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What a cluster!
#308424
11/07/2023 09:31 PM
11/07/2023 09:31 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,781 Portland, OR
jazzgal
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,781
Portland, OR
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Boarded a redeye out of Portland last night around 10 p.m. and arrived just before 6:00 a.m. in Charlotte. I had nearly a four-hour layover which I spent in the Admirals Club. There was plenty of time to change into lighter-weight clothing. I was disappointed that no hot food was available; a sign said due to renovations.
Arrival in SXM was a couple of minutes before 3:00 p.m. We had stairs, not a ramp. I had ordered wheelchair service, which was waiting at the bottom of the stairs. When he saw I was struggling with my roller in addition to my "personal item," he bounded up the stairs to get my suitcase and carry it down for me. He dropped me off at the bus as we were quite a way away from the terminal, and it took a good 20 minutes for the bus to fill up. While riding the bus, I saw AT LEAST another American flight in addition to Jet Blue and West Jet disembarking. Wheelchair assistance met the bus to take me to immigration. I was floored when I saw the length of the line waiting outside to get into the hall. No way could I have stood however long it took waiting in the heat. As it was, I was taken direct to immigration and then to the baggage claim area. OMG! It was packed! Ran in to some friends who said we also were preceded by Air France and Delta flights.
The fellow pushing my wheelchair knew it would be awhile before my flight's bags came out so he left me with my chair, saying he would return when my bags were available. The hall was a zoo. There was A/C, but with so many people, it was pretty ineffective. The fellow returned in about half an hour, got my bags, and wheeled me outside. Apparently one Hertz van had already left as it was full. He left me with my bags and said he would return when another Hertz van came around. He didn't return so I made my way to the van on my own. It was another full load.
For at least the last three times I've rented from Hertz, they will not confirm an economy car saying they don't have any in their fleet, even though they are shown on their website. However, when I get to the counter and ask if an economy is available, it has been. I have a VERY bright yellow little car with a French plate. Even though Hertz is less expensive because they include liability in their rate, the hassle of getting to their office when there are lots of people is getting old.
The Horny Toad is beautiful as always, and I had a quick, early dinner at The Palms with friends. Off to bed as I didn't sleep on the plane last night.
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Re: What a cluster!
[Re: jazzgal]
#308433
11/08/2023 06:06 AM
11/08/2023 06:06 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,190 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,190
Ohio
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Glad you arrived. This arrival situation is a real mess.
J.D.
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Re: What a cluster!
[Re: jazzgal]
#308439
11/08/2023 09:01 AM
11/08/2023 09:01 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,514 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,514
Central Florida!
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Linda--Definitely sounds like the arrival was less than auspicious! However, you have I think five weeks to unwind?? Congrats on the weight loss!!
Carol Hill
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Re: What a cluster!
[Re: jazzgal]
#308450
11/08/2023 11:22 AM
11/08/2023 11:22 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,210 Vancouver, WA
Todd
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,210
Vancouver, WA
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Now you have me wondering if we take a checked bag in two weeks that we would bring items to be left behind or ship a box there and just do carry on for the flights. Landing on a Sunday and usually carry on only. Hope to hear all is a bit better in a week or two! lol
Linda, same routing for us there and back by the sounds of it. I am getting better at sleeping on a jet, MJ has it mastered. The only positive of a red eye for us is that on the first night we usually sleep well and then are time adjusted or at least a lot closer to time adjusted.
Countdown is getting real.
I prefer the Isle seat
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Re: What a cluster!
[Re: Todd]
#308452
11/08/2023 11:49 AM
11/08/2023 11:49 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,297 Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,297
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
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Now you have me wondering if we take a checked bag in two weeks that we would bring items to be left behind or ship a box there and just do carry on for the flights. Landing on a Sunday and usually carry on only. Hope to hear all is a bit better in a week or two! lol . I'm wondering the same thing. We may just end up buying all of our liquids there this trip.
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Re: What a cluster!
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#308454
11/08/2023 01:09 PM
11/08/2023 01:09 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,210 Vancouver, WA
Todd
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,210
Vancouver, WA
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Its not a big worry, it is a convenience issue that can be solved by making adjustments and that is what we are considering. Worry issues would be like what would we do if The Palms ran out of Greg's Lasagna before we ordered, that keeps me up at night.
I prefer the Isle seat
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Re: What a cluster!
[Re: pony600]
#308464
11/08/2023 03:17 PM
11/08/2023 03:17 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,514 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,514
Central Florida!
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pony--the new arrival facility is supposed to be in use in the first quarter of 2024, I think.
Carol Hill
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Re: What a cluster!
[Re: eightzerobits]
#308470
11/08/2023 04:43 PM
11/08/2023 04:43 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,514 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,514
Central Florida!
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Oh, crap. No, I know that originally they said sometime before June, because we normally go in June and I was really hoping that the full arrivals hall would be open. They just keep moving things back.
Carol Hill
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