Arrived at Logan airport at 3am, and none of the American Airlines kiosks were working and none of the tickers agent were visible. There was already a line for the agents, when they suddenly appeared around 3:15. They opened up one line for priority ticketing; one worked the kiosks and one person for the five or so people already in line. First person in line had two large piece of luggage and could not even pick them up to put them on the scale. She had to be helped by the next person in line. She was shocked the least when she found out she had to pay $240.00 for those two bags. Next, she was taking items out of her carry on and stuffing them into her over wait bags.
While waiting to board, they announce that there are no upgrades available as the flight to Miami is full. We board the plane and then had to sit and wait. Why the wait? Well it is American airlines, and of course, the pilot said we had an issue with the plane and they had to get it fixed. The problem was that there was an issue with no water in the rear lavatory and he could not leave the gate until it was fixed, whatever that meant. Finally, after a 30 minute wait, a repair crew chief signed off on the captain’s log and we were now cleared for takeoff. The ride to Miami was bumpy just about the flight.
At the gate in Miami, we had again another announcement that this flight was full also, so no upgrades. Again, we had to wait as the pilot had an issue with another item in the cockpit, and after a 30-minute wait, the ground crew replaced the defective item and we were off. This flight was more bumpy as we flew over Hurricane Sandy. Landed ok, but could not get to a gate, as KLM was blocking the entrance to the terminal, so we sat on the tarmac for about 20 minutes. Exited the plane and went right through immigration within seconds. We were surprised that there were no waiting lines. We used the old immigration forms, as I guess the new ones have not been distributed yet. Picked up a brand new car from Empress, we over to see Sharon to pick up our phone and get our SXM privilege card. Sharon is in the states, so this is the fourth trip without meeting her. Picked up some necessary liquid libation that I forgot to order from Jeannie from Market Garden and then checked into the Atrium. Market Garden is open 7 days a week from 6am until 9-9:30pm, per the owner.
Went for our first drink on the island at Buccaneer Beach Bar and then into the water at Kim Sha until sundown. Went to Greenhouse for two for one and half prices appetizers and then called it a night at 9pm. It had been a long day as we had been up since Thursday 4am and did not go to sleep that night.
Air temperature was 88 yesterday, with an 11 per hour east wind and 84-degree water temperature. Light breeze kept the bugs away. Waves were quite high also.
Almost forgot, Jeannie from Shop n Drop had our real provisions in the fridge and on the kitchen counter when we arrived. What great service, since I had placed the order late on Thursday afternoon. Great job Jeannie!!