Getting to Jamaica from Philly

We have always taken Air Jamaica / Carribean Air for all of our trips to the island but one. We also used to do the puddle jumper flights before the road to negril was better. Last year, we took a taxi, and it was a lovely ride.

I digress. This year, we booked for our November trip back in March. We have done this often enough that I am now comfortable simply booking everything myself. Got my tickets for the good old flight 44/45 out of Philly, paid for them... Woohoo, let the countdown begin!

End of May, we got the call that Carribean airlines is no longer servicing our hub. USAir is the only way for direct from Philly. I have mixed feelings on this, as I have not always had good experiences with that airline, but was wondering how others rated their experience out of Philly for these folks since the changeover.

Seems like all I can find for reviews after a search is complaints, but I really feel that is what the majority of the net is anyhow.

Our first trip ever to Jamaica was on usair, but this was pre-jetways at mobay, and that experience may have been colored by not only my first time there, but also the poor condition of the airport (mind you, it is a palace now compared to the first time). I spent $2200 on these tickets, would like to have a good flying experience, or one that at least approximates the one you used to get with the old Air Jamaica.

Any feed back from a recent traveller out of my hub is appreciated. Due to a nonstop work schedule, I do not really have the time to do these trips as often as I would like, and this upheaval in my plans is honestly causing me stress where none should exist. Of course, once I set foot in negril, I can begin to decompress, so it will all be good :)

Sadly, if you want a direct flight to most places out of PHL, US Airways is the only game in town. On my first trip to JA back in 2005 I flew USA 3000. Unfortunately they are no longer in business. We took US Airways flight 859 to Mo Bay back in April and it wasn't terrible. Our flight was delayed about 1 hour and we landed in Mo Bay about 45 minutes after our scheduled arrival time. I think the delay was caused more by the air traffic at PHL than with the airline itself. The flight was comfortable and US Air uses mid-size airbus planes for this trip. Of course, they nickel and dime you for every drink and snack, so we usually pass on this.

Whenever we are about to go on a trip (like this Wednesday!) I habitually check the US Airways website for the flight status for flight 859 each day leading up to the trip. More often than not, it looks like the flight takes off ahead schedule. I guess it was just bad luck that we were delayed an hour on our last trip, but then again, I've had much worse delays on other airlines to other locations.

I wouldn't put much stock into online airline reviews. I would think that there are very few airlines that get over-all positive reviews. In our post-911 world, air travel is not always a pleasant experience. Don't forget that PHL is also one of the worst airports in the country for delays and overall service. I know people that travel to Baltimore or Newark to avoid flying out of PHL.

We flew out of Philly on US Air last year. Being a first-time flyer, I didn't know what to expect and have nothing to compare (yet), but I can say we had no problems at all...the airport was a breeze to get through, and once we got going the flight was quick and comfortable. I hope it's that easy every time.

Mike- we also used flight 859 and checked the status on a regular basis. Like you said, always on time or ahead of schedule, except for our travel day. About an hour delay. Hmmm...

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Originally Posted by Beth Ann

Mike- we also used flight 859 and checked the status on a regular basis. Like you said, always on time or ahead of schedule, except for our travel day. About an hour delay. Hmmm...

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LOL, Beth Ann! Murphy's, Law I guess. Yesterday's flight was a few minutes ahead of schedule and today's looks to be on time. Let's hope the trend continues.

Seems like we always get delayed when we fly through Philly.

We stop in Charlotte on the way down next time. But we stop in Philly on the way home.

We have used US Air for other flights out of the country but never to Jamaica. WAe have never had a problem with them. We do have a non-stop from PHL - MBJ in early December. If you paid $2200 for tix, you must be going first class. Our tix were $905 for 2 people round trip. We are frugle and will only take "carry on" luggage, thus saving $100 in baggage fees. It's only a 3.5 hour flight, so we handle it even if we get crummy seats. We also take our own snack and water.

Regards,

Bob

I live in the mountains of western NC, and it takes me longer to drive to the Charlotte airport than it does to fly from Charlotte to Mobay. If I catch the 7:55a.m. flight from CLT, then I'm on the beach by noon with a Red Stripe in one hand, and whatever in the other hand - love that filght!

http://www.caribbeanmag.com/cd/Da_Be...1130730_37.gif

We fly from our little airport to PHL and then to MBJ since the mid-'90s. So far no problems.

I fly south west to ft lauderdale then jump on air jamaica to jamaica.. Little bit cheaper than us air and no baggage fees.

We have used A.J. and USAir out of Philly with no problems on either. I hate to jinx us but we always book the earliest flight we can. So far the early morning flights have gone out on time or even a few minutes ahead of schedule.
We prefer the nonstop flights if possible but I will check out the SouthWest option.

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Originally Posted by rjonsun

If you paid $2200 for tix, you must be going first class. Our tix were $905 for 2 people round trip. We are frugle and will only take "carry on" luggage, thus saving $100 in baggage fees. It's only a 3.5 hour flight, so we handle it even if we get crummy seats. We also take our own snack and water.

Regards,

Bob

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Yep, we paid about $900 or less for our last 2 trips. My wife and I usually check 1 piece of luggage for $25. This way, we can bring our own snorkeling equipment and certain liquid bath products without the hassle at the security line.

Hey Mike D. I see you're headed down tomorrow. Enjoy your trip!

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Originally Posted by Flipadelphia26

Hey Mike D. I see you're headed down tomorrow. Enjoy your trip!

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Thanks, man! This last day at work is going to be torture. I have a couple things to tie-up before I leave, but I always keep the message board up in the background to get me through the day.

Same here. We'll have to grab a stripe at the grape some weekend.

Definitely!

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Originally Posted by Mike_D

Yep, we paid about $900 or less for our last 2 trips. My wife and I usually check 1 piece of luggage for $25. This way, we can bring our own snorkeling equipment and certain liquid bath products without the hassle at the security line.

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I am a big guy, plus I only take this time off once a year as I am self employed.... I always fly first class as a treat for myself. That way the wife can take as much crap as she wishes, and if delayed at mbj, I can always just hang out in the lounge. Since the airport was so nicely redone however, the lounge is not the attraction it used to be.

It's more about the convenience of having any NONSTOP Flight from PHL now that AirJam was bought out by Caribbean Air and the idiots now don't service PHL - MBJ route. UsAir is not optimal, but all the airlines are just as bad, worn out seats (bring a lumbar roll), aging aircraft, overcrowding. But you could be living in Cincinnati, where airlines left mass exodus, or any number of smaller airports requiring a connection. Direct is perfect to maximize your stay time in JA, or even a long weekend.

If you want to speed up check in, the new TSA Pre expedited screening works great in PHL. You apply free for a card. Takes a month. Then you no longer have to remove shoes, the liquids compliant bag, laptop from bag, or even jacket and belt. You can go to a dedicated minimum security line, bypassing the core main line. Works great for domestic out of PHL (just started), not sure about international out of PHL but assume it works there as we.
Jah lives

Actually you want a "Non Stop" flight, not a "Direct" flight. A Direct flight can stop at another airport, but you don't disembarc from the plane, just pick up additional passengers.

Regards,

Bob