I really miss Air Jamaica

I am at the point where it's time to book our flight for this years trip. Prices are ridiculous. Generally does not bother me, but for some reason this year I am feeling cheap.

Got to thinking about the old Air Jamaica flights from Philly to Mobay. First time we ever went to the island, they rolled stairs up to the plane, and when we left, I remember sitting in the concourse thinking "why are there so many ants inside". The wife was miserable on travel day, coming and going... But once you got on the plane.. That amazing hospitality made even the trip home something special.

I am thinking about our upcoming us air flight, how godawful the airport experience has become post 9/11, and it made me nostalgic for those beat up planes and the lovely service provided by the flight attendants.

Me too....no non-stops from the West Coast since they stopped and they were sweet!!!
I am willing and ready to pay more if I could get a non-stop...
The connections were hell this year and they seem to be getting worse!!!

I'm with you Kim. Would rather do 5 hours instead of 9, usually on a red eye. I would pay more as well for the non-stop option.

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Originally Posted by Hussyband

I am at the point where it's time to book our flight for this years trip. Prices are ridiculous. Generally does not bother me, but for some reason this year I am feeling cheap.

Got to thinking about the old Air Jamaica flights from Philly to Mobay. First time we ever went to the island, they rolled stairs up to the plane, and when we left, I remember sitting in the concourse thinking "why are there so many ants inside". The wife was miserable on travel day, coming and going... But once you got on the plane.. That amazing hospitality made even the trip home something special.

I am thinking about our upcoming us air flight, how godawful the airport experience has become post 9/11, and it made me nostalgic for those beat up planes and the lovely service provided by the flight attendants.

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Flight 040 out of PHL. On the "Love Bird" Early morning flight

I've been happy with Caribbean Airlines out of NY... Flight leaves at 540am, you're on the ground at mbj by 830 and last time we were through customs and on the beach in Negril before 1030am. Love it, going to book those flights again shortly... They were under $300 just a few years ago, now more like 450-500.

We also really miss the Air Jamaica direct LA flights both ways! We hope some airline adds this route soon. AA just bumped our arrival time in August an hour later.

Took many rides on flight 040! You could bump up to first class for 50 bucks at check-in.

You could fly to Port Antonio from Montego Bay.

Attachment 36122

I think this Port Antonio air strip is closed now.

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Did they ever fly thru Negril Papa ?

Air Jamaica had flights from Montego Bay to Negril.

dam we flew from there in Port Antonio to Negril years ago, was really a cool experience

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Originally Posted by HarryS

I've been happy with Caribbean Airlines out of NY... Flight leaves at 540am, you're on the ground at mbj by 830 and last time we were through customs and on the beach in Negril before 1030am. Love it, going to book those flights again shortly... They were under $300 just a few years ago, now more like 450-500.

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You must be going out of JFK which has Lots of options with Jet Blue also,used to go out of Newark on Air Jamaica and be on the beach by 1pm !!!!!!

We used that service once. It is the only thing I do NOT miss about the airline. Sat at the airport two hours before finally getting fed up as they still had not left, booked Tim air and never looked back.

Of course, 16 up years later I am scared to fly Tim air, as it is the same planes with the same taped on instructions on the instrument panel. I have pictures of me stretching over a decade sitting in the cockpit (too big for the back apparently) and many of them have that same panel.

SouthWest out if BWI, not far from Phi, 2 non-stops a day and no luggage fees

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HarryS

I've been happy with Caribbean Airlines out of NY... Flight leaves at 540am, you're on the ground at mbj by 830 and last time we were through customs and on the beach in Negril before 1030am. Love it, going to book those flights again shortly... They were under $300 just a few years ago, now more like 450-500.

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That is our favorite flight.. Will be flying out next week from JFK.. Although I certainly do miss those prices-our round trip tickets this year were $1900!

Air Jamaica direct from Boston to Mo Bay was soooooo nice! Champagne flights and $100 upgrade to 1st class. Before the "New" road to Negril we would fly Tim Air to Negril. Oh the memories of buzzing the landing strip in Negril to scare away the goats on the runway!!

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Originally Posted by VVHT

Air Jamaica direct from Boston to Mo Bay was soooooo nice! Champagne flights and $100 upgrade to 1st class. Before the "New" road to Negril we would fly Tim Air to Negril. Oh the memories of buzzing the landing strip in Negril to scare away the goats on the runway!!

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I remember the years it took to build that road. At one point, they had what seemed to me to be basically a dirt ravine cut through a hill. The ride there took 3.5 hours that year, and from then on it was Tim air for a lot of years. I still have a "I survived the road to negril" t-shirt. Washing it + belly expansion has made it seem fit for a toddler, but I have it...

We miss Air JA TOO! Fl# 40 from Baltimore to Mobay & back on #41, every year! LOVEBIRD Service! I just checked AirTran & can no longer find a flight w/them. I was directed to Southwest w/only one nonstop flight! I may need to think this vacation!! So glad I read this thread! THX!!!

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Originally Posted by Hussyband

I remember the years it took to build that road. At one point, they had what seemed to me to be basically a dirt ravine cut through a hill. The ride there took 3.5 hours that year, and from then on it was Tim air for a lot of years. I still have a "I survived the road to negril" t-shirt. Washing it + belly expansion has made it seem fit for a toddler, but I have it...

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And, memories of "ganja bridge" :cool:

When I saw my armrest was duct taped to my seat,
I realized I was going to need to unclench.

One of the best vacations ever (@ Negril Yacht Club).
Thanx Air Jamaica (seriously).

Just did Caribbean Airlines out of JFK. Two free checked luggage, great flight times. We were in Negril by 11:00 am. This year they served hot breakfast and a hot dinner! Too bad their seats are like sitting on cement.

Direct from Boston cheap champagne and or red stripe set the mood right...I miss it too

In the "golden age" when Butch Stewart was running the airline and the Sandals chain
they provided a baggage check-in service at the Sandals resorts. You could ride baggage-free
to the Montego Bay airport with your boarding passes!. I miss that. :cool: