Flights....

Hey there... We're booked for a charter in July 2020 and I've been keeping my eye on flights from PHX to EIS. Unfortunately, AA seems to always be the best option for us (blah). Typically, for a July charter I book sometime in January, but in keeping my eye on flights, I've seen several I am interested in drop off and disappear (presumably due to being booked). Does anyone have any knowledge to share about if additional flights are added as the departure date grows near? Feeling a bit apprehensive about waiting to book, but also don't want to pull the trigger too early. Thoughts??

This year we are flying to St Thomas, cheaper and much better flight options. We have always flown into EIS in the past but all the flights were expensive and had 20+ hr layovers for our dates this year. Cape Air always has to fly the bags in a separate airplane due to weight so we never got our bags until the next day. That's not ideal when you leave the charter dock at 12 the next day and the airlines are on island time. Even with the cost of the ferry we are saving hundreds of dollars and many hours in the airport.

I am not sure if my issue is due to only flying on Saturday's. But the cost to fly into EIS is much much higher than STT and takes a lot more time. Flying out of CLT I can almost always get a direct flight to STT and have no worries about luggage. We have also learned over the years that a backpack each and a duffel bag suffice for the BVI. That keeps all my stuff in my control not the airlines. Agree with you about AA. But with CLT as one of their hubs, it is what it is.

Highly doubt July flights are fully booked; more likely they've been cancelled. Don't know if the Maxjet problem could be a factor. For the flights I check, EIS has been a better option. Really depends on your specific circumstances, but check Southwest into San Juan with a separate ticket on InterCaribbean or Seaborne.

AA has grounded the 737's until 3/1.

WHICH 737's? The Max 8, or the other one? I understand there is also some issue with other 737's now.

The issue with pickle fork cracks is routine. It’s only getting a lot of visibility because of the max problems. Looks the the max is on track to be flying in January. Will take some time to bring aircraft out of storage and accomplish any required pilot training so 1 Mar sounds like a good date.
G

Max 8

George--thanks. With all the stuff regarding the Max 8, I wasn't sure whether this other thing was really a big deal or not.

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate all of the insight. Funny because my XM talk radio literally JUST had a quick news update regarding the information about the max jets y'all posted about. TTOL, the first source for breaking news!! Lol!

We have our charter scheduled to push away from the dock at noon, so the majority of our travel will have to be completed the day before. Travel from PHX is tough, as flying into STT would require a redeye in order to get there in time to catch a ferry and get there in time. The husb doesn't do redeye flights also, soooo... *sigh* Seems like SJU to EIS is probably still our best bet.

From the West STT is the way to go and has been for a loooong time. We fly SFO Miami or Charlotte to Stt.

Having done STT for many years I am currently in the DCA/SJU/EIS camp....checking for our May trip DCA/SJU/EIS Jet Blue/Silver is currently $598 round trip booked together and DCA to STT is $412 round trip...and then need to add ferry both ways...

Also I find SJU has more last minute alternative options since we have been "stuck" in STT and Miami on the way home multiple times

From DCA there is rarely a direct flight option to STT and since we originate in DCA anyways I like this option better...

Didnt seem to me to be a shortage of options to either place but maybe I am missing something.

OP-That is a great handle...was just in my bilge yesterday putting heaters in

Good news for those flying Delta.

https://viconsortium.com/vi-travel/...air-lines-announce-codeshare-partnership

The solution is not to fly on Sat. I never did and never will. Worst day to travel.

Also starting a charter on Saturday sucks...I like coming in Sunday evening start cruise monday or sunday evening and leaving Tuesday...

We usually fly in on Friday for a Saturday start. Can't avoid the Sunday flight madness, though.

If Silver was even remotely reliable.....I have spent enough time on Abacos FB pages to hear otherwise.....

Totally agree....

I fly them in and out of Beef Island 2-3 times/month and have had very few problems. Maybe it's different crews/operations than Abaco but here I think they are the best option in terms of reliability...

Well this is VERY good to hear!!