TravelGuides

(TGA) - I usually avoid winter travel but wanted frequent travelers from WI opinions on this: Going to Costa Rica in March via Delta and ATL. DL has one flight a day between ATW and ATL for connection. MKE has anywhere between 4 and 7 a day. MKE, however, is closer to the Great Lakes and more prone in the winter to closure and delays from snow. ATW is further west and has less issues but nonetheless still gets its share of winter misery Which airport should I start and end my trip at?
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I would go with MKE. If your flight out of ATW is delayed or cancelled, you will have to wait until the next day. Atleast at MKE you have more options.

IMO

Mel
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I agree that you have more options out of MKE.

I fly often during the winter. For me winter is the best time to get out of Wisconsin. I always worry about the weather, but then I worry about thunder storms and morning fog when it's not winter.

I don't know if you normally take out trip insurance, but if not, that might be something to look into to ease your mind.

I try to do things like not making important reservations (tours or theater) on my anticipated day of arrival, so that I won't be worried with the extra burden of missing something if my flight is delayed.

I also fly in the day before cruise departure and spend the night near the departure port, so I don't have to worry about missing the boat because of flight delays.
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There are pros and cons to each.

MKE

Larger airport and like another said if your flight is delayed you have a better chance of still leaving that same day.

Larger airport so takes longer to get around

Farther from your home

Need to pay for parking

ATW

Closer to home

Could have someone drop you off so you don't have to pay parking (I can't remember if they charge)

Smaller airport so faster to get around

If flight is delayed you are stranded for at least a day

I think I would travel out of MKE. At least you have a better chance of making your vacation if there is a delay.

I would highly reccomend trip insurance. We were supposed to be in Florida from September 16-26 but had to cancel since I needed knee surgery and our daughter broke her wrist. We had trip insurance in case of a hurricane but it came in very handy anyways.

I think it is all personal preference and what pros are more important to you.
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Thanks to all. ATW is 35 min and MKE 2 hrs but getting stranded is certainly a bigger hastle.
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Yeah we live near Waupaca and were going to fly out of Appleton until we thought about delays. Then we changed to Milwaukee on our most recent trip. But we were more worried about having 3 kids with us for the delay.

If you are buying one way tickets you could always fly out of Milwaukee and fly back to Appleton. That is if you have someone who would drive you to Milwaukee and then leave your vehicle in Appleton.
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