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AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM #165651
07/12/2018 02:23 PM
07/12/2018 02:23 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
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jazzgal  Offline OP
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Joined: Jun 2009
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Portland, OR
I am now able to book my outbound flight from Portland, OR, to SXM for next June. There are two somewhat reasonable FC fares, each with one seat left; one routing is PDX-PHX-MIA-SXM ($761 one way), and the other is PDX-DFW-MIA-SXM ($595 one way). The latter routing has only 45 minutes between flights in MIA. All other flights are over $900 one way on American, down from over $1,600 on previous days.

I've never flown Jet Blue but checked their flights and routing. They are booking only into February at this time, but the most expensive fare is a redeye at $467 (up over $100 from yesterday) with just one layover in JFK and a leisurely connection time.

My questions follow and are directed to those who have flown similar routings on both airlines:

  • If I choose AA through DFW, is 45 minutes sufficient to change planes in MIA?
  • If I decide to wait for Jet Blue to announce its June 2019 schedule, what is the likelihood that prices will increase significantly so that it would have been better to book one of the AA flights now?


Thanks in advance for your wisdom.


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Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: jazzgal] #165652
07/12/2018 02:42 PM
07/12/2018 02:42 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
EdB Offline
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EdB  Offline
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Boynton Beach, FL
I think you know the answers to all of your questions. JB is a great airline...would take them over American any day of the week.... but with plane transfers, etc, we all know what problems a delayed takeoff, a delayed landing, weather, gate access or any other problem that may arise in any of the flights.can cause....especially with a connection.

Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: jazzgal] #165660
07/12/2018 04:03 PM
07/12/2018 04:03 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,917
New England (home), St. Maarte...
jmbcomms Offline
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jmbcomms  Offline
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New England (home), St. Maarte...
The more AA has shrunk its seat room, the more I disliked flying them, until I quit altogether in 2012. All jetBlue ever since. No first class (just extra space) but I'm VERY happy with JB.


Jeff Berger
Visiting SXM Since 1978
Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: jmbcomms] #165662
07/12/2018 04:23 PM
07/12/2018 04:23 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
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BeachKitten  Offline
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Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
OMG! AA down last month was a NIGHTMARE! With the tray table down there was zero room. My boobies were on the table...lol

The Delta flight on the way back had more room.


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: jazzgal] #165664
07/12/2018 04:28 PM
07/12/2018 04:28 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Linda,

Like you, we greatly prefer Business Class tix when we can get them, so we continue to prefer AA out of JFK to SXM as opposed to JB. But that’s us.

We’ve only flown through DFW once and it was NOT a good experience for us. It was supposed to have been an hour and a half connection but heavy air traffic and weather delayed us considerably and we had to run through DFW but we made it. Just barely, but we did so only after doing the OJSimpson Sprint through the terminal. Miami has always been easy for us going TO SXM and we’ve never connected there coming home or had to clear C. & I there.

Coming home from SXM we definitely prefer JB over AA because of their more convenient Customs and Immigration Hall at JFK. The JB extra room seats in the front of the plane are nice but they don’t compare to AA Business, IMHO. and of course the JB extra room seats do add considerably to the ticket price along with possible differences in price if you typically check more than one piece of luggage, as well as the 70 pound weight allowance as opposed to 50 on JB.

And it goes without saying, no one can say with any certainty what either airline will do about pricing. We were watching an AA flight that we thought was outrageously priced at $615.00 one way and from Sunday night to Monday morning it went up to $930.00 pp one way, and as of this morning it rests at over $1400.00 pp. our personal experience is JB typically runs less than AA to SXM but the difference is usually negligible.

Last edited by pat; 07/12/2018 05:02 PM.

Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: jmbcomms] #165667
07/12/2018 05:11 PM
07/12/2018 05:11 PM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,553
Manhattan
W
weeks5051 Offline
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weeks5051  Offline
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Manhattan
I agree. AA used to be our preferred airline. Now JB is our favorite (domestic) airline and AA is taken only when there is no alternative.

Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: jazzgal] #165675
07/12/2018 06:45 PM
07/12/2018 06:45 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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SXMScubaman  Offline
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Auburn, WA
Do the Dallas to Miami connection. Did FC this last trip and it's a 777-200. Omg what a great way to fly. Plenty of connection time.

Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: pat] #165679
07/12/2018 07:01 PM
07/12/2018 07:01 PM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,881
B
Bahston Offline
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Pat,

Off-topic to the original post, but you may have another non-stop option out of JFK in a few months. DL’s current schedule has them starting Saturday-Only service as of October 6, increasing to Daily effective November 27.

Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: SXMScubaman] #165686
07/12/2018 07:55 PM
07/12/2018 07:55 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
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jazzgal  Offline OP
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Portland, OR
Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
Do the Dallas to Miami connection. Did FC this last trip and it's a 777-200. Omg what a great way to fly. Plenty of connection time.


I also did that in June and it was great. On the particular itinerary I'm looking at, however, it's not a 777.


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Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: jazzgal] #165692
07/12/2018 09:18 PM
07/12/2018 09:18 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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SXMScubaman  Offline
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Auburn, WA
Originally Posted by jazzgal
Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
Do the Dallas to Miami connection. Did FC this last trip and it's a 777-200. Omg what a great way to fly. Plenty of connection time.


I also did that in June and it was great. On the particular itinerary I'm looking at, however, it's not a 777.

To bad. That plane was showing for the MIA Dallas conection for next June 1st but we elected to fly back through CLT to SEA direct.

Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: jazzgal] #165700
07/13/2018 06:31 AM
07/13/2018 06:31 AM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 916
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badbenni Offline
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We just flew home July 11 from SXM to Boston on AA through Miami and must say it was one of the most stressful flights we have take in many years. The flight from SXM was delayed over 1 hour which would have caused us to miss our connecting flight . Fortunately our flight from Miami was also delayed but it took a total of 14 hours door to door. I will never take a flight through Miami again as the airport is horrible in my opinion. No TSA pre approved line open. We had to file into the TSA area along with everyone but were given blue card as TSA approval. Took a long time to get through; the walk from plane to immigration was long and waiting for bags to come off flight took a long time. We had flown 1st class and our priority checked bags were some of the last ones off the plane along with all priority checked bags not the 1st group we were promised. When we got to Boston ; it took 47 minutes for the bags to get to us. Everyone was very upset at how long it took to get unloaded off the plane.
We normally fly on Jet Blue non stop which takes about 3 1/2 hours to fly from Boston to SXM but now they have dropped the non stop flights.Until Jet Blue starts non stop flights again; we will fly either through Philadelphia or New York; never again through Miami is possible.

Last edited by badbenni; 07/13/2018 06:34 AM.
Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: jazzgal] #165703
07/13/2018 08:22 AM
07/13/2018 08:22 AM
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 381
CT,USA
DICKG Offline
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DICKG  Offline
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Posts: 381
CT,USA
There prices have stayed pretty constant over the years . I don’t think 45 min is enough time especially the way AA changes they times

Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: jazzgal] #165705
07/13/2018 08:27 AM
07/13/2018 08:27 AM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
RonDon Offline
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RonDon  Offline
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Rhode Island
I've found that the minute JB opens their schedule for future is the lowest fare. Then it goes up from there. Last year we booked March for !46 one way then before we left it was up to over $400.

Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: jmbcomms] #165712
07/13/2018 10:13 AM
07/13/2018 10:13 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
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GaKaye  Offline
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Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
Linda is talking about First Class, so the seat size shouldn't be a problem.

Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: RonDon] #165718
07/13/2018 10:39 AM
07/13/2018 10:39 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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SXMScubaman  Offline
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Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Originally Posted by RonDon
I've found that the minute JB opens their schedule for future is the lowest fare. Then it goes up from there. Last year we booked March for !46 one way then before we left it was up to over $400.

Wow. 46 one way is a deal. Lol

Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: jazzgal] #165821
07/14/2018 06:00 PM
07/14/2018 06:00 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,613
originally Long Island, NY/now...
irish1223 Offline
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irish1223  Offline
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originally Long Island, NY/now...
Haven't done either of those connections, but prefer JB over American any day of the week. Delta is our favorite, but not an option for you. JB prices, at least direct from JFK to SXM, seldom vary much in pricing lately.


Robin & Ed

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. - Henry Miller

Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: jazzgal] #165830
07/14/2018 08:23 PM
07/14/2018 08:23 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,295
Vancouver, WA
Todd Offline
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Todd  Offline
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Posts: 4,295
Vancouver, WA
Book the lower cost option, flights will change between no and then. I bet over 3 times. Then AA gets to accommodate you.
Cheers, Todd


I prefer the Isle seat
Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: Todd] #165834
07/14/2018 08:52 PM
07/14/2018 08:52 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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SXMScubaman  Offline
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Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
So true Todd.

Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: jazzgal] #165869
07/15/2018 06:01 PM
07/15/2018 06:01 PM
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 410
the Long Island
the captain Offline
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the captain  Offline
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Posts: 410
the Long Island
Having flown AA for years, I have to chime in that AA has all but abandoned SXM.

That being said, our general rule is that for flights under 5 hours, just go with the cheapest nonstop flight.

Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: the captain] #165875
07/15/2018 06:36 PM
07/15/2018 06:36 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,476
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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"..AA has all but abandoned SXM. " Really??


Carol Hill
Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: the captain] #165882
07/15/2018 08:33 PM
07/15/2018 08:33 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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SXMScubaman  Offline
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Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Originally Posted by mirrodie
Having flown AA for years, I have to chime in that AA has all but abandoned SXM.



What??????

Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: SXMScubaman] #165892
07/15/2018 11:10 PM
07/15/2018 11:10 PM
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 410
the Long Island
the captain Offline
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the captain  Offline
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the Long Island
OK perhaps that was dramatic but only one non-stop from JFK when there used to be multiple?

Also, on our last flight, we upgraded to business, only to learn that the plane was downgraded the day of flight, so half of us were accommodated and the other sat in the back.

In comparison to JetBlue with a few nonstops from JFK and knowing that with a narrow range of fleet types, you know what a/c you’ll get and what to expect.

Sorry if I was being a bit dramatic. But AA just seems to be abandoning it the Caribbean (for a few years now) to concentrate on more profitable routes, IMHO

Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: the captain] #165896
07/16/2018 06:28 AM
07/16/2018 06:28 AM
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Posts: 1,881
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Bahston Offline
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Originally Posted by mirrodie
OK perhaps that was dramatic but only one non-stop from JFK when there used to be multiple?

Also, on our last flight, we upgraded to business, only to learn that the plane was downgraded the day of flight, so half of us were accommodated and the other sat in the back.

In comparison to JetBlue with a few nonstops from JFK and knowing that with a narrow range of fleet types, you know what a/c you’ll get and what to expect.

Sorry if I was being a bit dramatic. But AA just seems to be abandoning it the Caribbean (for a few years now) to concentrate on more profitable routes, IMHO



That’s exactly what AA is doing at JFK. You’re unlikely to ever see the Caribbean service from JFK, including service to SXM, restored to what it once was. That doesn’t mean that there won’t be some service from JFK, or that AA is abandoning SXM. Look for continued service from MIA, and for service from CLT and PHL to resume.

Last edited by Bahston; 07/16/2018 06:29 AM.
Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: jazzgal] #165964
07/16/2018 07:00 PM
07/16/2018 07:00 PM
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 410
the Long Island
the captain Offline
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the captain  Offline
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Posts: 410
the Long Island
Well, its not the same but JetBlue picked up[ where AA left off. Even the aircraft that AA chooses to use to serve SXM are their dated 757s. Lets see what happens. Hopefully things would improve.

Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: jazzgal] #165984
07/17/2018 07:20 AM
07/17/2018 07:20 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
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boucharda  Online Content
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Massachusetts
757's or A319's seem to be the aircraft of choice for AA to SXM

Re: AA vs. Jet Blue to SXM [Re: the captain] #165985
07/17/2018 07:28 AM
07/17/2018 07:28 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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Ohio
Originally Posted by mirrodie
OK perhaps that was dramatic but only one non-stop from JFK when there used to be multiple?

Also, on our last flight, we upgraded to business, only to learn that the plane was downgraded the day of flight, so half of us were accommodated and the other sat in the back.

In comparison to JetBlue with a few nonstops from JFK and knowing that with a narrow range of fleet types, you know what a/c you’ll get and what to expect.

Sorry if I was being a bit dramatic. But AA just seems to be abandoning it the Caribbean (for a few years now) to concentrate on more profitable routes, IMHO


It is a business, they should concentrate on whatever routes provide the most profit.

Until there is more availability of lodging on SXM and a more fully functioning airport, there is likely not the need for increased air service from any airline. Not too wise or profitable to fly planes at much less than full capacity.

Those who are spoiled by the lower fares and non-stop service from the NYC area are just getting a small taste of what the majority of others experience when traveling to SXM.


J.D.

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