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Getting to Bonaire: San Juan Airport Travel Tips
Bonaire Talk: Getting to Bonaire: Archives: Archives 2006-2008: Archives - 2005-12-13 to 2006-04-01: San Juan Airport Travel Tips
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16596) on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 9:25 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Susan Taft and I put together some information (plus a suggestion from Debbie Babcock) about the San Juan Airport, and things to do on a long layover. Please feel free to add your personal tips to what we have created!

GETTING TO BONAIRE

For reference if you need the AA number, it is AA at 800-543-0460.

Tips, in no particular order for San Juan Airport and things to do on a long layover

1. If flying AA all the way, be sure to get your boarding pass for the SJU to BON leg when you check in for your first flight. Your bags will be checked all the way to Bonaire. Most US destinations will let you put a zip tie on your luggage after customs has inspected it at your departure airport.

2. To leave the SJU airport for the day follow the signs to the main terminal (if you have arrived on AA -- don't know about other airlines) and exit through the revolving doors -- you will probably be asked by a security person if you are collecting luggage. This should put you right by the shops and the AA check in counters. If you end up by baggage claim, exit the building and then get a cab from there or go upstairs to check your carry-on luggage)

3. If you have carry on luggage to check for the day in SJ, go through the security check, then go to the AA check in counter area on the non-secure side of the airport. Find Cinnabon, and just down the hall from Cinnabon walking toward the airport exit there is a door on the left with a "Storage" sign above it. If the door is locked, knock and they will let you in. It is $3.00 cash per bag. You have to leave a copy of your Id with them. you can put a zip tie on your baggage if you want and they will let you borrow scissors to cut it when you return. After checking your bags, exit the terminal for a cab.

4. To get a cab, exit the terminal and go down the outside stairs to ground transportation. There is a line and folks who write out the form for the cabbie.

5. 8 dollars to Isla Verde (as of this date, Jan 2006). You can either name a hotel for the cab to drop you (El San Juan, Intercontinental) or ask for the beach and they will go down a dead end road near the El San Juan. Recommendations carry a bathing suit in a backpack so I can change for the beach.

6. Beach chairs can be rented on the beach for 3 dollars for the day from vendors. You can access the restaurants from the beach. Casinos in hotels are open to the public.

7. Places to eat in Isla Verde:
- Intercontinental has a good breakfast.
- Ciao Mediterranean Cafe at Intercontinental. On the beach for lunch

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ic/1/en/hd/sjuha

- Metropole (if they are open for lunch, Cuban)
- Hampton Inn beach bar and bbq - best burgers in the world.
- The bar at the WaterClub. Just as the cabbie where it is. Fabulous views and a very cool elevator (thought I'd put a link to that as well). You need to check it out next time just to ride the elevator and check out the cool decor on the top of the building! http://www.waterclub.com/home.php
- Outback Steakhouse at Embassy Suites (only open for dinner, 5PM to 10:30PM weekdays, 12AM weekends)
- Embassy Suites has a casino, don't know what the hours are though

http://www.embassysuites.com/en/es/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=SJUESES

- Ruths Chris Steakhouse (open for dinner only)
- Ichiban (sp) is a good Benihana style restaurant in Isla Verde.
- The small pizza place at the El San Juan Hotel & Casino (Wyndham). There are a lot of shops in the mall area at this hotel, and the pizza/Italian restaurant has reasonable prices and is open daily.

http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/SJUES/main.wnt

8. Other things to do in Isla Verde:

There is a Cyber Cafe next to Walgreens on the main drag in Isla Verde.

You can also go for a nice massage at a reasonable rate at the Inter Continental. Le Spa has a jacuzzi you can use prior to your treatment. http://www.le-spa.com/locations.htm

Ritz Carlton in Isla Verde also has a spa.

Reservations are required at both of these spas. Call well in advance to make sure you can get the treatment you prefer.

9. Old San Juan is about a 15 to 20 minute cab ride from the airport. You can visit the old forts and walk around the area. Lots of very neat architecture in Old San Juan. A great place for lunch is the El Convento. It is an old convent turned into a hotel and the restaurant has great tapas. Right across the street is the church where Ponce De Leon is entombed and makes a nice side trip as well. There are shops within walking distance to El Convento.

http://www.elconvento.com/dining/index.shtml

10. Plaza Las Americas: 525 F.D Roosevelt Ave., San Juan; Main stores are JC Penny, Sears, Macy's and it states it has close to 300 stores total, plus 40 fast food and restaurants and 21 movie theaters.
A 25 minute ride from the airport, if not 40+ with traffic. It is not a straight shot from the airport to there and back. You have to go through some crowded downtown one way streets, and getting back can take even longer it is during rush hour .It may be a bit of a stretch for a 7 hour lay over (thinking I had 4 hours of real PR time) IMHO.

http://www.plazalasamericas.net/index.htm#english


11. There is a Best Western Hotel in the San Juan Airport if you don't feel like doing any of the above and want to get a room and chill during the lay over time.

http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=71016#null

12. We usually head back to the airport 2 hours before our flight and then wonder why we went back so early. Go through the smaller security area for gates 1-5 as it is less crowded. It is tucked past the shops and restaurant.

For the smaller security ... get your bags from the storage area and head towards the AA counters. Turn left but do not go to the regular security area. Walk along the shops (they will be on your left) and look up for a sign for gates 1-5. They close this security area around 6pm. You will keep heading left. Once thru this security you are near the big Absolut bottle sign and the steps/escalators to the American Eagle gates.

The boarding area for the plane to Bonaire is in the small terminal. It get's crowded so pay attention to the notice when to get ready to board for Bon and get in line as soon as you see them lining up for the Bon plane.

There is a small shop to buy limited food and drinks (beer is available). When they call the plane to board for Bonaire, you will get in line, show your boarding pass and passport. They will tag your carry on luggage with a red tag, and give you the stub. Then you will board a shuttle bus that will take you to the plane. You will give them your carry on luggage (if it larger than a large purse) they will most likely take it to be weighed if the plane is full. Your carry on will go in the cargo hold with the rest of the luggage. When you get to Bonaire they will put your carry on luggage by the plane and you will pick it up before entering the flamingo airport.

RETURNING FROM BONAIRE

On your return trip from Bonaire you will once again need to give the airline personnel your oversize carry-ons. You will collect these once you land in SJ and then will be transported by bus to the terminal. Once inside the terminal follow the signs for Customs and Immigration. It is a long walk to C and I. After you clear Immigration you will need to collect your checked luggage from one of the carousels. The carousel will be marked but listen for changes. After getting your luggage proceed through Customs, take your luggage and it will be screened, then take it to be sent on it's way.

You will then go through personal security again.

Again, please feel free to add comments to what we have provided folks!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Kaye (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #102) on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 10:43 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Great write-up! One additional tip: On the return trip, if you need/wish a luggage cart when you collect your luggage from the carousel in SJU before going through customs, you may find that the cart-dispensing machines are broken. Look around; there may be one machine with an attendant who will make change and/or make sure the machine actually delivers a cart to you.

David

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Nathalie (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #132) on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 10:57 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Cynde and Susan, thanks for taking the time to do this.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rona of Black Durgon Inn & Scuba Center (BonaireTalker - Post #24) on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 11:14 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks everyone! These are such valuable tips, I am sure will be appreciated by many. Cynde, maybe you should add guidebooks along with your children's titles.

David, funny you mention the cart machine. That is also a great tip! In Dec. 05, on our way back to Bonaire, we stood there so sadly as the machine took the last of our exact change...and the cart would not come out. My husband and I were laughing at each other because it was our last US coin and we stood there with a pile of Guilders and an enormous pile of luggage. One of the employees came right over though and gave us a new one.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Meredith Lynch (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #126) on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 10:14 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Cyn, this is FABULOUS!!! I never dreamed it was that easy to get out of the airport....beats watching DVD's in a dark corner. Thank you so much for posting this.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sue Goodman (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #253) on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 10:57 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

this is great - I was planning to sift through the archives for the tips on what to do in 17 days when I'm there for 7 hours...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16603) on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 11:40 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Glad you folks like it:-) Rona, David, thanks for the luggage cart tip...forgot about that. I think we have been able to get ONE cart out of the machine (after putting in more than the appropriate number of quarters). When we hit the baggage claim area first thing we do is scout for unattended (in a corner all by itself) carts to nab! LOL!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kristin Dufford (BonaireTalker - Post #43) on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 12:58 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks Cyn-we just got back a couple of weeks ago and had a 7 hour layover. We sat in the Admirals Club, which was better than hanging out in the main terminal. We chose to do this because we thought it would be a hassle to check our carry ons. But this sounds so easy to go check out a lot of cool stuff. If faced with a long layover on our next trip we will definitely take the time to check out Isla Verde! Thanks for taking the time!
Kristin

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DARLENE ELLIS (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1933) on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 1:05 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Great list Sue and Cynde!!! Thanks for taking the time to put it together!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Josie (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1146) on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 1:24 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks guys -- even though I've done that trip many times, it's great to have all the tips organized -- I'll be taking it with me on Sunday -- just just five more days (but, who's counting!!)
Josie

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By john busch (BonaireTalker - Post #32) on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 1:31 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Great suggestions. You can also go to a hotel that has a casino, eat lunch, and hang at the beach all in the same layover. If you have never been to Old San Juan, it is worth the trip and easy to walk around. The El Convento is a old convent and is very neat as is the El Morro Fort. Cab rides can be very exciting from the airport to Old San Juan and back. You can also stop in Condado and cruise that area, it is between Isla Verde and Old San Juan. It is easy to make a boring lay over a fun time.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16605) on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 2:13 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

John, having spent 6 weeks in PR, not only are the cab rides and "experience" try driving there on a daily basis...I even have a t-shirt that "explains" the "rules of the road." I'll have to dig it up and post them...lol!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By john busch (BonaireTalker - Post #34) on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 3:16 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Cyn,
I went to high school in Puerto Rico and have been back several times in the past years and will go again in April. I just close my eyes now when I am in a cab. I lived on the north west coast away from San Juan, not as bad as the urban area. The west coast has some beautiful areas if you know where to go. It used to take 3 1/1 hours from Aguadilla to San Juan and now about 1 1/2 hours. They have way too many cars and no real driving skills. Some great diving on the island, BUT NOT like Bonaire.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #835) on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 4:06 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Cynde and Susan,
Thanks so much for your wonderful tips.
I have learned a lot from them and printed them out for use in San Juan.
I'd like to emphasize the importance of this sentence: "pay attention to the notice when to get ready to board for Bon and get in line as soon as you see them lining up for the Bon plane.:
Unlike any other airline I have ever flown on,AE believes that selling you a ticket and letting you have a seat assignment and a boarding pass does not oblige them to let you board the plane and does not oblige them to put you up for the night if they deny you boarding because the folks ahead of you in line and their baggage have maxed out the weight limitations of the plane.
I know many people (not BTers) who have been delayed in San Juan because they did not get towards the head of the line at the gate. And others on BT have complained about this too. This is not a once in a blue moon event. AE does this often to people at the end of the line. And those who have already gotten on the bus or the plane don't witness it. Therefore many passengers don't know it has happened.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde (Moderator) (Moderator - Post #91) on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 5:36 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

John...


quote:

They have way too many cars and no real driving skills.




lmao...and sooooo true...you can go 20MPH in the fast lane and that's "OK" LOL!

As an added note to comments. There have been a few reports on BT about AE travelers being bumped. Personally, I've never been bumped. It would be nice to have "real stats" on this issue. We certainly don't want to freak new folks out coming to Bonaire that are taking this route. There are pros and cons to all the routes getting to Bonaire. So if you are a newbie, don't let the whole AE thing to Bonaire stress you out. Take the precautions (get your boarding pass at your original departure location) and get in line early. I've never seen anyone bumped on the flights I've been on, but I know it has been reported. Again, stats here would be of great value as AE usually has fairly full flights so the ratio may not be as great as it appears.

Just trying to keep folks calm and not worry new travelers needlessly. I know that often first timers to Bonaire arrive at the hotel and are pleasantly surprised that the flight/trip was uneventful and went smoothly. They have shared with the hotel staff/management/owners that they read stuff here on Bonaire Talk about travel, crime, etc. and were quite worried about getting to Bonaire, and about their safety while on island (needlessly). So I think that we need to put it all in perspective.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By john busch (BonaireTalker - Post #36) on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 5:48 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

2004 in May we flew AE from SJU to Bon. There was a very bad weather system south of PR and MANY planes were late or delayed. They asked for volunteers to stay over till the next day with hotel, meals, and some cash reward. We finally boarded about an hour late, sat on the plane for 20 minutes and we were off. Once in the air we were told the flight would be around 4 hours as we would fly east and follow the windward islands in a arch. We got to bonaire and a FEW bags did not make the trip, bags off for fuel, we were told the bags would be there at 9 am the next morning. MY DIVE GEAR bag was one of the missing bags. I thought NO WAY was my bag going to be there. Guess what? IT WAS. I got back in time to do the Marine Park introduction and go diving.
Feb 2005, same trip again this time ON TIME and every bag present. If my bag did not make it it is STILL worth the trip to dive on Bonaire and experience the place. Leaving in 10 days and I do not expect any problems.
Cyn, keep em straight on the facts.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gail Thomas (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #879) on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 7:00 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I was bumped this past July. In fact 7 of us traveling in a group of 13 were bumped due to the plane already reaching it's max weight without us. We were given food, taxi, and lodging vouchers, and each of us a $400 AA voucher for future air travel. The food vouchers really didn't cover our expenses, but that's because they put us up in the El Convento and we used their restaurants, which are pricey. While we regretted our lost day of diving, the hotel was splendidly unique, and we all decided to make the best of our situation. We enjoyed the hotel, opened our windows in the morning to the organ music from the church across the street, visited the fort, and appreciated the charm of the old San Juan streets (including the taxi ride!). It was an interesting and fun experience that I'd probably never have had, had I not been "bumped"!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Kaye (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #104) on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 1:02 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

(I've written this story before. Skip it if you've already read it.) Our AE "bump" happened Feb 4, 2003. We actually dawdled and missed the 45 min in advance checkin time shown on our boarding passes, which we never looked at. When we arrived at the gate, however, AE assumed that we were among the 13 pax they had bumped from the flight. They put us on a later flight that evening to Aruba, put us up in a good hotel downtown, gave us vouchers for food and taxi, arranged with DAE to take us to Bonaire early the next morning and gave us each $350 vouchers for future AA travel. DAE flew us from Aruba to the airspace over Bonaire, then returned to Curaçao because of some landing gear problems that couldn't be fixed on Bonaire. They then promised us space on a 1:30pm flight to Bonaire, but almost immediately thrust boarding passes into our hands and put us on a half-full plane headed for St Martin. That flight made a special stop in Bonaire, putting us on the island by 10:30am. We missed a peaceful night at Black Durgon (for which we were charged), but not too much of our vacation. Plus we had the travel vouchers.

A note about the vouchers: They were good for reservations made within 12 months, but the reservations could be for any time within another 11 months after the date of reservation. They were also transferable to an immediate family member. My wife used her voucher and part of mine for a trip to England. The "change" was issued to her in the form of a new voucher, which was dated and valid for 12 months from when she made the payment, extending the life of the voucher. She made another, shorter trip using part of the remaining balance, and again received the remainder as a voucher with a new 12-month life. (Gone now, used as part payment for some other flight.)

The experience was not what we wanted, but we felt that AA treated us well. (The fact that their confusion made them overlook our lateness at the gate was an additional bonus.)

Our experience doesn't support the idea that AE would bounce you without then taking care of you.

David

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Frank (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #367) on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 1:19 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

On my last AE flight from SJU>BON the flight was supposedly full. This was 12-20. My wife and daughter were coming a few days later but tried at the last minute to get seats and there were none. Yet there were at least 6 empty seats on the plane. If this was due to weight restrictios, that would explain it. Glad I didn't end up at the end of the line!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #837) on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 7:35 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Very glad to hear that AE has provided housing to some passengers. Most of my house guests and house sitters over the last three years who have tried to fly AE to Bonaire have been denied boarding on their first flight down here. (On return flights they wised up.) When they requested vouchers for hotel rooms, AE refused. Some of them argued vigorously enough that AE finally relented. I am very pleased to hear others have had better experiences.
Cynde, I added my explanation to your tip about boarding early because that tip is counter intuitive and you offered it without explanation. Most of us board late in the process so we can keep stretching our legs.
By warning people about this potential problem, I hope to help them arrive on Bonaire as scheduled and enjoy their vacations.
Better safe than sorry.
We'll never get AE to release the statistics. Why do they matter? Five percent would be too much. One percent would be too much. One quarter of one percent would be too much.
Airlines should not use a plane which cannot carry a full load of passengers and luggage, yet nevertheless fully book the plane. It's a cruel joke to give passengers an assigned seat and a boarding pass, let them fly to San Juan to make the connection, and then stop them as they reach the gate and tell them they can't board the plane for their dive vacation. I don't want any BTer to have this experience. So I will keep giving BTers advice that will help them to be among the lucky ones who reach Bonaire on time.
AE is a US airline. Regulations prohibit loading and carrying baggage of passengers who do not board the plane, yet AE does this. They fail to coordinate which passengers they bump and which bags they fail to board. Fortunately divers aren't likely to carry bombs in their bags, right? :-)
It's another beautiful day here in paradise. Wish you all were here. :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gail Thomas (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #881) on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 8:44 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Tish, You are so right. While we stayed 24 hours in San Juan, our bags went on to enjoy their first night on Bonaire without us. (Fortunately, the folks in our group that weren't bumped took them on to the Black Durgon to await our arrival the next day....:-) )

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Josie (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1150) on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 3:16 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I've travelled to and from BON using AA/AE five times in the last few years, without incident. Always go straight to the gate for the AE connection, listen to every announcement, ask if I don't understand completely what I'm hearing, and have always got on the plane.

Will be going again on Sunday (3 days and a wake-up, but who's counting!), and I'll report my experience.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Josie (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1151) on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 3:18 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

forgot to add, twice some of the bags haven't arrived with me, but have arrived the following day. I stay at Bonaire Town Homes and Benny insists that he takes responsibility for getting the bags to me, so he goes to the airport, follows up, and then delivers them to our bungalow (sometimes, I know, he's had to visit the airport several times -- he's a wonderful landlord!!!)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sue Goodman (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #256) on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 10:14 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

has anyone taken the Bacardi plant tour?

http://www.casabacardi.org/content.aspx?section=welcome

How far from the airport is it?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Holcomb (BonaireTalker - Post #38) on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 9:11 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

On my trip down on 2/24, I will have a 4 hour layover in San Juan (2:30 - 6:30pm). Is the 4 hours enough time to check out the beach on the other side of the treeline from the airport and still be back in time for my connecting flight? I would hate to get back too late and find that I had been bumped from the flight to Bonaire. Or would it be best to just hang out at the airport reading or watching DVD's with only 4 hours to burn?

Thanks,

Steve

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16648) on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 10:56 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Steve, you might have an hour or so in Isla Verde (the beach on the other side of the treeline). I usually head back to the airport around 3:30, and then wonder why I came back so early because it seems like that 2 1/2 hours could have been spent relaxing more in town...lol! I would want to be in the boarding area by at least 5PM.

Note, the beach to the "right" of Isla Verde (if you are looking at the beach) is a place you do not want to go. It is a beautiful beach and there are a lot of little huts, local eating shacks, etc., however, this is an area that has a LOT of gang activity. Just a warning.

I also forgot to mention that if by chance you are staying overnight in Isla Verde, do not walk on the beach at night. After about 2 weeks there I asked a local friend why no one walked on the beach at night because it was so beautiful...er..oopy...I was told there is no one there because it is not safe to walk the beach at night. Just a word of caution!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Meredith Lynch (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #127) on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 3:10 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

So I guess being a platinum AA member doesn't matter when boarding in San Juan? Does anyone think that would be an advantage (no pun intended) when dealing with weight restricted aircraft?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16665) on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 3:29 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Meridith...nope...they call everyone at once. No preboarding for first class or AA platinum members. I have gone first class the last couple of times going to the Carib (long way from LA) and you all have to get in line:-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #864) on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 4:48 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Yes, but surely they would not bump somebody who paid for first class.
So that's your secret, Cyn. lol

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16670) on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 7:11 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Tish, I wish. I've only gone first class twice. Last June to Tortola, and last October to Bonaire...all the rest of the trips were coach!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #869) on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 9:02 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sounds like an addiction coming on. Better watch it.
Hello, my name is Cynde and I'm a firstclassolic.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16673) on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 11:56 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Tish...LMAO...in October I upgraded using miles...I've already bought my ticket for my next trip and requested an upgrade. It sure made a difference on that LONG red eye from LAX to SJ...big seats, free wogga, good food...and then there were the burgers and massage in SJ this last time which WILL be a repeat next trip...lol! Some people at dinner the night of arrival could not believe how "refreshed" us 3 left coasters looked after our 24 hour trek...lol!

Oh, and Hi, my name is Cynde and I'm a firstclassaholic....

My husband won't do the redeye anymore. He is joining me on my next trip but is overnighting in SJ...I can't do that, I'd miss a day of diving!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Glen Reem (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2303) on Friday, February 3, 2006 - 12:26 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Meredith,

There is no formal First Class first boarding but I have had good luck by walking to the gate agent with my boarding pass and Admirals Club card together for her to quietly see. Got to go first out the door. You can try that with your platinum card. Can't hurt!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16686) on Friday, February 3, 2006 - 2:20 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Glen, you sneak! I'm trying that next time...tee hee...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Meredith Lynch (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #128) on Friday, February 3, 2006 - 5:39 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Glen, excellent idea! I will try this!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mark E. Sargeaunt (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Sunday, February 12, 2006 - 11:01 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I have been getting mixed information about the customs/immigration entry back into the US. I talked to a customs agent and his statement was that we will go through the customs in JFK. I talked to the AA agent and they said that we would go through customs in SJU. I'm not sure whom to believe. We do have a bit of a time crunch in JFK as we only have a 1 hour layover till the flight for Cleveland. The obvious question is where do we actually go through customs/immigration??

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By bob (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1371) on Sunday, February 12, 2006 - 11:15 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

it's definitely san juan - a nice place to clear customs relatively speaking;)

a bit of delay at baggage claim though, could be a factor if you have a tight layover in san juan...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #900) on Sunday, February 12, 2006 - 11:23 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sounds like the customs agent you spoke to thinks Puerto Rico is outside the United States. But you will be on American soil at SJU.

And sometimes US customs sets up entry points in other countries. Aruba, for instance, has US immigration and customs even though Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. That is also quite convenient.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16839) on Sunday, February 12, 2006 - 1:13 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Agree with Bob and Tish...you will go through customs in SJ...and then your baggage will go on to Cleveland (if that is your final destination).

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sue Goodman (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #265) on Sunday, February 12, 2006 - 2:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I'm flying from Curacao to Miami - do we clear customs in Curacao or Miami?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #901) on Sunday, February 12, 2006 - 4:26 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Miami.
However, the Curacao airport is undergoing a big expansion. I'm wondering if it will contain a US immigration and customs set up.
Does anybody know?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #902) on Sunday, February 12, 2006 - 4:29 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Or your baggage will go to Cleveland while you go somewhere else. :-)
However, Cynde's point is well taken. You will hand over your baggage to the airline again immediately after customs. You don't need to lug it very far.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16843) on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 11:23 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Tish, Mark wrote:


quote:

We do have a bit of a time crunch in JFK as we only have a 1 hour layover till the flight for Cleveland.




So I obviously took it that he was going from Sj to Cleveland (his final destination) for his luggage, and his person:-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #910) on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 3:01 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

My comment was just a joke about the likelihood of baggage going one place and passenger another. :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sue (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #172) on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 3:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I work for a major US company...won't say which one.....but one day I had to get a camera repaired for someone in San Jaun and had to get a repair ticket approved...when I called the office the manager said that international fees had to be paid since San Jaun was not part of the US...I told him yes it was and then he said no .... San Jaun is like Hawaii...you need a passport to enter Hawaii and you need one for San Juan,,so it's International......I guess he was absent in school that day.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16851) on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 3:18 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sue...LMAO...I guess I better get my passport out for Hawaii in April...still LMAO...

Tish...;-) It was EARLY this morning with no coffee and I think my "SOH" (sense of humor) synapes must not have been awake and firing...LOL!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mark E. Sargeaunt (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 9:24 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks to all that responded to my question. I'll be leaving wonderful gloomy, snowy, cold Ohio on Sunday morning and heading south. I'm looking forward to some diving and relaxation. I guess I'll just have to put up with the warm, sunny climate down there for about a week. It's going to be tough but I'll deal with it.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sue Goodman (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #267) on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 10:51 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I just had a co-worker tell me I should remember to bring my kids' birth certificates with me if I'm going to San Juan!!! Please...this guy has an MBA!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16858) on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 11:15 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sue, print this out and give it to your co-worker:


quote:

Will this requirement apply to travel between the United States and Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands?

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will not affect travel between the United States and its territories. U.S. citizens traveling between the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa will continue to be able to use established forms of identification to board flights and for entry.

If traveling outside the United States or a U.S. territory, a passport or other secure document will be required. For example, a person may travel to and from the United States to the U.S. Virgin islands without a passport or other secure document, but under proposed regulations, a passport or other secure document would be required to re-enter the U.S. Virgin Islands from the British Virgin Islands or another country as of December 31, 2008.




From: http://travel.state.gov/travel

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16860) on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 11:22 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

This of course would apply if you were going from the US to Puerto Rico, and then back. If you go to PR, then to the Carib, and then back, you have to have passport to reenter the US in PR (maybe that's the operative Sue, PR is the US point of entry coming back into the states)...still chuckling a little...is this person one of those know it alls that really don't know anything?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sue (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #175) on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 1:30 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

This person is stuck in a office I think and I think he retired - hopefully someplace in the 50 states so he does have to go any place.......when he explained about PR and Hawaii... I figured I wouldn't even talk about Guam or the Virgin Islands.
The bad part of this is there are a lot of US citzens who have NO idea what lays beyond the town they live in. I could go on for hours telling you about people I have talked to over the phone who are in that position. (I worked in a call center for a few years)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #914) on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 3:29 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sue, bringing your kids' birth certificates actually is a good idea. What kind of i.d. do you usually use for them when you travel domestically? Do you have photo ids for them? They need something to get onto planes and to go through security check points.
Of course thinking Hawaii is not a state or Puerto Rico is not US territory is ignorant, but you'll need something else if you don't use passports for them.
I bring my passport along even if I'm traveling within the US because it's the clearest form of i.d. for boarding a plane.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16867) on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 3:44 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

If a child is under 18 and traveling in the US (or it's territories) they do not need a photo ID. I know this, because my stepkids have been traveling for years...solo too going to see their mom since they were 6. Just 2 weekends ago, Dylon our 17 year old forgot his wallet at home. At security, they asked him if he is under 18, if so, no ID required. Of course, if you are going out of the Country, you need their ID, and a notarized letter from the "other parent" if you are divorced and taking the child out of the country...

(Message edited by cyndelee on February 14, 2006)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16868) on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 3:45 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I should say out of the Country you need their passport or birth certificate, whichever applies:-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sue Goodman (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #268) on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 3:53 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

lot's of Sue's contributing here...maybe we should be Sue 1 & Sue 2, that's how Dr Suess would probably name us :-)

this guy is normal, we were just talking about my upcoming trip (66 hrs to departure...but I digress) and plans for our 5 hour layover and he was dead serious when he told me to bring birth certificates for San Juan....duh, we're going out of the county and have passports...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #917) on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 4:06 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

There was a time when kids did need photo i.d.s, but I'm glad to hear they no longer do, Cynde. That's great!
Out of the "county", Sue? lol How about Suessical?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sue Goodman (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #270) on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 5:04 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

My daughter's middle school just put on Suessical two weeks ago. The quality of the production was better than many off-Broadway shows. Some people commented if this was the production on Broadway it wouldn't have closed after two nights!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16870) on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 5:52 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

My stepkids have never had to have an ID when flying, and they have been flying since they were 6 (13 years). It has always been from CA to AZ and back. Southwest, Northwest, AA, Delta, and America West. They have racked up some serious FF miles! LOL!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #918) on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 8:22 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Cynde, my children are now in their 40s. My information was a bit out of date. Sorry!
I just retired as a New York theatre critic, Sue, and one of my high school friends directed that ill-fated Broadway production. Weird how professional shows can go sour, and great how some local productions just blow everybody away!!
I think you should change your posting name to Suessical!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16876) on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 8:49 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Tish, you can't have kids that age! ;-) And I agree, Sue...it should be "Suessical" ;-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #922) on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 8:20 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

If you could see my 19-year-old grandson, who looms nearly a foot over me, you'd know, Cynde. He and my other grandson both live in the UK, so I'm still begging them to come to Bonaire.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sue Goodman (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #274) on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 10:12 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Our school district is a hot bed of artistic & musical talent. Lauren Hill went to our high school (& still lives in town) and starred in "Sister Act" while still in school. The Columbia High School Hall of Fame includes: Andrew & Elizabeth Shue, Max Weinberg.

The High School production is Grease this year - should be fabulous.

Sue - given my lack of musical talent, I think Suessical is out of the question...


 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cyn (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #16884) on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 11:11 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Tish, you can't get them to come visit you? TEENS! lol!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #925) on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 11:46 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

So true!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bill T (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 12:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I am planning our first trip to Bonaire in September. I just got notice that we will have a long (6 hr) layover in San Juan on the day we are returning. Any helpful hints in addition to the first post, on how to make the best use of that time? Thanks in advance.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Freddie (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #7366) on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 12:30 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Bill and welcome to Bonaire Talk.. that first post of Cynde's is about the best there is as she spent a lot of time in PR a few years ago.. When I was there for a short stay {6hours} We toured Old San Juan and just loved every aspect of it .. Cynde's suggestions are right on target.. Good luck

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Lauren Strebel (BonaireTalker - Post #12) on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 3:21 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I was just there for a 8 hour layover on May 11th. After Bonaire, all I wanted was a nap to recoup from all the diving and relaxing! There is Best Western in the airport and for $99, they will give you a room with a comfy bed, flat panel TV, internet access, a shower and your own bathroom until 5pm. I took a long nap, a shower and rested for the remainder of my trip home to Baltimore...

And yes, PBD has set in BIG TIME.

Is it wrong to check the Bonaire Web Cams like 30-40 times a day?

Lauren

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Freddie {Moderator} (Moderator - Post #173) on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 4:16 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Lauren I am going to move this post up to the top of the boards.. it will be under the topic "Puerto Rico Layovers" thanks for posting

 


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