Flight Reservation Question

[Bobo912]

The departure date for the Galapagos trip is fast approaching and I've started worrying about the way I booked our flights. So here's the story...airfare from Miami to Guayquil was included in the price of the trip, so I just needed to get DS and myself from Nashville to Miami to join the group flight which is on American. On the flight down I'm using Southwest freebies and flying into Ft Lauderdale, so that one is what it is and I won't be changing it because it saved me over $500 and would cost even more than that to change it now. For the flight home, I booked a flight on American from Miami to Nashville. I was watching the fare on this flight in August after I booked the trip and it was fluctuating a lot, so when I saw it go down, I booked it. Also, didn't see any reason to pay $100 to Lindblad to book the same flight for me. But now I'm thinking we'll have to pick up our bags, check in and check our bags a second time, and go through security again and that will be inconvenient. The layover is more than 6 hours, so we have plenty of time to do all that, but since I'm a worrier I've started to think "what if the flight was delayed by hours?" I even looked up the stats on the flight and the maximum delay was 13 minutes, so I'm somewhat comforted by that. On the other hand, at least picking up the luggage, checking in, etc. will keep us occupied for part of the long layover. Am I crazy to worry? Should I call Lindblad, pay them the $100, and see if they can take over my reservation and link it with the one they made for me? Can they even do that?

 

[sjlsk8r]

It doesn't make any difference what airline you use on your return flight or who it is booked through. You will still have to pick up your luggage and recheck it in Miami because you will clear customs and immigration when you reenter the US in Miami. Miami is usually quick to clear, but it will still take some time (I usually figure a couple hours to clear customs, recheck luggage, go back through security and get to my next gate). There is an airport hotel in Miami and sometimes you can get day passes to use the pool or fitness facilities. You may want to pack a swimsuit in your carry on and look into that option - especially if your flight gets delayed. Personally, my favorite way to pass time at Miami airport is to grab a bite to eat at La Careta (cafeteria style cuban cusine).

 

[Bobo912]

Thanks for the info. I love ariports with hotels. Our flight out of Miami is at 9:55PM, so if it's delayed we'll probably be flying home the next day. Good to know there is a hotel onsite.