Port of Spain May 2008: Caribbean Airlines in pictures

A Boeing 737-800 arriving in Piarco (POS) [9Y-SLU]

A Dash 8-300 arriving in Piarco (POS)

A Dash 8-300 arriving in Piarco (POS)

A Dash 8-300 arriving in Piarco (POS)

9Y-SLU arriving in Piarco (POS)

9Y-SLU arriving in Piarco (POS)

9Y-GEO sitting at the gate in Piarco (POS)

9Y-GEO sitting at the gate in Piarco (POS)

9Y-GEO sitting at the gate in Piarco (POS)

9Y-GEO sitting at the gate in Piarco (POS)

A Dash 8-300 arriving in Piarco (POS)

9Y-POS seen at the gate in Piarco (POS) before a trip to Tobago (TAB)

A Dash 8-300 taking off from Tobago (TAB)

A Boeing 737-800 taking off from Tobago (TAB)

A Boeing 737-800 taking off from Tobago (TAB)

A Boeing 737-800 taking off from Tobago (TAB)

A Dash 8-300 taking off from Tobago (TAB)

A Dash 8-300 just landed in Tobago (TAB)

9Y-SLU at the gate in Piarco (POS) in an interim livery

A Dash 8-300 in Piarco (POS) in the old livery

A Dash-8-300 in Trinidad (POS)

A Dash8-300 in Tobago (TAB)

A Boeing 737-800 with winglets in Tobago (TAB)

Port of Spain May 2008: Arriving in Piarco International, Piarco Trinidad (POS) from Tobago

31MAY08 Piarco International, Piarco Trinidad (POS)

We touched down smoothly and started taxiing to the gate. The lone flight attendant welcomed us to Trinidad and wished us a pleasant onward journey. I think he is the coolest flight attendant I’ve ever flown with. It was like nothing really mattered, it seemed.

We pulled up to the gate and I could see that other Dash-8 that had taken off before us to the left; it had already deposited its load of passengers and was being boarded for another trip to Tobago.

As I left the aircraft, I was able to take a shot of 9Y-SLU [named after St. Lucia] sitting at the gate in a white paint scheme with “Caribbean Airlines” on the side and also one of the Dash-3 still in the old livery.

This is the tail of our plane.

Once in the terminal, we had the meals that we bought in Tobago. This was really good food; it was goat dinner; curried goat meat, rice, vegetables and macaroni pie. I stood on a line to get drinks from Kentucky. It took forever and when I got up there they had no Mountain Dew as they had ran out. How do you run out of Mountain Dew at 1:15p at an airport? Good grief. So I only just had a bottle of water. Lee ended up going to another place to get it. I love the Caribbean as there is never any sense of urgency at all, even at an airport; it takes a little getting used to.

I had called Alexis and advised that we had come back early and were having lunch. He showed up in a few minutes with the details of the next part of our journey.

Port of Spain May 2008: Crown Point International, Tobago (TAB) to Piarco International, Piarco Trinidad (POS)

BW1541 31MAY08 Crown Point International, Scarborough Tobago (TAB) to Piarco International, Piarco Trinidad (POS) 12:55p 1:20p DH3 9Y-WIT

Flight Time: 0:20
Seat Map

The flight attendant greeted us and ushered us forward in this 2-2 configured cabin.

We noticed that the flight still had a few open seats. We looked out and some more passengers were heading our way. Actually, we got two seats next to each other on the left side of the plane; I took the window, Lee the aisle.

By the time the door closed, there was only one empty seat on the plane. The flight attendant did a manual demo, told us the flying time was 0:20, the engines started and we departed under our own power. There was actually another Dash-8-300 (BW1535 at 12:40p) next to us which had left only moments before we did-destination Port of Spain as well. This one was still painted in the BWIA Express colors, hey our plane was still white with just the name “Caribbean Airlines” on the side. There is still one maybe two of the Boeing 737-800s that is painted white with just the name “Caribbean Airlines” on the side as well.

This was our plane.

The flight we did not take; our original flight. Nasty windows caused the image to be so bad.

We took off relatively quickly on the lone runway and made a right turn as we did so.

It was good to see the mountain range and the shores of the northern part of Trinidad.


Tobago

Northern Trinidad

It was nice to see the city below us again in all its glory.

Before long, I noticed the runway in sight and we made a left turn to line up with it.

Not sure why, but the Captain was swerving from left to right across the runway’s center line.

As we approached the airport runway, you could see a Boeing 737-800 in the Caribbean Airlines hangar.

There was also a number of helicopters from the helicopter operation that goes out to the oilfields.

Port of Spain May 2008: Departing Crown Point for Trinidad

31MAY08 Crown Point International, Scarborough Tobago (TAB)

We arrived at the airport promptly at 12:30p with our lunches in tow, cleared security with ease and settled in. Our flight BW1543 was scheduled for a 1:10p departure time. We had an awesome few hours in Tobago and could really have spent some more time there. We had done the beach, had some local food and bonded with the locals.

We noticed that they were boarding BW1541 which left at 12:55p and inquired if we could stand by for it. The agent told us to sit where he can see us and if there was any chance, he would advise. He also told us that there was another passenger before us as well.

We waited for about two minutes, then he called all three of us forward and we boarded via the hardstand.

Port of Spain May 2008: Arriving in Crown Point International, Scarborough Tobago (TAB)

31MAY08 Crown Point International, Scarborough Tobago (TAB)


We touched down smoothly at 9:49a, but were really loud as we decelerated. The airplane took the full length of the runway, then turned around on the runway and headed back to the terminal getting in at 9:53a.

The tow and fire house

The end of the runway, before we turned around.

The beach is right there as you land.

Yes, the houses are this close.

The lady next to me asked if I minded that she wait until most of the passengers have disembarked and I said no problem. Of course Lee was waiting outside, but I wanted to be nice.

As I was getting off, i snapped a picture of the airport signage. A security guard approached me and told me to delete the photo, so I did :-(.

I joined Lee later on the tarmac and told him of the bad news. We then went through the baggage claim area to meet with Alexis' brother who would be the tour guide for our short stay in Tobago.
Here is our plane sitting on the tarmac getting ready to head back to Port of Spain.

Port of Spain May 2008: Piarco International, Piarco Trinidad to Crown Point International, Scarborough Tobago (TAB)

BW230 31MAY08 Piarco International, Piarco Trinidad to Crown Point International, Scarborough Tobago (TAB) 9:30a 10:10a 738 with winglets 9Y-POS

Flight Time: 0:12
Seat Map

It was quite the walk throughout the airport to get to the airplane. Finally after many twists and turns and being directed by the ground staff, we made it. We were greeted by the lead flight attendant with a warm Caribbean greeting. I mentioned to her about the forward cabin seat incident and she said sorry, but there is nothing she can do. We were a bit solemn, as we walked by the empty seats we had desired and at least the one that Lee had chosen.

The aircraft has a 2-2 configuration in Business class; the seats are leather and in a burgundy color. In Economy class, the seats are cloth and in a 3-3 configuration.

I got to my seat row and there was a guy sitting there all buckled in. I asked him what seat he had and as it turns out it was the aisle. Normally, I would not have him move, but I specifically picked a window so I could enjoy the flight and the sights. I got in and soon after the girl for the middle showed up.

A flight attendant came on the PA at 9:06a and welcomed us on board and stated the flight time was 0:12. Incredible and it takes like an hour or so to board :-(. It was 9:11a, when the monitors flipped down and showed us our location and destination as well as distance and flight time.

We finally left the gate at 9:28a with a few seats open after a few passengers ran on board late. I even got some sleep in and was able to read the entire In-flight magazine while waiting. The safety demo was done manually; I wonder if they have a video of it? I did notice that they have a row 13 which is interesting.

We pushed back and headed for the lone runway at 28-10. We were off in no time and climed to about 8,000'. I was up the whole 12 minutes. This aircraft has a huge winglet!

For the routing, basically, we made a quick arch... It was beautiful to see the country below though before we cleared the mountains, then started our descent in Tobago.




Tobago


Of course there was no service. I never saw the flights attendants after the safety demo.

Port of Spain May 2008: Getting ready to go to Tobago

Piarco International, Piarco Trinidad

We arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare since our efforts were so fruitless. Alexis had suggested that we eat doubles, a local fare at the airport.

We approached the “Domestic Flights” checkin counter and walked right up to the agent as there was no line. I commented to Lee that it was odd that it said that since the only domestic flight for Caribbean Airlines is to Tobago. Why did it just not say “Tobago Flights”.

We presented our IDs to agents and waited. One agent handed Lee a boarding pass with 7C on it, so he inquired what happened to the seat he had selected the night before in 3A? The agent who was helping me said that those seats are for “Special Passengers.” Annoyed, I asked why did the online check-in program allow us to pick it and then actually print a boarding pass for it. She said she did not know.

Realizing I was not getting anywhere, we collected our aisle and window seats boarding passes not in the first class cabin and departed.

It was time to get something to eat so we did. After about two doubles each and some water, we headed back to the terminal. Lee wanted some juice so we went over to Kentucky, but the line was long so we went to another place. It would seem as if we were disturbing the lady at the counter, as the service was lacking. I even had to ask her to clean off the drink from the side of the cup as she had spilled it all over it. Ticked off, she did not offer a straw, so we had to get that from another worker.

I heard them make the boarding call for the flight although it was only 8:30a. they made the call again, so we decided to say goodbye to Alexis for now and clear the security area designated for the Tobago flights only.

We showed our boarding passes and walked through the open door onto a walkway next to the tarmac. I saw a Boeing 737-800 with winglets in the distance and figured that was our plane. Only I could not figure out how we would get there since we were on the tarmac and the airplane was at a jet bridge.

Port of Spain May 2008: Printing a boarding pass

Port of Spain, Trinidad

As we were leaving the next morning early for the airport, we went online and tried to check-in for the flights. I was given a nice error message and told my reservation was in order, but I had to go to the airport to check-in. I tried to figure out the reason and since I had changed my ticket since it was purchased, the electronic ticket and the reservation were not in sync. So the ticket showed the flight I booked and the reservation showed the one I really wanted and had called to have changed a few days earlier.

I tried to check in Lee and to our surprise, we noticed that the seat map showed First class seats; this is an all Economy class market served by Dash-3s, but they had added a Boeing 737-800 due to the loads. It was a Holiday weekend in Trinidad & Tobago (Indian Arrival Day), so there was lots of people going back and forth between the two islands.

I picked seat 3A for Lee and displayed the boarding pass as we did not have a printer on which to print it. He was elated and I told him that hopefully I would join him at seat 4A in the morning.

The next morning we got our stuff ready and departed at about 6:45a as Alexis had already arrived. We were trying to find a place to eat breakfast, but were unsuccessful as one place was closed down, another was not serving food until 11:00a and yet another was not yet opened.

Dismayed, we headed for the airport.

Port of Spain May 2008: Arriving in Piarco International, Port of Spain, Trinidad (POS)

Piarco International, Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago (POS)

We landed quietly at 7:22p and taxied up to the seemingly deserted terminal. We were the only airplane in the entire airport.

There was a burst of clapping as we touched down; typical for flights to the Caribbean. There was also raucous talking going on with a group of passengers and the flight attendant had to make an announcement to be quiet as they were scaring the children. It was quite funny.

I deplaned thanking the flight attendants as I left and headed for the Immigration area. After a long wait; the agents were just slow, I cleared and headed for the Customs area. I had spotted my friend waiting for me so I waived to him.

So, I was outside and greeted him and then waited for Lee to arrive at 8:10p or so.

Lee: Port of Spain May 2008 - Atlanta, GA (ATL) to Port of Spain, Piarco Trinidad (POS)

DL387 30May08 Atlanta Hartsfield International, Atlanta, GA (ATL) to Piarco International, Piarco Trinidad (POS) 2:55p 7:43p 738

Seat 2D, Business Class

Flight Time:
Seat Map

I have finally arrived back into Atlanta after a crazy routing. Since I am a revenue passenger, I have to look at ticket costs very close before deciding on a crazy trip. This trip ended up being

1. Newark, NJ (EWR) to Atlanta, GA (ATL)
2. Atlanta, GA (ATL) to Port of Spain, Trinidad (POS)
3. Port of Spain, Trinidad (POS) to Atlanta, GA (ATL)
4. Atlanta, GA (ATL) to Newark, NJ (EWR)

as this was a very cheap flight – 1/3 the price of a normal ticket actually. I then bought a one way ATL-EWR ticket to reposition for the flight so this morning I got up at 5:30am to see EWR for 40 minutes on the ATL-EWR-ATL turn.

When I landed in Atlanta I got word from Kerwin that he ended up getting on the non-stop Houston, TX (IAH) to POS flight and will actually be in about 30 minutes before me. I am glad that after what seemed like months of trying to pin him down to definite plans to meet me on another international journey that he decided to do it.

As a revenue passenger, I do not get nearly as many opportunities to fly internationally for a weekend and when I do, it is great to have a friend that can meet me in exotic destinations.

I get to the gate of the POS flight and check in with the agent to find out if they have cleared standby upgrades. I am immediately presented with a boarding pass for 3D in the business cabin. Delta does an upgraded business service to non Business Elite destinations that includes a multi course meal, printed menu and upgraded wines.

I board the flight at 30 minutes before departure. About half way through boarding my seatmate arrives in 3C. Through small talk I find out she lives in the same town as me and is actually less than 5 minutes from my house.

We are late pushing back from the gate due to a large number of mis-connects. Two bags have to be removed from the flight as the people did not make the plane. Also, the duty free delivery did not show up by the time they closed the door for the first time. They had to reopen the door and we had four more people board during this second wind.

One of the two flight attendants comes around with champagne and mimosas for pre-departure drinks. After pushback, the same flight attendant comes around to get meal orders. The flight attendant stops by my seat first and after addressing me by name, I order the fillet.

We take off on runway 9L and have an extremely long takeoff roll. 2,200 miles in a fully loaded Boeing 737-800 takes quite a bit of gas. After our slow climb to cruising altitude, the movie and dinner service starts. I was a little shocked to see our meal delivered in one course as typically with business destinations there is a 2 course presentation: 1st course is the salad and the 2nd course is the main meal. I had a white Sauvignon Blanc wine to start, and then a French Bordeaux and a domestic Shiraz red wine with the main meal.

After the meal and movie was over, I decided to go talk to the New York JFK-based flight crew working in business class. I found out they will not be our return crew as the plane leaves with them on Saturday morning to JFK.

The crew only has a 10 hour layover instead of the extra day I thought they had as I did not realize that Delta had started JFK to POS already. We trade travel stories for a little while and one of the flight attendant decides to give me a bottle of the French Bordeaux that I loved so much as a “thank you” present for flying with Delta so much. I oversee the flight manifest for the business cabin and see that I am only 1 of 2 revenue passengers up front and the only medallion.

Port of Spain May 2008: Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) to Piarco International, Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago (POS)

CO418 30MAY08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) to Piarco International, Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago (POS) 1:05p 7:33p N??273 738 with winglets

Flight Time: 4:58
Seat Map

I boarded this 2-2 leather seat cabin with its 20 First class cabin and 132 Economy class cloth seats. I took my First class seat at the window opening the windows as I did so.

I was offered a pre-departure drink as I became comfortable. Soon, the door closed and then the safety video started on the overhead monitors. Push back also commenced at the same time a few minutes earlier then the scheduled departure time.

Takeoff was almost immediate at this time of the day. I did see a Frontier (F9) Airbus A319 taxiing by just before we made it onto the runway and was airborne in no time.

The takeoff was cool as it was an unusually clear day and I could see downtown Houston clearly. We kind of hang there for a bit as we made our way towards Galveston, TX. The visibility was awesome. Soon, we made it to the Galveston coast and was over the Gulf of Mexico heading south for Port of Spain.

After takeoff an announcement was made welcoming us onboard and encouraging us to participate in the OnePass program. Also, beer wine and mixed drinks were 5 USD in Economy class, but headsets were complimentary for the movie “PS: I Love You.”

A flight attendant came by and took our dinner orders; we had a choice of Halibut, pasta or beef and veal medallion. I chose the Halibut.

A welcome aboard from the Captain was made at 1:40p cruising at 37,000’ seat belt signs were turned off. Repeated flying time as 4:58 arriving 1 minutes ahead of schedule at 7:22p; there is a one hour time change as Port of Spain is an hour ahead and then temperature is 91F with scattered clouds. Sit back and relax and we will update the conditions as we get closer.

Hot towel service followed. I heard a crash and apparently one of the flight attendants had dropped a can of soda which created quite a mess unfortunately.

It was interesting to see the oil rigs as we crossed the Gulf of Mexico. They just kept going on and on for ever.

Table cloths were laid soon after as the movie ‘PS: I love You” commenced on the overhead monitors.

Dinner arrived and was delectably delightful. First a tray with a salad and an appetizer of shrimp and crab meat and a choice of a warm roll. The Halibut came next with red rice, asparagus and red peppers. This stuff is really good and I ate it all!

Ice cream sundae was offered after dinner; good grief, I though I’m full. That did not stop me from indulging of course. I chose cherries and strawberries from the slew of toppings she offered. I continued to sip my wines; the 2006 Uma Shiraz from Mendoza Argentina and the Chardonnay.

When we got to the West coast of Florida at 3:50p local time, the Captain told us and said that we were passing directly over Fort Myers ; advising that there are thunderstorms coming up ahead and we may have to turn n the seat belt signs.

I was really tired so I went to sleep. I did not awake until we had already started our descent. I did notice a form on the table. It was my Immigration form. I filled it out just as we were landing. It was beautiful outside although it was pitch black.

Port of Spain May 2008: Leaving Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

I cleared the light security and headed for the Presidents Club where I got a quick snack of cheese and crackers, picked up some newspapers and then headed for E21.

Once there, I waited patiently until the agent was done changing seats for a couple who wanted to sit together. I then got an aisle seat in the first row and asked if there was a window available. Sure enough there was and it was assigned to me.

I thanked the agents and then boarded the waiting wingleted Boeing 737-800.

Port of Spain May 2008: Leaving Downtown Houston, TX

Downtown Houston, TX

I was fortunate. A colleague of mine had sent out a “come wish me happy birthday and have some donuts e-mail,” so my colleagues came over and wished me a good day. This was really nice…one of them indicated that she was going to Alaska on a 3:45p flight and if I wanted a ride, I could have one. Well, I never turn down a ride, so I said yes.

I then made a reservation for the nonstop 1:05p flight to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (POS) hoping that if I get to the airport ontime, I’ll just take it. Otherwise, it would be the under capacity by one and fluctuating 4:18p flight or the Air Canada’s 5:10p departure to Lester B. Pearson International in Toronto, Ontario Canada (YYZ) on the CRJ-700.

We departed the office promptly at noon and were picked up downstairs in about 7 minutes. As traffic was light, we arrived at Terminal E at about 12:25p; fantastic, now I can catch the 1:05p flight. Although I am a little disappointed about not heading to Toronto and then down on Caribbean Airlines (BW). I am such a glutton for punishment. It is a good thing that I will be able to take their Boeing 737-800 on my trip to Tobago tomorrow and then a Dash-3 on the way back; so that takes care of the entire fleet ;-).