SJU Fly In/Fly Out Question

[file51]

I am thinking of adding a few extra flights to my usual Feb status run whilst in the U.S. and having known about
the great value SJU status runs for some time, I am considering doing one.

What I would like to know from the seasoned professionals out there, will I run into issues flying into SJU then
catching a flight straight back out approx 2hrs later? (carry on luggage only)

Obviously Puerto Rico is a U.S. protectorate (unincorporated territory), and from all the reading I have done
is treated the same as all other U.S. domestic sectors… however, I would rather be safe than sorry.

As much as a few days would be nice down there, I would have just spent 8 days in Orlando and Miami, plus
needing to get back to the West Coast/Vegas

thx

 

[moa999]

Very much a US protectorate. No customs/immi formalities whatsoever.

 

[serfty]

Very straight forward, just like any domestic USA connection - they even have an A/C ...

 

[file51]

Yes, I noticed there was an A/C there...

After looking at some of the flight times I am starting to think I may be better served arriving there
late in the evening and catching a morning flight back to LAS via MIA/JFK/ORD

Once I have final details regarding my schedule at the trade show I will be attending in Orlando
then I will see if things work out time wise… My original thoughts of MCO>MIA>SJU>MIA>JFK>ORD>LAS
in 1 day may be a little too much (not for me, but in regards to the flight schedule), follow that up with
LAS>LAX>SEA in F… maybe an overnight visit may be the best way to go...

Decisions… Decisions… all in the name of maximising SC's

 

[drewbles]

Very straight forward, just like any domestic USA connection - they even have an A/C ...

I'm glad I picked SJU rather than BGI for my little 'vacation' post the SMD4 this year. I did BGI last year and there was no lounge for me there.

They use USD then too i'm assuming. Even better for the CC

 

[Ikara]

Yes, I noticed there was an A/C there...

After looking at some of the flight times I am starting to think I may be better served arriving there
late in the evening and catching a morning flight back to LAS via MIA/JFK/ORD

Once I have final details regarding my schedule at the trade show I will be attending in Orlando
then I will see if things work out time wise… My original thoughts of MCO>MIA>SJU>MIA>JFK>ORD>LAS
in 1 day may be a little too much (not for me, but in regards to the flight schedule), follow that up with
LAS>LAX>SEA in F… maybe an overnight visit may be the best way to go...

Decisions… Decisions… all in the name of maximising SC's

And those who don't understand us wonder why????

JB

 

[dfcatch]

There's a Best Western actually at the Terminal too.

I didn't try it out, but saw it when I checked back in the following morning.

I've stayed at the DoubleTree and others here rate the Hampton Inn well also.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

As much as a few days would be nice down there, I would have just spent 8 days in Orlando and Miami, plus needing to get back to the West Coast/Vegas.

One thing I noted when booking our KUPPs was the fare SJU/LAS is USD100.00 than to LAX so we can 'stopover' in Vegas more than 24 hours then just buy a one way cheapie LAS/LAX.

As AA have no AC in LAS we'll probably book UA or US LAS/LAX so we can use the *A Lounge (both of us have *A Gold courtesy of TK's status match) which I'm assuming is the United Lounge (formerly CO Presidents Club).

If you do decide to stay in SJU the InterContinental has a flexible rate of USD159.00 per night or USD159.01 on their 'Breakfast for a penny' for two, rate however the latter requires payment at the time of booking & is non-refundable.

 

[dfcatch]

Dammit!

I just noticed the Hampton Inn has now added Resort Fees (14%).

That sux

 

[drewbles]

There's a Best Western actually at the Terminal too.

I didn't try it out, but saw it when I checked back in the following morning.

I've stayed at the DoubleTree and others here rate the Hampton Inn well also.

How do you find the DoubleTree? It gets excellent reviews on TA (and I have a booking there based on that and a few other hearsays).

 

[dfcatch]

I was quite satisfied there. Room was clean and decent. Pool was nice, breakfast was fine.

Not close to beach - but easy cab ride to the Old City.

 

[ReLoad]

I stayed at the BW at the airport (is it still a BW?) it was clean and tidy and as I was getting in late and leaving early you cannot beat its convenience.

Go over the road to the sports bar for dinner, it looks dodgy on the outside but it's great on the inside, great food too.

I think if your doing the quick turn around you can't beat it. Any longer stay though I'd look elsewhere.

 

[serfty]

It's no longer a BW, but it does save on the flat rate Taxi fares (From USD14 one way ).

Looking at it, breakfast as well as in room WiFi is included as well.

As for the resort fee at the Hampton Inn, I made a booking next month way earlier this yea wat before they added the resort fees to the rate - online it is now stating the fee on my booking, but I expect them to honor the original rate as noted on my confirmation email.

 

[dfcatch]

Ok - so an update on this hotel.

It's cheap, super convenient, very basic, small room and extremely cold.

Honestly - I jumped in cab for the 5 minute ride to Isla Verde and had some drinks at the Ritz-Carlton and walked to the El San Juan for some more drinks in the nice lobby bar.

Next time I do this I will stay at the Hampton Inn if cheap enough.

Airport hotel is good if arriving late late, and leaving early early.

 

[pagingjoan]

A note for anyone overnighting, or staying longer, in San Juan:
The Condado Vanderbilt is well worth a visit. It is undergoing a massive restoration, with the public areas now complete and the restaurant, bar and function rooms now operating - but accommodation not yet available.

On a recent visit to San Juan, we stayed in a boutique hotel nearby but had a lunch and a dinner on the Vanderbilt terrace overlooking the ocean. Excellent tasting menu in a beautiful setting.

It will be interesting to follow progress. Financially, it must be a challenging project in the current climate.

Hotels in Condado | Condado Vanderbilt Hotel | San Juan, PR