The French Caribbean Connection: Arriving in Orlando, FL (MCO) from San Juan, PR (SJU)

29NOV08 Orlando International, Orlando FL (MCO)

We touched down at 2:30p and I then realized that we were in a different pod than Continental, so catching the 2:40p flight was not going to happen. On our way into the terminal, I saw the following aircraft:

AirTran's (FL) Boeing 717

Delta Air lines (DL) MD-88

AirTran's Boeing 717

Westjet's Boeing 737-700 with winglets

Once at the gate, we deplaned and made our way to gate A6. Unfortunately, as this airport is built badly, we had to exit security, walk to the other side of the airport and then re-enter security.

We took the opportunity to pick up boarding passes at the Continental counter before re-entering security. We then made our way down to the gate and waited for the 4:10p flight to Houston. The gate area is actually under quite a bit of construction. I remember this area as it used to be used by ATA (TZ) which I used to fly quite a bit in the early 1990s.

At about 4:00p, we both got seats and boarded the full flight.

The French Caribbean Connection: San Juan, PR (SJU) to Orlando, FL (MCO)

B6744 29NOV08 San Juan, PR (SJU) to Orlando International, Orlando Florida (MCO) 12:25p 2:35p 320 N509JB

Flight Time: 2:55
Seat Map

As I boarded, I saw a sign that said take a free headset so I did.

Once on board, I was greeted by the flight attendant at the door who verified my boarding pass. I then turned right and made my way to my seat.

This aircraft has a 3-3 configuration of leather seats. There is no First class cabin and each seat has an individual TV. Movies are 5 USD plus you have channels from Direct TV and XM Satellite radio that are complimentary.

You can see Live TV when you are within 45 minutes of the shores of the U.S. and of course when you are flying over the U.S. They always run Times on Air on channel 41 so you always have something to watch or listen to.

I found my seat and got settled in. Soon, the Captain came out of the cockpit and welcomed us onboard and advised that our flying time today would be 2:55. He also added that we would depart in about eight minutes and all was well for an ontime departure. He concluded by saying the weather in Orlando was good and sunny. He then hung up the PA system and disappeared into the cockpit.

The manual safety demo started as we were pushed back and pulled forward out of the alley way. Just before the demo one of the flight attendant gave us a briefing on the emergency exit door usage and what to do in an emergency, ensuring that we were all O.K. with it, via a verbal O.K.

We began our taxi out to runway 8. On our way out there, I saw the American Airlines (AA) Boeing 757-200 that has the yellow ribbon on the tail.

A private jet rotated just in front of me as we continued our taxi. The captain then said it was time for us to depart, so we took to the runway and were airborne in no time. Here is what I saw on takeoff.





After takeoff, one of the flight attendants gave us a review of the service. Complimentary drinks will be offered, plus you may also purchase drinks. In addition, the LiveTV service will not activate until about 45 minutes away from Orlando. By the way, one of our flight attendants is called Orlando. One of the flight attendants pointed that out much to his chagrin.

One of the flight attendants handed out free headsets as they have a surplus here in San Juan says the flight attendant. They are normally 1 USD.

There are 41 channels, 38-40 are used for the paid movies; Mama Mia and another movie (with Will Farrell) were on.

At 36,000', with 2:30 (1:03p local) remaining the Captain came on and said to enjoy the service.

Soon a flight attendant came by and asked what we wanted to drink offering a bottle of water if you needed it.

I ordered a Mohito which was for 3 USD, but was told it was 8 USD as it is 5 USD for the rum. Funny how the booklet in the seat pocket did not mention that.

At 12:44p, a flight attendant an announcement that the following snacks were being offered; sweet potato chips, pumpkin ginger cookies, chocolate chip cookies and cashew nuts, Doritos munchies mix.

As we flew along it was amazing to see the islands outside.



At 1:25p, the channels started appearing. We were within an hour of our arrival into Orlando. The Channels were:
ESPN1/2, ESPN NEWS, ESPN U, Big 10, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNBC, NC, CNN< CW, Live Map, TWC, TBS, TNT, Comedy Channel, USA, Bravo, FX, SciFi, A&E, History Channel, National Geographic, Discovery, TLC, Food, Travel, HGTV, Animal Planet, Cartoon, Nickelodeon, TVLand, MTV, VH1, VH1C and Setanta Sports.







I watched a few programs and did fall asleep for a bit as well.
On landing, I did see an airplane off to the right landing; it was a beautiful sight.

The French Caribbean Connection: Arriving in San Juan, PR (SJU) from Point a Pitre, Guadeloupe (PTP)

29NOV08 San Juan, PR (SJU)

We touched down at 10:30a and made our way to the terminal. We all deplaned walked across the tarmac to the main terminal.

Once inside, we followed the directions to the Immigration area. I presented my documents as there is no Global Entry here.

I then cleared Customs downstairs and made my way through the maze to the exit. I found the Continental ticket counter and got our tickets for the next leg of our journey. Meanwhile I was on the phone with American making a listing for the San Juan, PR (SJU) to Miami, FL (MIA) segment.

With tickets in hand, we made our way over to the American ticket counter to check in. It was now about 11:05. We thought we could make the 11:25a, but the check-in line was pretty long and there was a lady re-packing her stuff so that would not work.

We got checked in for the 2:10p, checked the loads and realized that we would not make it as the standby list was way too long.

We then decided to go buy a JetBlue ticket on the 2:25p to Orlando, FL (MCO) instead as our chances of making it to Houston, TX (IAH) today were better from Orlando, FL.

We got in line and after waiting for a bit, we were able to purchase the ticket and got exit row seating.

We then cleared security after I asked the TSA guy why he had to check my ticket before I went into the Expert lane just to have another TSA guy check my ticket. It is really so stupid since there is only one guy there and you have to wait behind the other passengers who are not in the expert category just to have someoen check my ticket. oh well.

The gate was close by, so we strolled over there. The flight had just arrived and passengers were deplaining. At about 11:50p, boarding started.