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Getting to Bonaire: AA connection in Bonaire & Luggage Question
Bonaire Talk: Getting to Bonaire: Archives: Archives 1999-2005: Archives - 2003-05-01 to 2004-01-31: AA connection in Bonaire & Luggage Question
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susanne Rudek (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 7:44 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I got a call today from American that our flight schedule to Bonaire has changed. It appears we now have a five hour lay-over in San Juan before our 5:35pm flight #5134 departs; we're using frequent flyer miles.

Is it possible to take a cab to a beach or resort for a few hours instead of sitting in the airport in San Juan? Would anyone recommend we not leave?I have flown through San Juan, but have never had more than a two hour lay-over.

I have also heard of people not getting their luggage in Bonaire after going through San Juan. We expect to carry-on most of our scuba gear and plan to check only one suit case a piece. Since we have such a long lay-over in San Juan, is it a given we will get our luggage in Bonaire? If it is delayed and comes in on the next flight the following day, will the airline deliver it to our hotel (we are staying at the Divi)?

Your feed back is much appreciated.

Suzi

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By seb schulherr (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #583) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 8:16 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Any standard sized carryon will need to be gate checked from San Juan to Bonaire, but you watch it go on the plane. We have resorted to a small backpack carryon with the regs and masks in carry on and gate check the one standard carry on.
Go ahead and ship two bags per person and get insurance. . You can bring your own fish books and leave room for extra stuff to bring back, which sometimes happens. I know we've bought suitcases before in foreign lands.

I mean really, after specialty items like prescription masks, if they lose it all just rent or buy more stuff there and let the insurance pick it up.

Also be advised to pack small stuff in your carryon in clear plastic bags rather than opaque bags to speed the security process.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Taft (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #171) on Friday, May 23, 2003 - 9:48 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

You do not need to spend the entire layover in the airport. Exit towards ground transportation and stop at the taxi booth. If you just want to go to the beach ask for a cab to Isla Verde. It is an 8 dollar ride and takes about 5 minutes. Once on the beach you can walk to any number of beach bars or rent lounge chairs for 3 dollars each. You can also ask for a cab to El San Juan Hotel and Casino also in Isla Verde and sit at their beach bar. If you have carryons before you leave the airport you can go to the upper level near the American counters and there is a baggage check. It is next door to a beauty shop. They charge three dollars a bag and ask to see your ticket and passport. We have used this service many times with great success. Remember that on return to SJU you will need to clear security again but the lines have never been long.

I am hesitant to say that we have not had trouble getting our luggage through San Juan to Bonaire for fear of cursing our next trip but in actuallity in many, many trips through SJU to a variety of islands we have never had luggage delayed. Last April when returning from St John our luggage was pulled in St Thomas because of weight on the plane and did not make it home in such a timely fashion -- but at that point who cares?

Enjoy!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Snorkelguy {Scott} (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #909) on Tuesday, May 27, 2003 - 6:50 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time clearing security on the return to the airport. However since you won’t have any bags or need to check in, it will be much less hassle. I’ve not had much trouble with luggage at SJU, but have missed 3 flights in as many years on the return leg home. I’ve always been put up in San Juan by AA, but once without my luggage and I was dressed for winter in the Mid-Atlantic. You see some how our luggage caught another flight than we did (go figure.) Nothing like San Juan in blue jeans and a sweatshirt and no clean underwear… I’ve always carried on a change of clothes whether I’m coming of going ever since. Also my prescription goggles and snorkel in case any unexpected snorkeling might present itself!

 


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