San Juan disembarcation

[Mimi47]

Am scheduled on Oct 23 on Summit from NJ (no roll call) arriving San Juan 6 AM. Will I have time to catch a 10:45 am flight?

[cruisestitch]

In my opinion, that would be cutting it close. Keep in mind that in San Juan you have an extra screening to go through (agriculture) before you can check your bags. Search this board and you should find lots of advice regarding earliest flight to take from San Juan. To be sure, I have made flights that early, but that was when they offered luggage valet service, which I believe has been discontinued at this port.

[fridaythe13th]

Am scheduled on Oct 23 on Summit from NJ (no roll call) arriving San Juan 6 AM. Will I have time to catch a 10:45 am flight?

 

I would be comfortable with that flight. Yes you do have to put you luggage through a scanner (agriculture) before you actually check in but that doesn't take long. Even if the ship isn't cleared until 7 the airport isn't far away. You just have to understand that there are times when the ship is delayed getting back (for whatever reason) and that could definitely cause you to miss your flight. If that were to happen I would just be sure I had the airline phone number handy to make them aware that you don't think you will make your flight. Enjoy the Summit, great crew, great atmosphere, great ship!

[vickykay]

I'd suggest that you use a porter to take your luggage right to a taxi - the port is very crowded and this will save you some time - well worth the tip!

[PartyAllDaTyme]

You arrive on Saturday, which is better than Sunday, since there are usually fewer cruise ships arriving in town. SJU can be a zoo, but you should be OK. Still, I would be concerned about a 10:45 am flight. At least you're going, not coming. If it wouldn't be a catastrophe to miss the flight, give it a try.

[CPT Trips]

I'd suggest that you use a porter to take your luggage right to a taxi - the port is very crowded and this will save you some time - well worth the tip!

 

You arrive on Saturday, which is better than Sunday, since there are usually fewer cruise ships arriving in town. SJU can be a zoo, but you should be OK. Still, I would be concerned about a 10:45 am flight. At least you're going, not coming. If it wouldn't be a catastrophe to miss the flight, give it a try.

 

SJU WILL be a zoo. I wouldn't try it.

[ozark74]

Am scheduled on Oct 23 on Summit from NJ (no roll call) arriving San Juan 6 AM. Will I have time to catch a 10:45 am flight?

In March we were on the Summit and had a 1050am flight. We did self disembarcation. We were first group off at 730am breezed thru customs, got a cab to the airport. The ag inspection takes about a minute. Checked our bags and were at the gate by 830am. Plenty of time to shop at the airport. We were on AA. Also got our boarding passes on the ship the day before. Last year we had a 1030am flight which also made with no problem.

[EithneMay]

The San Juan Airport tends to be a ZOO, however, you will be there on the off season, so it may be different. I never book a flight before noon when flying out of SJU.

[ecslady]

I did a similar repo some years ago from NJ to San Juan. My flight was for the early afternoon. I got to the airport (early debark) and was able to get on a flight at about 11 AM. So, you just may be OK.

 

On another note, There is a roll call for your cruise. Here's the link.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1363015

[alcpa1]

We cruise often out of SJU and I would not be comfortable with such an early departure.

If I might suggest several things that will expedite the process....

1. DO check in online and get your baggage fees (if any) prepaid and print your boarding passes.

2. Make certain that your Customs and Immigration forms are filled out correctly. One thing that will add precious time to your tight schedule is going over your duty. Another is to wear your new jewelry or designer handbag or shoes. The agents are pros and can spot new bling from a mile away. They know the jewelry that is commonly sold in the islands better than the shipboard shopping expert.

3. I absolutely hate self disembarkation. With a flight at 10:45 you will have no other option. Be prepared to find yourself amongst others who must have slept in the disembarkation staging area protecting their space in line. Actually, there isn't much of a line just a huge number of people hugging the doorway. You will see the worst of people vying for the elevator. Absolutely don't try to use the escalator unless you have one small suitcase and can still hold onto the rail.

4. Do get a porter. It's worth the few bucks you will pay them as you bypass everyone else.

5. Do take a taxi. You will never make it if you take a ship transfer. I'd also recommend that you do not plan on sharing with anyone else unless you are traveling with others who you know are conscious of the need for speed.

6. Find the Ag. scanner immediately after entering the terminal. You must have the inspection stickers before your bags can be checked. Do not put any fresh fruit or veggies in either your checked or carry on luggage.

7. TSA at SJU is undermanned. Be prepared to catch your breath as you wait your turn.

I hope these tips will help. The biggest thing to hope for, and we all do, is that your ship will dock on time and be cleared expeditiously.

Have a great cruise.

[Lolotte]

We have done it twice, no problem. Last time last February and both times we had time to spare. The key is to ask for early disembarkation and if possible keep your luggage with you. You will be at the airport before 8:30.

[dodger1964]

In March we were on the Summit and had a 1050am flight. We did self disembarcation. We were first group off at 730am breezed thru customs, got a cab to the airport. The ag inspection takes about a minute. Checked our bags and were at the gate by 830am. Plenty of time to shop at the airport. We were on AA. Also got our boarding passes on the ship the day before. Last year we had a 1030am flight which also made with no problem.

 

 

Same for us on April 30, 2011...we were in the "7am" escorted, walk off group...4 of us shared cab to airport (10- minute drive, $32 including bag fees) and were through ag inspection and standing at the delta ticket counter at 7:45am. Have a copy of your flight schedule and get in the 7am group...must get in that group in advance...see the desk for more info... and you will not have any problems. (assumes that you do "self-disembarkation...carry own luggage off the ship)

[rebeccalouiseagain]

It really won't be a problem. The airport is about 30 minutes away. Even if you don't get in a taxi until 9AM- you'll still get to the airport in time. Its pretty American there. They consider the US flights like domestic flights- so I didn't find much problems at all either time I flew out of San Juan. In fact, we usually had time to get a massage at one of the kiosks there while waiting for our planes.