How early??

[inkkognito]

For our upcoming trip, we have a much earlier than usual flight (11:30 on American, which normally has a very long line...checking in our luggage at the port is not an option due to the early flight time). Since this is a first for us (yes, there are some things we haven't experienced yet, even in 23 cruises!), I would love to hear from others on the earliest you were allowed to disembark. I know that it varies, but I have never paid attention because we generally take our time. We'll be able to leave immediately after disembarking, as we are taking Happy Limo, but I need to know what time to tell them to pick us up. Any feedback would be appreciated! I am very anal and like to get to the airport really early (we also like to be early to try for exit row seats).
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[dylan'smom]

It was at 8:30 for both of our cruises. We were not the first ones off the boat either time, of course. I wish I knew when the first people were let off, but hope this helps...

 

[Señor Ferrari]

In 4 cruises, I think we were off by 8:00am each time. The latest we were ever back to the airport and through securtiy was 10:15am this past December. This was taking the DCL buses and having to wait in line to check our luggage, as port and skycap check-in were still suspended at that time. We usually do early dinner and we went to breakfast in the dining room that morning (at 6:45). If I remember correctly, we're usually off the ship at around 7:30 and out of the terminal (luggage found and through Customs) before 8:00am.

 

[SJCSuzy]

Barb,

We are on the same flight on Aug 24th. I asked earlier and Webmaster Michelle (I think) said they would check your bags at the port as long as your flight is after 11am. We're planning to be picked up by TiffanyTownCar at 745am, I'll let you know how it goes when we get back if that helps.

 

[castawayfan]

We have gotten off the ship at 7:30 three times in a row. All three times we had early (9:50) flights back home. I have been concerned each time that we were really pushing it, but we have made it with time to spare. We have early dinner so early breakfast seating and then get in line to get off the boat. We have been lucky enough to find our luggage right away and zip off to the airport. We do fly Northwest so we don't have long lines and have the option of eticket checkin which helps a lot. Sometimes the airlines will go through the lines and pull our people who have early flights so you don't miss your flight. I think you will make it in plenty of time.

 

[inkkognito]

SJCSuzy,
Thanks for the offer to let us know how it goes, but we will be enroute before you return!! We're sailing on Aug. 29th so we're returning on the 28th. It would be nice to be able to check our luggage at the port, although twice when we've done that it's gotten lost!! But it always made its way home eventually (I was jealous once because it went to San Juan, and American wouldn't let us go retrieve it ).
I'm thinking that I will set up our pickup for 8 a.m. Happy is reliable, so I know they will be there...barring any major traffic, we should be okay. Since it's early enough, in worst case scenario we can fly standby on something later. I'll just hate getting up so early...I love the later flights that allow us to take our time, but sometimes the price is just too good to resist.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com