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New Departure rules for AA at STT #69230
09/25/2015 09:44 AM
09/25/2015 09:44 AM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,266
Vero Beach, Fl and South Sound...
tpcook Offline OP
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tpcook  Offline OP
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Vero Beach, Fl and South Sound...
New Departure Rules at STT for AA

Looks like this will be a problem for ferry users <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />


tpcook
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Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: tpcook] #69231
09/25/2015 09:59 AM
09/25/2015 09:59 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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I'm kind of confused as to this 'show up three hours early'. Does that mean 'check in three hours early'?? Because if so, you can check in online if you have access to a printer or a mobile app..


Carol Hill
Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: Carol_Hill] #69232
09/25/2015 10:22 AM
09/25/2015 10:22 AM
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,999
Macon, Georgia
GlennA Offline
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Regardless of using advanced check in I think the crux of the matter is AA will not accept baggage after 90 minutes before a flight. Not sure if that means when they tag the bag at the counter or you drop it off at the TSA inspection machines.


Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. - Mark Twain
Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: GlennA] #69233
09/25/2015 10:28 AM
09/25/2015 10:28 AM
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 430
South Carolina
Riverfrontbrewer Offline
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Riverfrontbrewer  Offline
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South Carolina
First sentence:

ST. THOMAS - American Airlines passengers flying out of King Airport soon will have to show up at the airport at least three hours early to catch their flights out of the Virgin Islands.

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: tpcook] #69234
09/25/2015 10:32 AM
09/25/2015 10:32 AM
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 922
Virginia
C
charlie Offline
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charlie  Offline
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Virginia
AA has so messed with us the last few years that we are trying Delta in May. Finger's crossed... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: charlie] #69235
09/25/2015 11:32 AM
09/25/2015 11:32 AM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,595
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jgoodwin Offline
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Flying Delta in December. AA no longer, even in the winter per my inquiry, has direct non stop flights from either Newark or JFK. From the NY area, you would need to fly through either Miami or San Juan. United also ended their non stops to STT and also requires transfer. Seems now that Delta is the only sane alternative in the NY area unless you want to connect to Beef Island which is much more costly than non stop to STT and ferry.

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: jgoodwin] #69236
09/25/2015 12:08 PM
09/25/2015 12:08 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 397
Colorado
stormster Offline
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Colorado
FYI, I think they could recommend you show up 3 hours early, but I don't think they could enforce that.

I'm glad we are flying in on AA but out on United during our next trip!

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: stormster] #69237
09/25/2015 01:24 PM
09/25/2015 01:24 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Central Florida!
I think you're right, that's probably only a recommendation for 3 hours early, unless they enforce it by requiring you to check in 3 hours early. But I think that Glen probably has it right--where the 'rubber meets the road' is that they won't accept any checked bags after 90 minutes before the flight. So, what does that mean, if you only have carry on bags, what time do you have to be there?


Carol Hill
Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: Carol_Hill] #69238
09/25/2015 02:11 PM
09/25/2015 02:11 PM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
RickG Offline
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St. John, USVI
AA has no way of enforcing anything other than a boarding deadline if you have your boarding pass and you're carryon only. On 9/14 I arrived at 6:30am for an 8:05am flight. Boarding for the sold out flight started around 7:30am. The first time I interacted with AA was at the gate for the ticket check.

Cheers, RickG


S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423
Grenada
Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: Carol_Hill] #69239
09/25/2015 02:12 PM
09/25/2015 02:12 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Offline
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How can you show up 3 hours early for the 8:10 MIA flight if the airport opens at 6am? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: tradewinds] #69240
09/25/2015 07:06 PM
09/25/2015 07:06 PM
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,999
Macon, Georgia
GlennA Offline
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The thing about arriving an hour before the airport opens and the statement that the new policy that "came down from above" leads me to believe that the decision was made by some exec looking at MIA late arrival statistics and has never actually been to STT.

Last edited by GlennA; 09/25/2015 07:11 PM.

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. - Mark Twain
Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: GlennA] #69241
09/26/2015 08:32 AM
09/26/2015 08:32 AM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,347
USVI
LocalSailor Offline
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USVI
You should also know the A/C is being worked on -- today from the Port Authority:

Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) Executive Director Carlton Dowe assures the travelling public and tenants at the Cyril E. King Airport that VIPA is working to resolve air conditioning problems experienced at the terminal today.
The system at the King Airport Terminal is currently at 50 percent capacity. Dowe said that the authority’s contracted repair company, Trane Puerto Rico, has found that a sensor on the main chiller needs to be replaced. The part is being shipped from Puerto Rico and installation will begin tomorrow, according to a press release issued on Friday by the VIPA.
VIPA will complete the repairs as soon as possible.

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: LocalSailor] #69242
09/26/2015 09:26 AM
09/26/2015 09:26 AM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
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sail445 Offline
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AA and LIAT are the worst airlines in the Caribbean, they have no respect for the client and the employees at the counter are smug and nauseating to look at for the most part.

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: sail445] #69243
09/26/2015 06:56 PM
09/26/2015 06:56 PM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 50
P323 Offline
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I'm flying American again in June, after Delta for the last 6 trips. I've got miles that they insist will expire in 2017, so... We will be doing American for a few trips between now and then.
I am the captain, responsible for the safety and overall well-being of those on board for our two week trips in January and June, so there are just too many things that I MUST HAVE on board to ever really be able to do carry-on only. That said, Delta gives me free carry-on - not so with American.
So, at the risk of offending some (hijacking?), I would appreciate any current pointers to information on Tortola storage bins, where "semi-frequent" charterers can store their "precious" boat essentials. I never use everything that I bring, but I always use several things; my self-made 24x4 sunshade, and various mechanical/electrical devices; always boat and maintenance dependent. Yes, you can wait for a chase-call response, but if you can fix it yourself (and update the maintenance staff at turn-in), you have saved everyone some grief.
I did a few searches, but have not found the old threads on Tortola storage bins.
If I can get a storage locker/bin deal done during my January trip (probably on Delta), I might be able to actually do carry-on only in June for my AA flights.

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: P323] #69244
09/26/2015 08:08 PM
09/26/2015 08:08 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
sail2wind Offline
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GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
We ship our boat stuff to STT. You can send general delivery to the Red Hook postal service. We had a P.O. Box for $20 a month, but not necessary. I believe Glenn, sent an anchor down general delivery. I know there are storage bins in BVI, but they are quite pricey.

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: sail2wind] #69245
09/26/2015 08:33 PM
09/26/2015 08:33 PM
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,999
Macon, Georgia
GlennA Offline
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Macon, Georgia
USPS has gone up a little but I sent several 70 pound anchors priority general delivery to STT for under $70. Took 4 days. It would be really nice if the PO on Victory Drive next to the ferry station handled general delivery but you have to go the main PO half way to Red Hook to claim it.


Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. - Mark Twain
Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: GlennA] #69246
09/26/2015 09:59 PM
09/26/2015 09:59 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,347
USVI
LocalSailor Offline
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I am not sure where 'Victory' Drive is? - the main Post Office that handles General Delivery is in Sugar Estate - west of the Hospital and next to Charlotte Amalie HS, not far from town and near the cruise ship dock - the PO half way to Red Hook is in TuTu Mall and near big Kmart and does not handle General deliveries.

If you could use storage facilities in St Thomas there are quite a few options available - both Delta and AA land there.

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: tpcook] #69247
09/26/2015 10:02 PM
09/26/2015 10:02 PM
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,925
Milton, MA
JudyG Offline
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JudyG  Offline
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Milton, MA
Another reason to be happy that we switched to JetBlue; and have been happy to leave AA behind. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: LocalSailor] #69248
09/26/2015 10:20 PM
09/26/2015 10:20 PM
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,999
Macon, Georgia
GlennA Offline
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Victory Drive runs in front of the ferry terminal. The PO is on the other side of the seaborn terminal. All my anchors ended up at the Estate Thomas branch which I now see is near the hospital but the USPS map shows it near Tutu Mall.


Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. - Mark Twain
Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: GlennA] #69249
09/26/2015 11:09 PM
09/26/2015 11:09 PM
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 402
St Thomas, USVI
K
Kimber Offline
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Kimber  Offline
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St Thomas, USVI
I think you mean Veteran's Drive. Not Victory Drive, which I've never heard of.

Last edited by Kimber; 09/26/2015 11:10 PM.
Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: P323] #69250
09/27/2015 03:45 AM
09/27/2015 03:45 AM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 210
T
Tarroc Offline
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 210

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: Tarroc] #69251
09/27/2015 11:05 AM
09/27/2015 11:05 AM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 50
P323 Offline
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Thanks to all for your information and suggestions. I've got some sorting and sizing to do, and will have a plan in place before my January trip.

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: jgoodwin] #69252
09/27/2015 08:14 PM
09/27/2015 08:14 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,266
Vero Beach, Fl and South Sound...
tpcook Offline OP
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tpcook  Offline OP
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Posts: 4,266
Vero Beach, Fl and South Sound...
AA does have a non-stop at 9 AM Starts Sometime in Feb


tpcook
Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: tpcook] #69253
10/27/2015 12:02 PM
10/27/2015 12:02 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
N
NCSailor Offline
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NCSailor  Offline
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Charlotte, NC
Does anyone have any recent experience with the new AA 3 hour departure rule that supposedly went into effect 10/1?

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: NCSailor] #69254
10/27/2015 04:56 PM
10/27/2015 04:56 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
sail2wind Offline
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guaranteed, if you have a 9am flight no one will even be at the counter at 6am, the rule is ridiculous and unenforceable. I have never arrived at STT more then 1 1/2 hours early, never a problem

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: sail2wind] #69255
11/18/2015 07:56 PM
11/18/2015 07:56 PM
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 61
Charlotte NC
gracet03 Offline
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Charlotte NC
What if we check our bags 4 hours before the flight, and then go back to st-thomas for the shopping. Or is this baggage Gauntlet one way or the boarding passes one time use at the airport ?

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: gracet03] #69256
11/18/2015 08:07 PM
11/18/2015 08:07 PM
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,321
Charlotte, NC
SuburbanDharma Offline
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SuburbanDharma  Offline
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Charlotte, NC
You have to bring your bags through customs before relinquishing them, so this isn't an option. Once you're in, you're in.


If I can't be a good example, I'll just have to be a horrible warning. [Linked Image]
Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: gracet03] #69257
11/18/2015 08:08 PM
11/18/2015 08:08 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,347
USVI
LocalSailor Offline
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LocalSailor  Offline
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USVI
The baggage will only be actually checked after you pick it up and go through C&I and you put it on the conveyor belts yourself - you won't be able to exit the airport after that.

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: LocalSailor] #69258
11/18/2015 08:41 PM
11/18/2015 08:41 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
sail2wind Offline
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GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
you can check them at the ferry dock for a few hours

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: sail2wind] #69259
11/18/2015 09:23 PM
11/18/2015 09:23 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
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Bradenton, FL
Quote
sail2wind said:
you can check them at the ferry dock for a few hours


^^^that's what I would recommend....


[Linked Image]

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: Winterstale] #69260
11/18/2015 09:36 PM
11/18/2015 09:36 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
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NCSailor Offline
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Charlotte, NC
As I read the new rule you have to be there 3 hours before your flight to check in but if you check in on line you only need to be there 90 minutes prior.

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: NCSailor] #69261
11/19/2015 09:21 AM
11/19/2015 09:21 AM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
RickG Offline
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RickG  Offline
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St. John, USVI
...they won't accept checked bags starting 90 minutes before the flight. If you have a preprinted or electronic boarding pass, its up to you to get to the gate for boarding. They give up seats 15 minutes before scheduled takeoff.

Cheers, RickG


S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423
Grenada
Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: RickG] #69262
11/19/2015 09:54 AM
11/19/2015 09:54 AM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,993
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Online content
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GeorgeC1  Online Content
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GA/NC
As long as you get your bags checked 90 minutes prior you don't need to be there 3 hours prior. Two hours should allow you plenty of time to complete the process.
G

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: GeorgeC1] #69263
11/19/2015 10:38 AM
11/19/2015 10:38 AM
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,999
Macon, Georgia
GlennA Offline
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GlennA  Offline
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Macon, Georgia
But when you turn over your baggage you are then condemned to the gate area for a minimum of an hour and a half.


Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. - Mark Twain
Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: GlennA] #69264
11/19/2015 10:43 AM
11/19/2015 10:43 AM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,993
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Online content
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GeorgeC1  Online Content
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I should have said checked in with bags at the counter by 90 minutes. They close the checkin at that point. They can be dropped at security as long as there is 30 minutes before departure.
G

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: GeorgeC1] #69265
11/19/2015 11:11 AM
11/19/2015 11:11 AM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,114
West Palm Beach FL
bviboater Offline
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bviboater  Offline
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West Palm Beach FL
Maybe this should be moved to the post "How to treat and not treat your customers". Just a thought


John
Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: NCSailor] #69266
11/20/2015 08:21 AM
11/20/2015 08:21 AM
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 37
Atlanta
PiratePam Offline
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Atlanta
I flew AA home from STT on November 1. I laughed at the three hour notice thing; we arrived 2 hours in advance like always. No issues and ended up rotting in that waiting room for an hour and 45 minutes. I think as long as you get the checked bags in timely its business as usual.

Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: PiratePam] #69267
11/21/2015 01:16 AM
11/21/2015 01:16 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 969
NC, USA
capndar Offline
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NC, USA
Ditto PP....we flew home on 4 Nov - same deal


Capndar
Masters 50 GT Sail/Power/Towing
3rd generation sailor
Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: capndar] #69268
11/21/2015 07:36 PM
11/21/2015 07:36 PM
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 167
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Jccarr Offline
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I have a crew member flying a United flight out of STT at 3:15. Can she make the flight taking the 12:00 ferry out of Road Town and arriving at Charlette Amalie at 12:50? She only has carry on luggage.

Last edited by Jccarr; 11/21/2015 07:37 PM.
Re: New Departure rules for AA at STT [Re: Jccarr] #69269
11/21/2015 08:39 PM
11/21/2015 08:39 PM
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530
Ya never know...
HillsideView Offline
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HillsideView  Offline
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Ya never know...
For a 3:15, I'd be on the 10 am. Never know if the boat is actually going to run,so you have no fallback position. Also, depends on what boat is first in to the dock in St Thomas. If you are the second boat arriving, you could be waiting for quite a while for the first to clear.


My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...

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