Well here I am again this year and more airline problems. Last year ALM flight home took 36 hours. Air Jamaica didn't quite make that record but it sure tried. We were about an hour late leaving Boston on March 3. The crew served breakfast and disappeared behind a curtain and never came out unless called or to pick something up. Not a friendly bunch. The plane in Jamaica was held for us and we made it to Bonaire a little late. That crew was friendly and great. Our return flight was the real problem. We left Bonaire at 5:30. Immediatly after the plane took off we were assured over the intercom that all planes would be held in Jamaica for our connections. We landed about 20 minutes late for our flight and were informed that all connecting flights were gone. The customer service desk was a nightmare. We got to the head of the line and the guy there just walked away and said the girls beside him would take over. They were handeling other customes and we had to go to the back of that line. There were 4 of us that had missed the Boston connection and we stuck together like glue for the duration. We were given tickets and boarding passes for the next day at 6 and vouchers for taxi and hotel. The customer rep. took us to baggage to claim our bags as there were none. Bags from others on our flight (the Baltimore flight) were there but not ours. One of us only had the clothes he was wearing. They assured us that the bags were in the airport somewhere because they couldn't possibly have made a transfer and would deliver them to our hotel room. At 10am the next morning we found that our bags had made the Baltimore flight even though the passangers on that flight did not. They assured us the bags were being sent to Boston by Delta. (which they were) They did give us calling cards so we could call home and put us up in an all-inclusive for the night. The airport was a zoo the next day or more like a cattle stampede. There were 5 planes all parked at gate 1 with two going to Boston. There was no where to wait and the information was badly given.
All 5 flights boarded at almost the same time. One woman going to JFK got on our plane by mistake and missed her flight. There were some people that had taken the Baltimore flight on March 10 that were delayed in Baltimore due to mechanical problems for 6 hours. When they got to Jamaica there would not be another flight until Wed. so they were shipped back to Miami and took ALM to Bonaire on Sunday. Some of those unlucky people were also on our flight of March 17

The flight to Boston, after the experience of getting on the plane, was fine and arrived on time. We did have to go to another terminal to get the luggage but is was there. (with 3 locks missing and nothing taken) My advice it to not get on a plane with us unless you like overnight delays and definately do not get on the plane with any of the those poor people from Baltimore that had problems both ways. Our only problem now is to choose between a bad experience with ALM or Air Jamaica for our visit next year.

Personally I think it's hit and miss not matter who you fly with. In the states you could have problems due to the mechanics, stewardesses or pilots working to rule. If they cause a flight to be delayed and therefore you miss your connection - who's fault is it? We are flying ALM and are just keeping our fingers crossed that all goes well, BUT if it doesn't we're on vacation, we'll be sure to have a change of clothes with us, we may end up eating the cookies planned for Linda but knowing our final destination is Bonaire will make it easier.

My motto: Always pack tooth brush, extra set of clothes, something to sleep in and a snack or two, in CARRY ON, almost no matter where I'm going. The waiting and shuffling and delays is another story - I am signing up for training in "vacation mind" or "contemplative mind" asap, though, because the stress and pain ain't worth it!