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Re: AIRPORT YESTERDAY
[Re: Nowhatched]
#91846
03/27/2016 11:11 AM
03/27/2016 11:11 AM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 837 Florida
wilsonck
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 837
Florida
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Wouldn't doubt the people manning the security check were on a work slowdown. It's their way of protest without walking off the job. They definitely should had more lanes open on a Saturday. Have they moved the immigration check downstairs? I'm used to the check you go through downstairs is to ensure your departure tax has been paid. The exit immigration check was upstairs before you go through security last year.
Last edited by wilsonck; 03/27/2016 11:14 AM.
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Re: AIRPORT YESTERDAY
[Re: wilsonck]
#91847
03/27/2016 11:22 AM
03/27/2016 11:22 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,512 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,512
Ohio
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wilsonck said: Wouldn't doubt the people manning the security check were on a work slowdown. It's their way of protest without walking off the job. They definitely should had more lanes open on a Saturday. Have they moved the immigration check downstairs? I'm used to the check you go through downstairs is to ensure your departure tax has been paid. The exit immigration check was upstairs before you go through security last year. Departure tax is virtually included in most ALL tickets when purchased so there is not really any check for that. There is an initial passport and boarding pass check downstairs and has been for a couple of years. Once you get upstairs there is another check (if I recall correctly) and then the security screening. When I departed 3 weeks ago on a Thursday there were two of the security lines open. Not sure why there would only be one on a Saturday but that for sure would slow things down.
J.D.
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Re: AIRPORT YESTERDAY
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#91848
03/27/2016 11:38 AM
03/27/2016 11:38 AM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 837 Florida
wilsonck
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 837
Florida
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I understand it's included on virtually any ticket you buy, but why then do they still have the window to the left of the check in counters to pay the departure tax?
Last edited by wilsonck; 03/27/2016 11:41 AM.
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Re: AIRPORT YESTERDAY
[Re: wilsonck]
#91849
03/27/2016 11:48 AM
03/27/2016 11:48 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,512 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,512
Ohio
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It could be for the interisland flights for the small carriers like Winair, etc. Honestly, I don't recall if that window is even staffed on a regular basis. It is not something US travelers have to deal with any longer.
J.D.
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Re: AIRPORT YESTERDAY
[Re: Nowhatched]
#91853
03/27/2016 12:48 PM
03/27/2016 12:48 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,764 Quebec
kish
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,764
Quebec
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We left the island on a Monday in early March. Two scanners were open and the line moved quite quickly. However, last November we flew out on a Thursday and there were two scanners open also, but the lines were very long. When we eventually got to the scanner and took out our laptops, took off shoes etc., there was a supervisor telling the operators to move faster, faster!! How can they check those screens in a appropriate and safe manner when rushed!! Not their fault there were so many travelers, the airport knows how many flights are leaving on a daily basis, it is managements job to provice enough staff to function properly. I think there are actually 3 or 4 scanners, why not use them all on busy days. In the best interest of all passengers.
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Re: AIRPORT YESTERDAY
[Re: DrDoug]
#91855
03/27/2016 02:30 PM
03/27/2016 02:30 PM
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 531 Beacon, NY
SANFILIP
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 531
Beacon, NY
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DrDoug said: Agree, We were there and it was a zoo. Took an hour to get thru security after we entered the snake line. The second scanner opened just as we were coming out of the line. Went with the scanner line and after being scanned got a pat down, same with wife, she asked why and the lady said the machine said so. It does sound like a work slow down now. Luckily the Jet Blue flight was leaving from an A gate rather than the bullring downstairs, so boarding was organized. Had enough time to get sandwiches and some drinks before boarding. This just reinforces my position of not traveling on Saturdays. Stopped many years ago. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
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Re: AIRPORT YESTERDAY
[Re: Joecool]
#91859
03/27/2016 06:23 PM
03/27/2016 06:23 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,697 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,697
Auburn, WA
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Joecool said: TSA: Thousands Standing Around. Not TSA's fault as here is no TSA in SXM.
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Re: AIRPORT YESTERDAY
[Re: PreK176]
#91864
03/28/2016 12:56 PM
03/28/2016 12:56 PM
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 880 Boston, MA
marge
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 880
Boston, MA
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We left Boston on 2/20, having had our tickets with seat assignment in hand, to find out upon boarding, we had no seats. 29 A and B. There was 27, 28, 31, 32......29 & 30 were the lavatories! They had changed planes, and neglected to tell us that our seats needed to be changed. Lucky for everyone we were at the back of the plane and only kept a few dozen people getting to their seats. They finally found an empty row in 22 (a full plane, and an empty tow??!!) all while having a PA voice say that if people would take their seats they could close the doors. Funny in a usual AA kind of snafu. Got to SXM; that's what counted. Left SXM Friday 3/18 and breezed thru C&I and security. I even had a seat to NY!
marge
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Re: AIRPORT YESTERDAY
[Re: PattyB]
#91866
03/28/2016 02:22 PM
03/28/2016 02:22 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,645 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,645
Brookfield, CT.
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Patty,
So sorry you had this experience which isn't the best way to end an otherwise great vacation.
No one can say for sure once there's a second party involved, but we've had several friends and acquaintances who have had similar experiences when booking AA and Delta through both Expdia and Travelocity and each time the airline said the problem stemmed from who they booked and how they booked, and the airlines involved have made the same claims. I always thought that was a cop out but I'm starting to wonder.
We always book directly with the carrier, typically AA but occasionally JB depending on who has the best flights and prices for the flights we want and then we follow up regularly in checking their websites for any changes that might take place. We did have a similar problem once with AA but they tracked us down in SXM and notified us of the problem and went out of their way to accommodate us.
I could be wrong but I'm thinking in the future your husband should follow your lead and book directly with the carrier. At least then they can't tell you the other involved party is the one who messed things up.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: AIRPORT YESTERDAY
[Re: pat]
#91869
03/29/2016 08:08 AM
03/29/2016 08:08 AM
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 880 Boston, MA
marge
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 880
Boston, MA
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We did book directly thru AA. The flight attendants, who were trying to find us a seat (other than the lavatories) told us WE should have checked with the gate after getting our boarding pass. OK, whatever, all was good after I got something other than a potty to sit on!
marge
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Re: AIRPORT YESTERDAY
[Re: marge]
#91870
03/29/2016 08:13 AM
03/29/2016 08:13 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,673 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,673
Central Florida!
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Sometimes that does happen, that they change equipment at the last minute and they usually do announce that people need to check with the desk about seat assignments, but sometimes you don't hear the announcement because of just making it there from a connecting flight, going for some food or drink or to the bathroom. Glad it ultimately worked out OK for you.
Carol Hill
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Re: AIRPORT YESTERDAY
[Re: marge]
#91871
03/29/2016 09:56 AM
03/29/2016 09:56 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,645 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,645
Brookfield, CT.
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marge said: We did book directly thru AA. The flight attendants, who were trying to find us a seat (other than the lavatories) told us WE should have checked with the gate after getting our boarding pass. OK, whatever, all was good after I got something other than a potty to sit on! You're a far more patient person than I. To have the airline personnel tell me it was MY problem for not double checking them at that point in the process would have really made me very angry. It seems logical that once you've actually checked in at a ticket counter and the ticketing agent has provided you with a boarding pass with a specified seat number, you shouldn't need to check further with other agents as to whether or not you really have a seat. They have the computer right there in front of them. Even if you printed your boarding pass at home upon checking in at the airport they should have verified that all was right and particularly today with all the extra security measures in effect. If there had been a change of equipment, they should have known that, too. But in the end, you made it to and from St. Maarten without a major incident and you didn't have to fly in the restroom. I truly believe, it doesn't matter who you fly with, if you fly often and/or long enough, there's bound to be an issue now and then and usually it's not the issue itself but the way in which it was handled that makes the ultimate final impression on you. Hope the rest of the trip was good. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: AIRPORT YESTERDAY
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#91872
03/29/2016 10:01 AM
03/29/2016 10:01 AM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 15 Massachusetts
Phiaman42
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 15
Massachusetts
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I agree with Pat booking directly with the carrier. That's what we do and Jet Blue direct so there are no lay overs or connecting flights.
"Where memories are made and smiles last a lifetime"
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Re: AIRPORT YESTERDAY
[Re: marge]
#91873
03/29/2016 10:11 AM
03/29/2016 10:11 AM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,250
sxmsandbum
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,250
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marge said: Not sure if we were on the plane you came down on Marge but we had a mess on our flight. We did book directly thru AA. The flight attendants, who were trying to find us a seat (other than the lavatories) told us WE should have checked with the gate after getting our boarding pass. OK, whatever, all was good after I got something other than a potty to sit on! Not sure if we were on the plane you came down on Marge but we also had a problem. I departed SXM on 2/20 for CLT...I booked with AA and purchased a premium seat in row 7. I printed my boarding pass night before, but due to computer glitch I had to get my 2nd leg printed at airport. On kiosk it printed both. Noticed I was then in Row 33! I asked at counter and the girl could have cared less, she said they can move you whenever they want. That there was not a row 7 on this plane. That equipment changed. Well they moved 3 rows of people to very back of plane. All of them were pretty upset about it. Especially when they saw there was a row 5,6,7 they were business class. When we talked to flight attendant she said it had happened like 3-4 times in the past month and that we should contact customer service about it when we got back. We arrived in CLT on time and gate was open but pilot was held off the gate for 20-25 minutes. Then it took another 20 minutes to get off the plane. I have never seen people take so long to get off a plane! Customs was very busy and by the time we ran to security it was backed up and they sent us to another security area (from E to D which was closed and then all the way to B)We ran back to E once through security only to miss our plane by 3 minutes (door was closed even though plane was still there but not allowed to board guess once door is closed that is it). Saw about 10 of us the next morning all had missed connections. Not all AA fault...CLT is getting so busy they need to do something about this holding of planes off of gate this is like the 4th time this has happened to us, but first time to miss connection. AA did refund our seat charge and gave us some points, for our trouble which we were happy about, but it did cost us a room. Flying! Always an adventure these days!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />
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