Trying Tradewinds for the first time

[cec1]

Just enrolled in CLEAR.
Apparently Delta and United both have ownership stakes in CLEAR. While AA does not and apparently restrict its positions in terminals they dominate. Hence, no CLEAR in CLT. And only in one of five DFW terminals.
Typical AA.
They seem chronically outmaneuvered by Delta.

That explains a lot . . . and the struggle between AA & Delta is becoming very obvious.

 

[davesmom]

We have Clear Plus, courtesy of credit cards for free. (Ok, sort of free). It’s pretty good at times, but sometimes it’s faster to do TSA..just depends on the lines. Not sure I’d pay real $$ for it, but I think you can also use it at some stadiums and sporting events. We are DL fliers so it works.

 

[cassidain]

We have Clear Plus, courtesy of credit cards for free. (Ok, sort of free). It’s pretty good at times, but sometimes it’s faster to do TSA..just depends on the lines. Not sure I’d pay real $$ for it, but I think you can also use it at some stadiums and sporting events. We are DL fliers so it works.

We thought we would try it for a year and see how useful, or not, it is for us. I think some of the AmexEx cards offer a statement credit for full membership cost, plus free with super elite statuses on Delta and United. We get a discount with AE/Delta Reserve card, but that's it.

 

[Isatin]

We've done the overnight in San Juan a number of times. The last time we stayed at the Embassy Suites -- and found it enjoyable. The pool area is quite nice -- and we even won a little money in the casino. An uber to the airport was about $5. Another benefit to doing the overnight is that the 1st Tradewind flight to SBH in the morning is much more reasonable priced.

With the improvements in the SXM airport as well as reasonably priced JetBlue BOS <-> SXM -- we no longer do the Tradewind route. In March we're booked on a civilized 10 am flight out of BOS and should arrive SBH by 4:30 pm.





After my trip, I visit shambala casino Loginer Casino quite often.

Great experience! Embassy Suites seems to have been a convenient option with good amenities. It looks like you found a good balance between comfort and cost.

 

[TERP37]

You have all been very helpful. Unfortunately, as we are coming from Pittsburgh, making it all the way to SBH in one day is not possible with adequate time for airplane transfers so we must spend the night in San Juan. So it looks like the VIP service will not be available to us since we will need to overnight in San Juan. Again, thank you so much, and we are looking forward to traveling Tradewinds. We have always heard nothing but stellar regards.

We are from Pittsburgh as well-what area are you from?--We always fly into San Juan-stay overnight at the Vanderbilt and then take the 9am Tradewinds flight to St Barts--easy and relaxing!!

 

[cec1]

We are from Pittsburgh as well-what area are you from?--We always fly into San Juan-stay overnight at the Vanderbilt and then take the 9am Tradewinds flight to St Barts--easy and relaxing!!

A great routine! Unfortunately, the Vanderbilt has become difficult to get for a single night on a weekend. (I think there’s a Bad Bunny concert this weekend, so all (it seems!) hotels have a two night minimum in order to accommodate the idolatry of this local national icon). I found, however, a fabulous “budget” hotel (“TRYP by Wyndham“ in Isla Verde) . . . about a five minute walk from one of my two favorite San Juan (close by the airport) restaurants — “Sottovento.” If you’re ever struggling for accommodations or dining in San Juan, both are highly recommended (though, as I say, I would classify the Wyndham as a “budget-friendly” — albeit very nice — hotel, not in the league of the Vanderbilt (nor is the rate!)).

 

[dadto6]

Glad you found a pillow to place your head upon

 

[cec1]

Glad you found a pillow to place your head upon

Not easy . . . but I’ll post the info. A great bargain, IMO!

 

[sfbarts]

Tradewind is the only way to go- (haha yes No S at the end!- right Betty?) We flew it the first year they operated and have been hooked ever since. Good riddance to SXM......

 

[cassidain]

We were able to relax in the SJU TW lounge for a while before catching our TW to AA connection back home. We appreciated the accommodation, and it is comfortable. But, I have to say, they need to step up their game on refreshments/snacks offered. Pretty pathetic really.

 

[sfbarts]

Yes agree. waiting for a flight to St Barts you would think they could at least offer a decent rose! haha

 

[cec1]

We were able to relax in the SJU TW lounge for a while before catching our TW to AA connection back home. We appreciated the accommodation, and it is comfortable. But, I have to say, they need to step up their game on refreshments/snacks offered. Pretty pathetic really.

Funny . . . there used to be a somewhat superior offering of beverages — even to the point of allowing non-traveling folks to order a gift bottle of champagne for friends on a TW flight, SjU to SBH. I understand that the option to do so was withdrawn as people for whom the “gift” wasn’t intended started taking the champagne . . . without an understanding that it was a gift to specic flyers.

 

[sfbarts]

Our first charter they had splits of Veuve Cliquot in the cooler on board.... this was when they were flying the Caravans not thePilatus

 

[shihadehs]

We always sit in the back seat of the plane near the cooler. That ice cold Heineken on way over is sublime

 

[jamiem4]

Funny . . . there used to be a somewhat superior offering of beverages — even to the point of allowing non-traveling folks to order a gift bottle of champagne for friends on a TW flight, SjU to SBH. I understand that the option to do so was withdrawn as people for whom the “gift” wasn’t intended started taking the champagne . . . without an understanding that it was a gift to specic flyers.

Back in the day David Z mentioned one of the issues was the SJU airport personnel and some TW folks would help themselves to a beverage or ten…while this still happens with the food and non-alcoholic offerings, I am sure you noticed that the limited wine is in the locked cabinet which started over a year ago with an incident so they had to make a change. I still see beer in the fridge! I suppose it is not as hot of a commodity for some reason. They also had to install quite a few cameras, however, along with that, comes additional staff (and cost) to sit there and watch the videos. I miss the good old days, but it is still the best airline and the only way we would ever fly to SBH.

I believe you can still request the champagne for a fee and it is offered at no fee when you charter the plane… we had to charter several times for various reasons and several bottles of champagne were offered.

 

[KevinS]

Once, just once, many years ago, I asked if splits of VC were available on the plane. The response was no, only for private charters. A split was hand delivered to me as we boarded, with a wink and a smile. With a better understanding of the rules, I was thankful, but I never asked again