My wife and I are planning our first trip to Bonaire for the first week of April. I was wondering if anyone any input on Air Jamaica from Atlanta connecting in MoBay. We only have about 50 minutes to connect, should I be concerned? What about luggage problems? I have been reading the board for about the last two weeks..great stuff, it is quite a resource. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

James, 50 minutes should be quite enough provided that your flight from Atlanta leaves on time. Luggage, make sure they tag your luggage properly. Last January my wife and I had to point out to the desk person that our destination was Bonaire, not MoBay. The only thing I don't like about AJ is their boarding system. They don't call rows, they simply tell people to start boarding which ensues something that resembles the Bull Run of Pamplona. Other than that, the service is quite reliable. Have fun! Coach Izzy

On one trip we had a tight connection in MoBay made even tighter by a late flight into MoBay but AJ held the flight to Bonaire as there were quite a few of us coming in from Boston. I agree with Coach Izzy about the boarding -- a feeling which also extended to the in transit area. But the Air Jamaica flights have much better times than the AA ones so it is worth it -- plus you get to drink Ting!! Enjoy your first trip to Bonaire!

Just flew Air Jamaica to Bonaire back in September. The flight out of Atlanta was late leaving which resulted in a mad rush to make the connecting flight in Montego Bay. Baggage did not make it until the next day. On the return flight AJ had maintenance problems and the flight was delayed significantly. As a result many passengers missed connecting flights in Montego Bay. This experience with Air Jamaica was bad enough that I am looking at alternate routes with American the next time I go to Bonaire.

I had flown with AJ a few years ago on a trip to St. Lucia and their service was first class and reliable. Based on my latest experience as well as some of the recent posts on this board it appears that AJ is going downhill.

Looking on the brighter side, even with the poor airline service the diving on Bonaire more than makes up for the difficulties in getting there. Have a great trip!

Jim,

We have been flying AJ for many years out of Newark and Philly. We normally have an hour or less to change planes. We do have enough time to do the following once reaching MoBay. Get off the plane, head down to duty free, get rum and some Baileys, have a quick beer (Ed loves Red Stripe) at the little stand close to the AJ counter on the second floor then head over to the flight from MoBay to Bonaire. Only one time did we have a problem. Once we made an unscheduled stop in Baltimore to pick up some passengers (the plane was very empty until we hit Baltimore). We notified the flight attendant that we would not make our connecting flight to Bonaire. She asked for our tickets, went up to the pilot then returned back later stating "You will make your connection, everything was taken care of". Once we landed in MoBay a rep was waiting for us and escorted us directly to the next flight. They actually held the flight for us 20 minutes! They closed the door behind us and our luggage even made it...a miracle! I highly suggest that you pack a bathing suit and change of clothes in your carry on just in case! Enjoy!

Liz

Thanks, for all the info. Sounds like we should be alright. I had the option of going to Aruba and then on to Bonaire but it was much more time consuming. We tried to use Delta miles for one of our tickets...Fat Chance. I love these award programs that you can only get flights to places that you do not want to go. Anyway, I am very excited to go and appreciate all of your replies.
P.S. I am looking for some local Dive Buddies for some local trips so if anyone is in the Atlanta area give me a shout.

Jim

Hi, everyone. I called AJ this afternoon (was on hold for quite a while, too) to ask a few questions and check on our reservations. A few minor time changes going down but no change in craft. Only about ten minutes in change of times.

I asked about the delays leaving MB going back into the States and the repr advised and assured me that all issues causing delays into the US have been rectified and there are no more delays. She advised they have ceased/changed certain routes in the Eastern Caribbean at this time.

Let's hope she is correct and is truthful. I know how many of us rely on AJ to get to and from Bonaire. I love AJ's service and their time schedules, too. I'm rooting for them to get through this mess and quickly, too. Carole

Interesting... I've been tracking the flights Darlene and Tom Ellis are on today (as data points for our flights this coming April-May). They left Bonaire a few minutes late, but MB to Boston is a different story: the flight was scheduled to leave at 6:20 PM. It's still sitting there, with estimated departure time 9PM. Earlier, estimated departure time was 8.

I think she was blowing smoke.

Hi, Susan. Maybe. I wonder if it is all of the US bound flights or just the Boston route? Seems to be a lot of trouble with the schedules on that one. I really hope they can get their act together, either way. Are they waiting for another AJ flight from somewhere else to arrive and load them all onto the one plane, maybe?? Carole

Hi Carole. Possibly... The flight I'm tracking is 49, which was to originate in Kingston, go to MB then Boston. The Kingston-MB leg was cancelled completely.

Now, although it still shows departure time as 9PM, the status is "Arrived". I have to think that means the plane has arrived on MB.

Poor Darlene and Tom - this is a loooong day for them.

Hi all! I just wanted to let you know that our flight down to Bonaire on the 5th went with out a hitch!! On the way home as Sue said it left just a few minutes late. We ended up having a 3 hour layover in Mo BAy which I didn't think was too bad considering the horror stories we have been hearing. We arrived at Logan at 1 AM instead of the 10 something scheduled arrival time.

I still think AJ is the best way to get to Bonaire even with the delays!!! We didn't loose any island time!!

Darlene, welcome home and thanks for posting your experiences. Our mutual friend in Bonaire had also let me know of your experiences as I am flying the same route in a few weeks. I have been concerned about the short turnaround time in MB on the way home but I guess not a problem when there is a 3 hour delay!! Am hopeful that the flight will land in Boston a little closer to scheduled time since I have a three hour drive back to Vermont! Looking forward to your usual wonderful pictures in a trip report.

Susan F ... I have been trying to track flight 49 recently for the same reason as you are. I have not had any luck going through the AJ site -- keep getting a message that the flight has no info. Have tried other sites and always get a message to call the airline. Which tracking system are you using? Thanks! When do you fly in April?

Darlene: Welcome Home!!!

It was wonderful to spend time with you and Tom here, and hope to do it again next year!!!

Alan is cool with my getting the second kitten (he has naming rights!!), and I told them both today what a great dad they'll have. I told him you'll be sending "baby" photos to him --- if you want to, put a couple on BT too, so my BT friends can see my new additions!

Thanks,and love to you both,
Josie

Yay!!! Tell Alan we love him and thank him !!! You will have two happy little kittens !!