For those of you traveling first class on American who have been using Alaska's Board room when American doesn't have an Admirals Club in the particular airport: this privilege is no more. Alaska was very thorough and pleasant in researching this for me and apologized that this benefit was gone. They said it was an American decision, not an Alaska decision. Apparently if you have status with American, it's a different story. The Caribbean, Mexico except for Mexico City, and a third location I cannot recall are now not available to use the Alaska Board Room.

The immigration cards were distributed shortly after we were in the air, accompanied by an announcement that completion was mandatory. I have no idea what is done with them once you turn them in.

At no time was I asked to show anything other than my passport. Goodbye, EHAS!

Getting through PJIA was a breeze. It was about five minutes from the plane ramp to luggage, with just one stop - immigration for passport stamping.

But luggage: OMG, what a cluster. It was literally half an hour before luggage from our plane started to appear. The room is not air-conditioned so it's pretty unpleasant, especially since there's nowhere to sit down while you wait. But wonder of wonders: luggage with the beautiful orange tags came out first.

I had requested a compact car from Hertz but was told when I was making the reservation they don't have any in their fleet. I was quoted a small sedan at $160/week INCLUDING liability as opposed to $145/week for a compact. However, when they were taking me to my car, they said you want a small car, correct? I said yes, and they gave me one. However, since the transaction was completed, there was no refund of the $15/week difference between the two sizes. Left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth, but the price can't be beat, and what's $30 (two separate contracts due to length of stay)?

It was close to 24 hours of travel for me from departure at home to arrival at Horny Toad. I was unable to sleep on the plane so am pretty exhausted. Ribs at The Palms, and it will be early to bed. More later.

Glad you arrived safely, Jazzgal! Looking forward to hearing about your culinary adventures!,

Glad you arrived safe and sound -- can't wait to hear all about your trip!

Glad you have arrived! Looking forward to hearing all about your trip!!!

Good to know you made it here all safe and sound.
We flew JB out of JFK and our trip was almost flawless with the exception of a serious lack of wheelchair porters in NY and like you, a major delay waiting for our luggage to appear on the carousel in SXM.

And kudos to whomever runs the wheelchair service in SXM. THEY ARE INCREDIBLY GOOD!

So all that aside, welcome home, Linda. 😊😊

Same with us waiting for luggage. We breezed through immigration and customs but waited and waited for any luggage to start coming on luggage belt.

Welcome home Linda!

So have they completely gotten rid of the first windows where you would show your EHAS approval? Now it’s just immigration?

Our luggage was quick I felt. We were waiting at the belt, but it was already pulled off and waiting on the floor to the side.

Glad you made it and hope you stay healthy this time. Yes, we had a bit of an ordeal this last May in SEA trying to use our AA FC ticket for the Alaska board room but after a elevated discussion with the attendant we were admitted. Good to know it'll now be with the discounted fee for Alaska card holders for our next trip out of SEA. Enjoy your stay. I would have gone with the larger car since price was same. More metal surrounding you incase of a fender bender.

"Our luggage was quick I felt. We were waiting at the belt, but it was already pulled off and waiting on the floor to the side."
That's the way ours was this last May but we were stuck in the EHAS review line for awhile.

Price not the same. $145 for compact. $160 for sedan. Not worth quibbling about.

"Good to know it'll now be with the discounted fee for Alaska card holders for our next trip out of SEA." - I don't understand what you are referring to with this statement?

I’m sure you’re sound asleep by now, but wanted to say I’m glad you arrived safely. See you next week!

Glad you made it. Hope it is a great trip. That is a great deal on your rental. I am getting extremely high quotes for mid-March, with Hertz being the highest. Enjoy!

Since Alaska won't honor the AA FC entrance to their Board Room you can always pay, which is half Price, for entrance as long as you are an Alaska CC holder. Used to be $25 but now $30.

Relax, rest, breathe in the warm air while you sip a drink on the balcony. Don't forget to scruff the cat and buy her some treats (can't remember her name)

Hope you are rested and getting ready to have
great vacation.

We arrived Tuesday and it's been beautiful here!!

I didn't know that! I wonder why they didn't ask if I have an Alaska CC, which I do?

It's is always listed in my emailed monthly Alaska CC statement as an Alaska Airline CC perk but easy to overlook.