Considering routing through SJU for our July BVI charter trip. We would fly in to SJU on a Friday, stay overnight, and catch a flight to EIS the next day as we have a Saturday night sleepaboard.

SWA has a flight that leaves at a decent time and is scheduled to land at 4:00. Is it reasonable to believe that assuming an on-time arrival we would be able to collect baggage and cab to a hotel in Isla Verde (intercontinental, courtyard etc. ) by 5:00 on the outside?

If so, then we could let the kids swim, grab a few drinks, dinner and enjoy the evening. If that's not realistic, then I think we would just sleep in a bit, take the later flight that arrives at 8:30 and crash at the airport hotel.

Thanks for any insight.

That would work. Isla Verde is close and taxi is no problem. Lots of restaurant options close as well. Only a,few minutes to/ from airport.

To ME, I would do the earlier flight, assuming that regardless you would still arrive earlier. Arriving at 8:30 PM on the later flight, with kids, or even without kids, sorry, that just doesn't sound fun to me. Regardless of where you spend the night, get there earlier. Travelling isn't fun any more and it's ALWAYS more problematic to arrive on time, the later your flight leaves.

I'll add my vote to arrive earlier and enjoy Isla Verde for the night. We always spend a night or two there on our way down to the islands. Makes for a nice transition from life at home to the slower pace of being on the boat. The earlier flight will also give you more flexibility if there is an issue with the flight.

Not sure if you have a hotel in mind but the El San Juan is a popular choice with a fun lobby, good beach access and nice pools. My experience is that you can find pretty good rates in June/July - though you may have to book closer to the date to see the good rates. BTW, the Courtyard is on the far end of Isla Verde. Same great Isla Verde beach but you probably would want to taxi if you want to go anywhere not on the property.

Matt

I appreciate all the responses. The idea is to try and arrive early enough to enjoy the afternoon and evening. I just wasn't sure if a 4:00 arrival into SJU would allow for that.

Unfortunately, 4:00 is the earliest option we have. That flight leaves at 7:30 which means we have to leave for the airport at 5:30 am. That's unpleasant, but common for us to get anywhere fun. There is a flight that leaves at 5:30 am, but I'm afraid I will get served with divorce papers if I have a driver showing up at 3:30 am.

SJU has always had a great taxi system too. Very organized.

We just did this a few weeks ago on SWA. We got to SJU on time and our checked bags came quicker than we have ever gotten them at any major airport. We stayed in the same area at Hotel la Playa. No pool but direct beach access, great restaurant, very friendly staff, remodeled rooms and bathrooms. The only negative for us was the next morning the shower never got hot.

It was a great start to our vacation and I loved walking up and down the beach until sunset that evening.

This made me laugh. I am the traveler planner in the family and I book the 5:30/6:00 am flights. No divorce papers yet but there is plenty of complaining!