On this trip I tried to use an ID 90 and it almost ruined my entire trip when. going to Trinidad. The lack of knowledge in the airline industry of ID 90s and code shares rivals that of a user friendly computer.
This trip really started 2 Months prior when I started looking for Books on travel options. I started looking for flights on the Web Timetable. Since our trip was to Trinidad and my airline doesn’t go there at the time, I knew I would have to use an ID 90. The only airline timetable that brought up any flights was American’s Saber. There were several three leg choices, but only one out of my city that had two legs, British West Indies Airways (BWIA). Unknown to me it was a code share flight on United. Since it is difficult to tell on American Airlines website if it is a code share, check all the timetables on the web to be sure. It was also the first strike.
With an idea of how to get to Trinidad, it was then time to see where to stay and what to do. All the printed books that could be found were reviewed and The Rough Guide on Trinidad was selected. It encompassed all the unique characteristics of the Islands which were almost non-existent. On Trinidad we selected the North Shore due to the fact it had some of the best beeches. On Tobago, we selected Mt. Irvine due to its close proximity to the best the island had to offer.
Armed with this information, I then went to my base’s office to check policy. The secretaries in the office informed me of my benefits without looking at the policy manual. My second strike.
At the ticket counter, I started to put my travel plan together. I timed my work for my tickets to coincide with their low time. They were very personable, but were quite new and not sure on how to book ID 90s. I literally had to bring up my web site timetable to show them the flights . It showed that BWIA WOULD GO to Mia to Port of Spain (POS) . The return trip would go Tobago (TAB) to POS to MIA then home on BWIA and American. That was strike three. I was not going on my trip a month before I showed up at the airport and didn’t even know it.
Two weeks prior I called BWIA to check loads It turned out to be a code share with United. They assured me there was 2 seats in first class and 10 in coach. 1day prior I checked loads, still wide open 2 and 10 with no standbys. They didn’t tell the whole truth.
I showed up at 6:45AM for an 8:30 flight. The United ticket counter was taken aback by our tickets . I explained it was a code share flight but they needed a United ticket for there record. Back to my airline’s ticket counter to reissue our tickets with plenty time to spare. Even if we missed this flight, I had backup on American. Back to United only to find the Aircraft is oversold. When asked about BWIA code share, they had no idea what I was talking about. Back to my airline’s ticket counter to exchange my United ID90 for an American ID 90 when problems really started to happen. The ticket person informed me that I couldn’t use the tickets I was given because I was not eligible. I quickly called the secretary who insisted I was eligible. I then got out of line to call the personnel office and get the final word. It turned out that I wasn’t eligible and had to go into damage control mode.
Rule number one, the 10% rule. 90% of the people want to help you. If you find the 10% who don’t help you, walk away like I did. I found an agent who was an expert with the reservation system and pass privileges. He actually saved me money.
Rule number two. Travel as long as you can on your own airline, no mater how many legs it takes. I thought that using an ID90 would reduce the amount of legs and make it easier to get to my destination. At least I thought that by having an ID 90, my seniority would have some weight, but it didn’t. Try to fly on your own airline for as far as you can and use the ID 90 on the last portion. Then only use the ID 90 as a backup if you cannot jumpseat.
If you must use an ID 90 make sure it is not a code share. Make sure you are on the airline who is actually flying the leg on you ticket. When you get your tickets, put them together in separate bunches for each airline. This keeps the ticket agent from getting confused on what your flight itinerary is.
Finally, don’t rely on someone else’s interpretation of company policy for travel. Get a copy of the rules to show the 10 % of the agents who don’t want to help what your benefits are.
We picked up our ID 90, American Eagle, in San Juan. We checked in 4 hours before the flight which is the earliest time I could. It was also the earliest time we could get the jumpseat. We had enough time to get the Cornish Hen Cuban style near the airport called the Metropal, great recommendation by the gate agents at American Eagle. After a 2.5 hour hop on an ATR42, we were in t e new Port of Spain airport which is very modern and efficient.
Our stay was on the north side of the island which is known for it’s picturesque secluded beaches. The area did not disappoint. Along the winding road, the first quaint village worth taking advantage of is Maracas. Not only does it encompass great ocean views framed by high cliffs, but many stands are available to sell souvenirs as well as the local delicacy, shark and bake. Even though souvenirs can be obtained here, this location is for those who want to get away from the tourist traps.
We traveled past Maracas deeper into the lush vegetation to a remote fishing village named Blanchisseuse. This place is only for those who want to get away from it all.
Coco’s Hut and Laguna Mar Beach resort owned by Fred is probably the most luxurious inn at the end of the more improved road . Fred, a Marine who was with VMCJ-3 stationed in 1958 in Japan, is very personable and will take good care of you.
We also took a walking tour to Paria. This is were you get to see mot of the flora and fauna of Trinidad. Get a guide to walk the 7 mile trek but it is for the very experienced even with a guide.
Better to walk toward Paria until the road is impassable by car. These are the best coastal views.
Take the boat to get to see the waterfall and great beach views.
We then took the ferry from Port of Spain Trinidad to Scarborough Tobago. Another adventure which was to last 5 to 6 hours. in reality it was 6.5 there ( leaves at 2:00pm) and 6 hours back (leaves at 11:00PM). The cost for this return trip was 60tt coach, 80tt first, and 160tt for a cabin which you can sleep in. We took the cabin and used it as a hotel on the way back to Port of Spain Trinidad to catch the early morning flight home. Be sure to get there at least 2 hours early, which is the soonest to board, and remember this is roughing it. For those how don’t mind turbo props, for 300tt return you can take a 1/2 hour flight .
Once on Tobago, there are many beautiful beaches to visit. This island is defiantly more for the tourist, but is by no means a tourist trap. People here are friendly and helpful. Crown Point has most of the action and entertainment like the great steel band, Our Boys, Golden Star. It also good locations to see sunsets like the bar at the Crown Point Hotel, which also has great rooms.
Other great beaches to watch sunsets and lounge around on are Mt. Irvine beach and Grafton beach. Grafton Hotel is great and has a great location with many things to do. Although the best rum punch is at Mt Irvine Beach Bar just down the road.
Now is the time to go to Trinidad and Tobago. It is Carnival time so the party is finally warming up. Hurry up and enjoy!