Jamaica

[h25b]

Think we're going to be going to Kingston, Jamaica next week in our Learjet 31A. Perhaps some of our more experienced international/carribean operators will have some pointers.

 

[empenage]

Yea...dont go to Kingston..you could get killed. Go to Montego Bay.

 

[G100driver]

Call Universal NOW and have them arrange a Cuban overflight permit. I believe it takes 48-72 hours to process.

If you have them arrange handling the trip will be easy and they will make you look good.

 

[h25b]

Thanks, got Universal working with overflight permits and have talked to them... Any tricks during the overfight to worry about ???

I think we're going to end up somewhere other than Kingston...

 

[G100driver]

Flying over Cuba is a peice of cake. No tricks. The only bummer is you cannot land there. A "Canadian" friend of mine was there last year and told me that it is like stepping back in time. Nothing has changed since the revolution in 1959. They are still driving T-Birds dancing to 50's rock and roll.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

Kingston.

forgettaboutit.

what a $hithole. pure savages.

 

[Kingairrick]

Baseops in Houston sells Cuban overflight permits and handling for about 1/2 what universal charges. They can also get Cuban overflights in about 60 minutes if needed for $245 each way. I always used them when going to Cayman/ Jamaica/ Costa Rica. I also second the advice to stay out of Kingston. If you wind up anywhere else, you'll be OK. Just don't leave the hotel grounds, or get to close to the fences...

 

[h25b]

Baseops in Houston sells Cuban overflight permits and handling for about 1/2 what universal charges. They can also get Cuban overflights in about 60 minutes if needed for $245 each way. I always used them when going to Cayman/ Jamaica/ Costa Rica. I also second the advice to stay out of Kingston. If you wind up anywhere else, you'll be OK. Just don't leave the hotel grounds, or get to close to the fences...

Thanks, we're now going to Montego Bay...

 

[BenderGonzales]

If I give you $50... could you bring something back for me?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
j/k

 

[Kingairrick]

In Montego Bay, I stayed at Breezes. All inclusive resort, fairly close to the airport. The food is not great, but the drinks are included so you probably won't notice. It has a good beach, with a decent beach bar that is not part of the hotel. Use cash, the beach bar charged my card twice. (I disputed and was reimbursed.) IF you leave the hotel, you will be accosted by every male in Jamaica attempting to sell you their sister/weed/authentic (made in China) souveniers. Now if you can swing a room at the Ritz Carlton Rose Hall (where your pax will be) it's a whole 'nother story.

 

[On Your Six]

Don't get out of the airplane at Kingston - biggest shiitehole I've been to in years. Some nice people here and there, but you feel like your life is in jeopardy most of the time... Mo'Bay is much, much nicer...

 

[CapnVegetto]

Make SURE you put yourself up at a resort. Not a hotel, a RESORT. And whatever you do, DON'T LEAVE THE RESORT. Live at the pool and hotel bar. If you leave, you're subject to getting shot, killed, beat up, robbed, or attacked by killer chickens.

On a funny side note, the only time I've been there, when I was clearing customs, the customs inspector lady asked me if I was bringing any drugs into Jamaica. I was like 'What the hell??? Isn't that like bringing Slim-Fast into Ethiopia?"

 

[Citjok]

At Montego Bay try to leave the plane fueled before you leave for the hotel. It takes forever to get things done at this airport. All the handlers are VERY slow.
Don't rely on handlers to make hotel res for you. But besides that enjoy the beach.

 

[flyinlow67]

Isn't that like bringing Slim-Fast into Ethiopia?"

OMG! LMAO!!!
That's just wrong...I love it!!

 

[kilroy]

Universal has made us look bad more then good. I'm up to $10000 in custom violations because of them..Twice I had to fly around Cuba because they forgot our over flights. Got fined for flying thru Chile's airspace. Almost got shot in Columbia because they forgot to update locals. So be very carefull when letting Universal do all your flight planning and customs..

Call Universal NOW and have them arrange a Cuban overflight permit. I believe it takes 48-72 hours to process.

If you have them arrange handling the trip will be easy and they will make you look good.