
US Carriers and Airports
#1
Posted 26 March 2007 - 08:50 AM
Last time I went I flew with Delta through Atlanta. Which was fine. I chose that option because it was the cheapest last time.
This year there are several other cheaper options. But not knowing anything about US carriers or airports - I wanted some opinions on preferences. I realise most people work their loyalty cards etc.
So what are Continental and US Airlines like?
Do either have unusual baggage policies (I'd love to take a film camera on this trip is luggage allows)?
What are Newark, Charlotte and JFK airports like?
How difficult is it to change terminals at Newark and JFK to catch connections?
I will be flying coach (I am underwater photographer and therefore poor) - so no need to tell me XX has amazing business class!
Alex
Alexander Mustard - www.amustard.com - www.magic-filters.com
Nikon D5 (Subal housing). Nikon D7200 (Subal housing). Olympus EPL-5 (Nauticam housing).
#2
Posted 26 March 2007 - 09:13 AM

Of the NYC airports, I've found EWR to be the most organized (with the train between terminals the shortest rides).

JFK is actually pretty good too but just big.

As for Continental, I think they have implemented a 50lbs limit on each piece of luggage. Anything more they charge like $25. And they nail you if you have empty tanks with your rebreather. It's $100 per tank.
USAir I know for a fact have that restriction (even for PPS members in Star Alliance

Drew
Moderator
"Journalism is what someone else does not want printed, everything else is public relations."
"I was born not knowing, and have only had a little time to change that here and there.
#3
Posted 26 March 2007 - 09:29 AM
Nikon D200, Aquatica AD200
#4
Posted 26 March 2007 - 10:18 AM
Cor
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#5
Posted 26 March 2007 - 10:23 AM
Hi Alex, I suppose BA from London to Miami is too expensive? I fly that route twice a year and never have any problems.
Actually it is about the same. But I don't know how to get from Miami to West Palm Beach!
Alex
Alexander Mustard - www.amustard.com - www.magic-filters.com
Nikon D5 (Subal housing). Nikon D7200 (Subal housing). Olympus EPL-5 (Nauticam housing).
#6
Posted 26 March 2007 - 10:31 AM
BTW. if you fly into Orlando, and need a place for the night, you're welcome at my place.
Edited by loftus, 26 March 2007 - 10:34 AM.
#7
Posted 26 March 2007 - 10:42 AM
Alex, if the prices are acceptable to you fly into Miami and drive up to WPB. It's an easy drive and easy to get out of the airport to the highway and into WPB, about an hour and 15 minutes. If the prices are similar, and you have no other reason for the stops, I wouldn't even consider any of the connections you refrred to.Actually it is about the same. But I don't know how to get from Miami to West Palm Beach!
But just in case: In my opinion, outside of Frontier, Continental has become the best domestic carrier in the US. I haven't flown them international except to Quito, but that was not in coach class.
#8
Posted 26 March 2007 - 11:01 AM
#9
Posted 26 March 2007 - 11:18 AM
To ask a dumb question. You suggest renting a car at Miami airport and then leaving it at West Palm Beach airport?
Alex
Alexander Mustard - www.amustard.com - www.magic-filters.com
Nikon D5 (Subal housing). Nikon D7200 (Subal housing). Olympus EPL-5 (Nauticam housing).
#10
Posted 26 March 2007 - 11:26 AM
#11
Posted 26 March 2007 - 11:44 AM
Cor
website | tripreports/journal | facebook | wetpixel map | twitter
#12
Posted 26 March 2007 - 02:32 PM
Southwest www.southwest.com they fly to West palm from Philadelphia-PHL, Baltimore-BWI, and Long Island- ISP and a bunch of other airports, None however of the list you mentioned.
Airtran www.airtran New York-LGA, Newark-EWR, Fly to Fort Lauderdale- FLL fairly short drive (shorter than Miami) to west palm beach
Full list of discount airlines
AirTran Airways
Allegiant Air
ATA Airlines
Frontier Airlines
go!
JetBlue Airways
Primaris Airlines
Skybus Airlines
SkyValue
Southwest Airlines
Spirit Airlines
Sun Country Airlines
Ted (subsidiary of United Airlines)
USA 3000 Airlines
US Airways
Virgin America
www.rickcavanaugh.com
#13
Posted 26 March 2007 - 03:12 PM
The last time I caught a cab from MIA to Fort Lauderdale it was $55, but that doesn't even get you halfway there
I use supershuttle.com to get from my home in Lauderdale to MIA, and it is about $30 r/t.
I just called them, and they quoted $100 for 1 pax to Jimmy's Boat, and $174 for 4.
founder of Reef Photo & Video
manufacturer of Zen Domes
distributor of Nauticam in the Americas
n2theblue at reefphoto.com
#14
Posted 26 March 2007 - 04:01 PM
It probably easier then renting a car and getting around all the freeway construction around Miami (its been going on for years). Besides, we drive on the proper side of the road and that takes some getting used to.

David
#15
Posted 29 March 2007 - 05:31 AM
The customs agent at Douglas was a little over-zealous and seemed to think my photo kit constituted commercial goods under US laws. I simply told the truth - that I was on holiday. I think they were having a slow day.
Miami airport is tricky these days. You've got to clear immigration and customs and collect your bags, even if you're in transit to South America. Can't comment on the others...
The road trip from Miami to West Palm Beach is a three hour drive in heavy traffic. Only worth it if you can persuade three to share a big taxi...
Have a great time with Jim. It's still the best shark trip, I reckon.
All the best,
SimonR
#16
Posted 29 March 2007 - 06:18 AM

Drew
Moderator
"Journalism is what someone else does not want printed, everything else is public relations."
"I was born not knowing, and have only had a little time to change that here and there.
#17
Posted 29 March 2007 - 07:22 AM
Alex - I had an easy journey from London Heathrow via Douglas, Charlotte in North Virginia and then on to West Palm Beach, all on American Airlines. I think it was about £365 all-in via one of the cheap flights websites, and the connections were fine. It's two hold bags of 23kg, plus normal hand luggage, all the way.
The customs agent at Douglas was a little over-zealous and seemed to think my photo kit constituted commercial goods under US laws. I simply told the truth - that I was on holiday. I think they were having a slow day.
Miami airport is tricky these days. You've got to clear immigration and customs and collect your bags, even if you're in transit to South America. Can't comment on the others...
The road trip from Miami to West Palm Beach is a three hour drive in heavy traffic. Only worth it if you can persuade three to share a big taxi...
Have a great time with Jim. It's still the best shark trip, I reckon.
All the best,
SimonR
#18
Posted 29 March 2007 - 07:40 AM

Drew
Moderator
"Journalism is what someone else does not want printed, everything else is public relations."
"I was born not knowing, and have only had a little time to change that here and there.
#19
Posted 29 March 2007 - 08:30 AM
#20
Posted 29 March 2007 - 09:36 AM
Regards
Phil Rudin
Edited by tropical1, 29 March 2007 - 09:40 AM.