flight advice

[johnj]

I've been coming to TC for 20 years from Louisville and have recently used Vintage and been delighted. However, this year I can't make the connections work, so I've considered using Travelocity for the booking and flying in on gulfstream. Does anyone have experience with a Travelocity booking that uses gulfstream and another airline such as Delta or US Airways on the same ticket? How did it work out? thanks.

[BahamaAngie]

We have used Gulfstream many times but not through Travelocity. We did it directly with Continental. All in all we feel it is the best way to go. There usually is a some sort of a problem but it is almost impossible with the fickle weather from FL to Abaco. But they seem to have a safe record and that is what it is all about!

[johnj]

Thanks. I have used gulfstream as well and have been happy with them. However, at least from Louisville, continental routes you to cleveland, newark, florida while travelocity must have arrangements with multiple airlines to get us there more quickly and more directly. I am just wondering if it works! For example, if I take us air to west palm beach and miss my connection with gulfstream, does gulfstream honor the reservation and get me on the next flight to tc?

[steamboat]

If the airline your trying to fly has a code share agreement with Continental, call the reservations for the first airline and see if they can ticket you all the way through. The only real problem with using any of the travel sites instead of the airline is when problems develop, if tickets are purchased through a travel site, the airline may tell you to deal with them (the travel site) to resolve any issues. If the airline is the ticket issuer, then they may help you resolve the issue. I always use the travel sites to find routes and carriers and then deal with the airline(s) directly where possible.

[mikie]

Our problem with Travelocity is what happens when booked on two different carriers; as time went on from when we booked, flight schedules change; at one point they had us leaving Fla for MHH prior to our arrival in Fla.... they suggested we re-book a flight the following morning and get a room, all at our own expense, this some months after the initial reservation...
after hours of internet searches and not a few phone calls, we currently have a 25 min. change time, the absolute minimum time at which they say they don't have to re-book us. If you use a third party, particularly on the internet and you are booked onto two different airlines then Due Diligence must be exercised. Caveat Emptorer, eh what! Future bookings for us will always be directly with the carrier. Good Luck!

[chestnc]

Johnj, that's a good question. I have always booked on line using Travelocity, Booking buddy and most recently Vayama. I have transferred in West Palm Beach three times twice to Continental. The first time I missed my connection to BahamasAir from American Airlines and Bahamasair sent me back to AA so that they could accomodate me.Unfortunately there were no more flights going out so I had to spend a night in WPB.Even though I have booked on the internet if a problem arises I find that the airlines tend to help you out. Sometimes there may be a problem as to who is responsible for assisting you when you are flying with 2 different carriers like when my luggage got lost over the holidays..but that's another thread..If you can try to use the same airline all the way through.

[elcahun]

Have used Orbitz before with no problems except a tight transfer from American to Gulfstream, so do look carefully at the times. If you're ticketed all the way through whichever airline you pay is the one responsible for getting you there.

It's also a good idea to know what flights and when are going to MHH, so if you do miss a connection you have the information handy to work with the airline to get you there.

[BahamaAngie]

I agree with Steamboat. I think ticketing with one airline is the way to go! I did the other way once and it was find but I feel more confident going with one airline. Good luck to you whatever you decide and have a wonderful time. TC is wonderful! We have met many nice people and the Bahamians are the best!!!!!!

[elbowcayvet]

Twice we have flowen US air from Minneapolas to Charlette then on the Ft. Lauderdale or Mimai and connected with Contental/Gulfstream in FLL or Mimai for the Marsh Harbour flight. We did not have any problems with connections or luggage transfers. Just be sure to leave yourself at least 2 hr ground time on the way back to clear customs and security.