:26a 8h 41m nonstop

I choose nonstop only at the first opportunity when searching.

hanabilly

I haven't looked at the booking sites, but yes, you often do pay a premium for nonstop. Sometimes it's worth it, but only you can decide that. On the other had, a flight with one stop might be a good choice, even for your folks who seem to be resisting it. While it does add time to your overall flight, if it's a "good" layover (not too long, not too short) it can serve to break up an otherwise long (10+ hrs) flight, and the day actually seems to pass quicker. That's my experience, anyway. I like the convenience of a nonstop, but man, that can feel like a lonnnng flight.

Lauren_Strunsee

ellen - is there a certain amount of people you're punching in?

I've got 4 adults and 1 child (age 17) flying, which is what I'm looking at through Kayak with nonstop only being the first choice before clicking Search.

Can you post the link to your findings?

annhig

here's the link that I used - it comes out at just over £1000 pp.

http://www.kayak.co.uk/flights/ORD-L...ORD/2012-08-02

I haven't tried with more than one person, but that shouldn't affect it. [unless one of these flights has only 4 seats left of course].

ellenem

I was searching for two seats, not five, which could make a difference. Are your dates flexible? I've saved dramatic amounts by traveling midweek rather than on weekends. Good luck with your searches!

annhig

http://www.kayak.co.uk/flights/ORD-LON/2012-07-22/ROM-ORD/2012-08-02/nonstop/4adults/children-17>>

annhig

total cost £6,406.

for some reason, it's showing business class going home, but you might need the extra luxury by then.

you can get it down to £765 or so if you accept one stop each way.

Lauren_Strunsee

Thank you, annhig.

So we're looking at about $8000 for non-stop both way (with the addition of the biz class on the flight home which you've pointed out.)

I'll report this to my parents.

(We are able to make a 2-3 day difference between the Jul 22 and Aug 2 dates.) Thanks for the tip~!

Sassafrass

Lauren, I compliment you on actually listening and trying to do what others are telling you. Many of these people are real pros and can help you a lot. You are a smart woman - your parents are lucky to have you planning the trip.

annhig

hi Lauren - the U$8K is about right. you could cut it down a lot by accepting one stop each way, but it might depend on where the stops are and how long they are whether that would be acceptable to you and your parents.

playing around with the dates may also help. i found that planning our trip to Sri Lanka, i saved us £300 each simply by flying home on a monday rather than a sunday.

Lauren_Strunsee

Lauren, I compliment you on actually listening and trying to do what others are telling you.
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I'm glad I found this site, and am very appreciative of the help and tips, and how friendly the people are here -not to mention the fast responses. Thank you~

annhig - that's wonderful. I'll experiment with the dates and thanks so much for helping me find the flights at their cheapest costs.

Beth16

If you are trying to fly United go directly to the website. Usually it is the same price as expedia. But you can click the multiple destination button and nonstop as well as the find airfare +- 3 days. It will give you a chart with the difference in prices based on when you leave and when you return.