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
