By Kristin Dufford (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #9) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 12:32 pm: |
okay getting really excited about our trip, scheduled to leave this Saturday but am really nervous about our connection in San Juan. We are scheduled to arrive in San Juan from NY at 5:15 pm and our connecting american eagle flight leaves at (ouch) 6:30 pm. If we leave NY on time we should be okay, it worked for us on our last trip in August. What's our worst to expect if we miss our connection? Do we lose the day or are there other flights we could catch later? Any responses would be greatly appreciated. Can't wait to be in Bonaire!!!
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By Mary Mueller (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4331) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 12:52 pm: |
Hi Kristin - no other flights later - as there is only one direct flight to Bonaire from San Juan. If the Sunday flight is full you may have to wait a few days - or try an indirect route to Bonaire - as I don't think AA is flying from San Juan to Bonaire daily (someone can correct me if I am wrong on this)
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By Kristin Dufford (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #10) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 3:02 pm: |
Hi Mary-that truly is not good news. So far the weather from NY looks okay for travel on Saturday, so I'm going to hope for the best! Unfortunately this trip, we are only on Bonaire for 6 days. Hope to get there on time and enjoy every minute. Thanks for your response.
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By Tish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #642) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 3:13 pm: |
Try to move your seats to as close as possible to the exit. Then RUN. The gate will close well before your flight's departure time.
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By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #285) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 3:20 pm: |
Kristin,
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #11) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 3:23 pm: |
Tish-the only reason we booked this flight in the first place is it is the only one where you only have to make one connection as opposed to flying first into boston or miami, then to San Juan, then to Bonaire. I guess the time we were hoping to save in the travel could turn out to ruin our trip! It did work before but I'm not feeling very hopeful now. Thanks for your response, maybe the travel gods will be looking down on us Saturday! I think our seats are pretty close to the exit, I will double check. Hopefully all will go well, and I'll be posting a happy trip report upon return!
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #12) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 3:29 pm: |
Jerry-Does American fly from San Juan to Aruba? If not what airline should I look into? Also once on Aruba what airline flies to Bonaire? I agree two days in San Juan is too much, I'm sure it's lovely, but the whole point was to enjoy my favorite island thus far. Thanks for your input, I will try to put a back up plan into effect, and probably would avoid booking such a tight connection in the future. Hope you enjoy your upcoming trip!
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #13) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 3:37 pm: |
Jerry-Does American fly from San Juan to Aruba? If not what airline should I look into? Also once on Aruba what airline flies to Bonaire? I agree two days in San Juan is too much, I'm sure it's lovely, but the whole point was to enjoy my favorite island thus far. Thanks for your input, I will try to put a back up plan into effect, and probably would avoid booking such a tight connection in the future. Hope you enjoy your upcoming trip!
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By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #287) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 3:46 pm: |
AA from SJ to Aruba. 757 not a turboprop!
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By Mary Mueller (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4333) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 3:52 pm: |
Its now Bonaire Express - used to be Bonaire Excel - just renamed again last year.
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #14) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 3:52 pm: |
Sorry I posted that twice! Thanks Jerry! Okay at least I'll start looking into some AA flights to Aruba, and I'll keep checking to see the airline that goes from Aruba to Bon. Thanks for all the input, only three days to get a back up plan going!
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #15) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 3:56 pm: |
Mary-I'm going to double check at this point, but I believe I booked this one because it was the only flight that went directly to San Juan. But I'll be looking into everything now, as well as the AA to Aruba to Bon via Bonaire Express. Just hoping to get to Bon! That seaside lunch sounds very nice! I hope to get something worked out!
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By Mickey McCarthy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #241) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 4:18 pm: |
Kristen
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #16) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 4:40 pm: |
Mickey-coming home I have a 6 hour layover in San Juan, so that is not a concern! But it is very good to hear someone not having a problem with this connection. I did not have a problem on our previous trip with the same time table. I'm going to research some back up options if we do miss the connection, but rather than try to re book, I'm going to cross my fingers and hope for the best! Thanks for your help!
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By Tish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #645) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 5:10 pm: |
Mary, it's no longer Bonaire Express. The newest name is Dutch Antilles Express (DAE). I think they might hold onto this name. But no guarantees.
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By Mary Mueller (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4338) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 5:12 pm: |
Tish - thanks - that will be 3 names in less than a year - let's hope this one stays - as it gets confusing.
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By Tish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #646) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 5:19 pm: |
Kristen, don't give up on making your flight. You've done it before, so you should be able to do it again. A lot of friends of mine have had bad luck with it, which is why I warned you to run for your connection.
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By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #291) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 5:52 pm: |
There is always 1st class.(use your FFM here)
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By Tish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #647) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 6:07 pm: |
Yes, sure you miss ALM, Jerry. . . NOT.
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #17) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 9:11 pm: |
Tish-our seats are in row 14 which are fairly close to the exit i think. We really did have a very smooth trip the last time, so i am hoping for the best! At least i have some back up information if we need to troubleshoot! It's good to get a lot of information, it helps me go with the flow at least! Thanks for the support and will let you know how it goes!
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #18) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 9:17 pm: |
Jerry-you lucky guy, you're flying first class? I've only done it once to Jamaica and it's hard to go back! No miles for me! Just curious what was ALM? I hope neither of us misses our connection, will keep fingers crossed and let all who have helped me here know how it goes. Thanks again for all the info! BT rocks, and can't wait to hopefully be on Bonaire soon!
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By pat murphy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #563) on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - 10:18 pm: |
kristin, ALM was the antillean airline that was the precursor of DCA (Dutch Caribbean Airlines) which went out of business. nicknames for ALM were All Luggage Missing and Always Late Mon. personally, we never had a problem with it and we flew it from curacao a few times and from miami once or twice. i think you'll make your connnection in SJ....just run from your arrival gate to the AE departure gate which is downstairs...SJU is not that big, you can do it.
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By Glen Reem (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2278) on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 - 12:34 am: |
ALM was always an adventure, sometimes good, occasionally bad. Remember the Twin Otters from Curacao with the challenge of getting a boarding pass and having your luggage delivered later that night after the DC-9 brought it over from C??? 15 and 20 years ago it wasn't as bad as it became before it went under.
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By Tish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #649) on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 - 6:20 am: |
Kristen, you might want to check the seat map online at aa.com
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By Paul Seibold (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #10) on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 - 2:15 pm: |
You can also check SJU to CUR. Several flights from CUR back to BON. I beleive that Divi and BonaireExcel both have daily flights from Curacao to Bonaire
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By Tish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #650) on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 - 2:29 pm: |
Paul, some of us have had very much longer transits in SJU than others have. The only thing I can figure out is that they change the routes through the airport from day to day. It can take way over an hour to get from an AA flight to an AE flight.
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By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #293) on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 - 2:49 pm: |
Any info on AA in SJ flying AA (not AE) to Aruba?
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #19) on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 - 3:01 pm: |
Tish-I looked on line at my seat assignments and they are pretty close to the exit, but it looks like the plane is pretty booked,bulk seats included. But I'm going to call the airline today and see if any bulk seats are available. Upon check in at the airport I will do the same if I am not successful today. Thanks for the advice, better to be safe than sorry. I've luckily had a similar experience to Paul's, it was a very quick walk to our connecting gate. But you are right, everyday is different, so I'll try to cover all bases. Thanks again!
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #20) on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 - 3:04 pm: |
Pat-Thanks for the vote of confidence, I really am trying to be optimistic. And run we will!!! Thanks for the info on ALM, sounds like a great airline, I guess no wonder they went out of business! Two days and counting, my fingers are crossed!
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #21) on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 - 3:11 pm: |
Paul-Thanks for the link with the map, I already printed it out. I did this same connection in August and I remember it was quite easy, but I have read in previous posts as Tish just mentioned that cruise days make a huge difference! I'm trying to be prepared in every way! This is only my second trip to Bonaire and my first one went so smoothly it was unreal. I can't imagine this one will be the same. But I'm hoping! Thanks for the info, I'm arming myself with a lot of back up plans in case we do miss the connection.
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By Carl Pflanzer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #252) on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 - 6:58 pm: |
My experience with Jet Blue last year from JFK was very positive - several flights per day to San Juan. Getting there most of the day from Jersey is not that bad, only an hour or less. Stay away from rush hour.
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #23) on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 - 10:11 pm: |
Carl-Jet Blue flies to San Juan from JFK? I've flown them twice to different destinations and they are a wonderful airline to fly! If I had known that I would probably have booked that to start. Even if AE gets you, at least you get a good first start to your trip. Thanks for great info for my future Bonaire trips. That will be filed in my memory bank! For now I'm stuck with whats booked and hoping for the best! Thanks again
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By Kelly Baum (GDLW) (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3683) on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 - 10:56 pm: |
I've had tight connections in San Juan and have never been bumped or missed my flight. Yes, I knocked wood on that one.
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #28) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 11:25 am: |
Kelly-Glad to hear you never missed your connection! I'm hoping for some of your luck on Saturday!! Your friend Jenny works for one of the nicest airlines I've ever flown. Next time I fly Jet Blue I'll keep an eye open for her and pass along your regards. Wish I lived in FL, warmer than NY. Well actually living on Bonaire would be paradise!
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By pat murphy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #574) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 12:17 pm: |
kristin, good luck, have a safe and fun trip, and post a trip report when you get back.
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #30) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 3:42 pm: |
Pat- Thanks so much! I'm actually counting down the minutes! Looking forward to sharing what I'm sure will be a fabulous trip with all when I return! Beautiful Bonaire here we come!!!
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By Carl Pflanzer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #255) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 4:13 pm: |
I actually took an early flight from JFK - they have four or five a day to San Juan - so I sat at the airport in San Juan for about 4 hours, but not being familiar I gave myself plenty of time in case of delays.
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By Tom (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2935) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 4:21 pm: |
Kristin, best wishes for your travels.
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By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #300) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 4:27 pm: |
Kristin, have a safe and easy trip. And most of all enjoy your special vacation!
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By Paul Seibold (BonaireTalker - Post #11) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 4:32 pm: |
I do agree with Carl. If you end up with an extended layover, the $50 to do the Admirals Club (assuming your not already a member) for the day can be worth it. Much nicer (and quieter) place to sit while you wait.
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By Debbie Babcock (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2736) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 4:32 pm: |
Speaking of San Juan airport, no really good place to eat, but hubby found this really big shopping mall close by with an Outback restaurant, so guess where we are going for the long layover in February?
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #32) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 4:33 pm: |
Carl-I'll be having a 6 hour layover on return, but at that point it's fine, because the trip is over! Thanks for the advice though! Too bad San Juan airport doesn't have a good restaurant! I'll be looking into Jet Blue for my future trips to Bonaire!
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By Kate Hickson (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #209) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 4:52 pm: |
Kristin-
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By Debbie Babcock (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2739) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 4:52 pm: |
Kristin, There is a Cinnabon there for your sweet tooth! Gotta love that place and I have eaten at the place where there is a bar/restaurant towards gates 1-6. My burger there was pretty good. Some cute little shops to visit too. Right outside is a Mickey D's and Wendy's for the fast food lovers. Also a sub-way for the health conscious, so there are some places, just not a really good restaurant. Have a great trip and we all really look forward to you posting a trip report when you back!
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #33) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 5:10 pm: |
Paul - First I've heard of the Admirals Club. Is that 50$ per person? For a 6 hour layover that's sounds good, and no leaving the airport! Does that include food and drinks, or just a nicer area to hang out? Thanks!
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By Paul Seibold (BonaireTalker - Post #12) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 5:16 pm: |
Well you can't forget about the duty free shops. Cheapest place to acquire Johnny Walker Blue, though I've never found their cigar prices to be good.
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By Paul Seibold (BonaireTalker - Post #13) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 5:22 pm: |
Kristin, The admirals club is located in-between gates 15 and 11 across from gate 12. They have free snacks and free pop, coffee, tea etc. Alcohol and sandwiches will cost ya, but its not unreasonably priced. (They also have Presidente Beer (from the Dominican Republic, which I find to be very good)
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By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #303) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 5:31 pm: |
Admirals Club is a must for the long hang out's.
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By David Kaye (BonaireTalker - Post #84) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 5:38 pm: |
If it's any reassurance to you, we just did a much tighter connection in SJU to American Eagle (going to Tortola). I was quite anxious about it, because our scheduled arrival in SJU was actually after the official boarding time for our connecting flight, but the AA gate agents said not to worry. Then our flight from Boston was delayed 23 minutes in departing, and the gate agents still said not to worry. I worried, but our arrival in SJU was actually on time. It took us only about ten minutes to exit the plane from row 14, then walk (not run; we're not young) almost the length of the San Juan AA terminal from our arrival gate to American Eagle, where we even had to wait a few minutes for boarding. We made it and all our checked baggage made it. "Past results are no guarantee of future performance", of course, but AA's official minimum connection time in SJU, AA to AE, is 40 minutes.
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By Debbie Babcock (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2742) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 6:19 pm: |
Kristan, a 5 min. cab ride is all. They are good getting cabs for you at the airport. You go outside, tell the person there, they call over a cabbie on the walkie-talkie thing, then off you go in minutes. The same cabbie will come back for you at a set time you give him. Works well for me.! Last trip, we went to Old San Juan during our layover, but my little guy got tired of all the walking around. Too many jewelry shops and t-shirt shops for his liking I guess. That is something to do to, but that one is 15 minutes or 20 minutes depending on traffic.
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By pat murphy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #581) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 6:34 pm: |
kristin, listen to paul...hit the duty free shops. rum is much cheaper at SJU that on bonaire..if you have extra, email me and i'll let you know which of my bonaire friends will take it off your hands and hold it for our arrival next month. also, although you won't have time for it, there is an acceptable restaurant near the center of the airport...sol-something. we've eaten there when we've had time.
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By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16136) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 6:37 pm: |
The Admiral's Club in SJ does not have showers. They have free "snacks" which are usually a bowl of chex mix or something similar and free coffee/water. Personally, I would be bored to tears there for 6 hours. They do have a TV in the "bar" area.
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By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16137) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 6:39 pm: |
Paul, I looked at the link for what the SJ Admiral's Club has, and I have NEVER seen complimentary muffins! LOL! I must have bad timing when I'm there!
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By Susan Taft (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #561) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 7:31 pm: |
Kristin, Cyn beat me to it! We both have the same plan when we have a long layover and keep giving each other new hints after every trip! If you leave luggage at the airport storage area you need to show identification. Another landmark for the storage area is the beauty salon next door. The cab fare to Isla Verde is 8 dollars. From the bag storage area you can exit outside and go down the stairs. Find the taxi line and they handle it from there. I always have a bathing suit in my backpack and when I arrive in Isla Verde change there.
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By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16141) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 8:11 pm: |
Susan, no, through Curacao???? LOL! I think you and I need to get together and write a "Lay Over in San Juan" guide for BT'ers ;-)
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By Susan Taft (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #562) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 8:53 pm: |
Cyn, I had the same thought about the guide!! Maybe we could work out a "two for" special with Susan P. for Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy. LOL!! And I know that if we autograph copies Tom will sell them for us!! Decided on the Curacao route for April because that is when I go alone and, much as I like Isla Verde, I would rather not have the layover alone. Not scared -- just bored! And maybe I can do research for changing planes in Curacao and we can add a chapter to our book!
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By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16144) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 8:59 pm: |
Susan, I think you're on to something...take notes in Curacao! Yea, we could piggy back off of Susan, and make Tom the head sales guru...LOL!
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #34) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 10:03 pm: |
Paul-thanks again for the tip on the Admirals Club. 6 hours is a long time but it's a good option if my hubby gets grumpy and doesn't want to leave the airport. I'm getting many options though which is why I love BT as much as visiting Bonaire!
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #35) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 10:08 pm: |
David-thanks for sharing your positive experience and somewhat negative too with the San Juan to Bon connection. You know we've traveled a lot and you just have to hope the travel gods are looking down on you! Fingers are crossed for a smooth trip. I remain Optimistic and will post upon return!
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #36) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 10:18 pm: |
Kate-thanks for your response, I guess one out of eight isn't bad, but what a pain when it happens! Hopefully not for us this time, we'll see! Maybe will have to run super fast!
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #37) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 10:30 pm: |
Cyn and Susan-Isla Verde and the Hampton Inn Burger by the pool bar, well that has my name written all over it! Depends on my husbands mood. I probably will opt for that unless he doesn't want to leave the airport and I guess we'll either try the bar/restauratnt or the admirals club. I've gotten so much great information on every aspect of this trip, I have back up plans for everything. Thanks again!
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #38) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 10:40 pm: |
Pat-We probably will hit duty free and we do like a good rum, but leftovers? Definitely slim chance, but your top of the list if there are any! If not at Isla verde or the admirals club we'll be in San juan for a long layover on return so we have three options including the bar restaurant. Can't wait to get to Bon and looking forward to posting a trip report to all who have been so helpful.
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By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #39) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 10:45 pm: |
Pat-We probably will hit duty free and we do like a good rum, but leftovers? Definitely slim chance, but your top of the list if there are any! If not at Isla verde or the admirals club we'll be in San juan for a long layover on return so we have three options including the bar restaurant. Can't wait to get to Bon and looking forward to posting a trip report to all who have been so helpful. Thanks for your help!
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