Consumer Reviews of

Airlines that Fly to Abaco

These are comments expressed on the old Abaco Message Board as well as the new Abaco Forum. I have provided the username of the author, the date of the post, and a link to the post so that you can read the comment in the context of the thread. I haven't verified any of these comments, take them at face value.

General Comments and Hints, Part One  (thanks to Brian Hutchinson of Ottawa)

• When you make your reservations, try to use one carrier; the fare is usually less expensive.
  

• Try to avoid returning through MIA (Miami); the line at Customs can be 1-2 hours, and you risk missing your next flight.
  

• If you are taking several pieces of luggage, be prepared to live without some of them for a few days; luggage does get lost.
  

• Put some essentials in a carry-on bag: medications, bathing suit, undies, T-shirt (some folks can get through an entire vacation with just this stuff).
  

• Consider flying through Nassau, it may be cheaper.
  

• At the airport, relax and be flexible. We have seen travelers yell at ticket agents; it doesn’t help, they are usually just the messenger. If you are reasonable, they can put you in a hotel, pay for taxis, meals, etc. BUT, they’re a lot less likely to extend themselves if you have a bad attitude.
  

• If you are traveling through South Florida and have connections that involve different airports, or you are planning on spending the night in the Lauderdale /Miami area before catching a flight the next morning, check out South Florida Airports and Accommodations.
  

• If you need help with air travel planning and reservations, check out Planning Your Air Travel to Abaco.
  

Bahamas Airport Security tightened;  January 1, 2006

(press release by Tosheena Robinson-Blair )

With the graduation of 72 new security guards trained in the latest techniques of aviation security, airport security across the country will be beefed up heading into the New Year. The move brings the Bahamas in compliance with international standards, according to Minister of Transport and Aviation, Glenys Hanna Martin. "Traditionally our airports throughout our country - and we have many being an archipelago - have been to some extent, even unmanned posts for aircrafts throughout the years," she disclosed at the graduation ceremony Friday. "Today we are facing a critical deadline of January 1, which is requiring a heightened security approach, a totally different culture, never before anticipated in our country." Minister Hanna Martin mandated the security personnel with "protecting the integrity and safety of our borders." For one week an Israeli-based security firm, contracted by the government, trained local security forces on the latest techniques of aviation security and on luggage and checkpoint screening. The majority of security officers who went through training are stationed on the Family Islands – a fact that did not go unnoticed by Prime Minister Perry Christie.He noted that professional airport security workers were a necessity if the Bahamas wanted to continue to attract international airlines to bring travelers here."The Bahamas government, by now governmental necessity, must find additional resources to ensure that we are able to guarantee - in so far as one can guarantee - safety at airports," he said. "This is necessary if we want international flights to come here and bring people in to help us sustain our economy and to help us advance our way of life."  Within the next 12 months the Minister predicted that travelers would find a more secure airport, sophisticated in terms of equipment and personnel.

Travelers departing from Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay airports on scheduled as well as charter carriers (as of Jan 1, 2006) encountered baggage and personal screening that previously had not existed. Passengers noted searches of carry-on, and in some cases, checked luggage, as well as informal "body searches." One passenger noted her pen was confiscated as a "sharp object." The screeners were described as polite, and the process added only minimal delay. Travelers are now advised to arrive early enough at these airports to allow time for the screening process.

MedjetAssist can arrange pre-paid air ambulance

service from Abaco to the US;

don't wait for disaster, plan ahead!

For a comprehensive discussion of the details of air travel and cargo shipment, please see Some Advice Before Chartering an Aircraft Between Florida and the Bahamas.

American Airlines/Eagle

• We go Eagle because easiest from Atlanta. If you can catch their flight it is: mostly on time, pilots are over 18, bigger plane subject to more safety rules, slightly more expensive; Bellavista, 11/30/04 Board Ref.
  

• Very reliable but only flies from Miami which is a connecting airport of last resort but happy to use them if that is the case. Island Notes, 12/1/04 Board Ref.
  

• Just a note to any American Airlines ticket holders to check your flight status frequently. Today I checked the flights for our June trip and AA has provided me with a 9 minute (illegal) connection time in Miami on the return flights. The early evening flight I was suppose to connect with is now a late afternoon flight and it's the last one going to my destination (Charlotte). Now the only option they can recommend is buy a ticket from MHH to Nassua on BA (at 7:25 in the morning) and connect with an afternoon AA from there or overnight in Miami   BUT, I have to give them credit for helping arrange a new trip plan when they saw the number of changes to the original confirmed reservation from 9 months ago. We now get to spend an extra day in Hope Town by arriving a day early for vacation and leave as scheduled - just have to fly out of Atlanta instead of Charlotte. Still going through Miami but I can live with that (almost 3 hours to get through customs/immigration and get to the new gate - should be plenty of time if the plane is on schedule)..  Steamboat, 3/16/05, Board Ref.  .
  

• We've flown American from Miami to Marsh Harbour for years (coming all the way from Seattle, it works the best for us) and have never had a problem. For us, so far, they've been the best about being on time, even early now and then! I imagine if your cooler is good to go on whatever airline you fly into Miami, it'll be okay for the ATR. It's a large airplane. Hope your trip goes well. Pappysland, 7/13/05, Board Ref   .
  

• We've flown AA/AE on most of our trips to MHH. I have no beef with the airline -- the schedule is great and gets you on island by lunchtime. My only problems are with that INFERNAL Miami airport! The biggest problem is the hordes of inexperienced tourists wandering aimlessly through the concourses, blocking your way -- which can be a problem when you have a tight connection. (Sadly, on a cruise ship day, FLL is not much better.) I suspect as travel rebounds, it will only get worse. EvaH, 7/13/05, Board Ref   .
  

• Both planes are relatively large and both have bathrooms and flight attendants. The more important issues you may want to consider is which airport to fly through since American only goes through Miami and BahamasAir goes through several (West Palm Beach is one of them). Some people refuse to fly through Miami but for our trip last year it was remarkable easy. Also, make sure that whoever you fly to Florida on will transfer your bags to the BahamasAir flight(you'd hate to have to pick up baggage and then re-check it into another airline - makes for a frantic layover). Flying AA all the way through is easy in this respect. There are hints and strategy for negotiating Miami Airport easily so do a search. For either airline, I recommend everyone in your party have a valid US passport as this makes traveling a lot easier. Steamboat, 11/18/05, Board Ref   .
  

• American Eagle goes through Miami. This is the last airport on my list to go out of. Very unfriendly people working there - not many speak english. Also, American Eagle was overbooked when we took it. We were lucky to get a seat (even though we made reservations 10 months before our trip). Quite a few people were left standing at the gate. They only have one flight to MHH a day so if you don't get on the plane, or your plane to Florida is late, you are out of luck. Apoggi, 11/18/05, Board Ref   .
  

• Stay clear of Miami if at all possible. It's a zoo most of the time. I only go through MIA if I can get a real cheap airfare by doing so. If you you are flying to FL on AA and the price looks good, take American Eagle over to Marsh Harbor. By doing this you won't have to worry about transfering your luggage between air carriers. This is a big convenience on the way over. Alan Brown, 11/18/05, Board Ref   .
  

• On the way over to MH your bags should routinely be transfered from American to American Eagle. To confirm this, make sure the ticket agent in Chicago puts a MH final destination label on your check-in bags. If they put MIA labels on then you'll know AA has something different planned. On the way back you will have to claim your luggage at MIA in order to go through U.S. Customs. After Customes you'll put your bags on the conveyor belt to be sent over to AA and your flight back to Chicago. This whole MIA clearing-in process can be a real pain! More importantly, it can take quite a bit of time on a busy day. When I fly through MIA I try to leave at least an hour between my arrival and my departure. If I can get a longer interval, I take it. Busy days are slow and MIA is a big enough airport that it may take a bit of walking/time to get to your departure gate. Alan Brown, 12/2/05, Board Ref   .
  

Bahamasair

• I know you've all heard the stories about bahamas air. I've gone from WPB with them many times without incident, prehaps too many. My number came up -on the flights we took last week. The experience and delay and apathy and horrible trip we had was impossible to believe traveling to Marsh. But guess what? The trip back to WPB was worse! On the departure, they UNLOADED half the luggage as they decided at the last minute that the only way to fit boxes of something and lawn mowers was to unload half the passengers baggage... to be sent some other day ... to be determined by them. Can you imagine 6 days in the abacos without your bags for 2 or 3 of them? And since we can no longer bring toiletries carry-on... lets just say that buying toothbrush, toothpaste, deoderant, sunblock, after-sun lotion and living in the same clothes for 2 days without swimwear can really put a damper on a very expensive vacation and make it even more expensive and less enjoyable. And to add insult to injury they just don't care or even attempt to help. The only way your friends will make the connection is if BA is running late... and they usually do. nansea, 11/16/06, Forum Ref   ,
  

• Hi, we just got back from the Abacos and used BahamasAir again and the flight was excellent and on time as usual for us. Delta checked our bags right through to Marsh Harbour from Boston with no hassle. I will continue to fly BahamasAir for now. SO I guess it's jsut how your luck runs. We had a little less than a 2 hour layover in West Palm and it gave us time for some lunch before we got to the Abacos. We are headed back in March and will be using BahamasAir again. Abaco Doug, 11/21/06, Forum Ref    .
  

• Click here for an extended thread on the Forum about Bahamasair, Feb 1-6, 2008
  

Bimini Island Air

Press release, November 18, 2003:

• Bimini Island Air is proud to announce the launch of our new website www.flybia.com and the acquisition of our newest aircraft to our fleet. Our new 30 passenger Saab 340 will be providing service to the outer islands of the Bahamas, including Freeport, Abacos, North Eleuthera, Chub Cay and Bimini. This aircraft will be available for charter for groups up to 30 passengers. At BIA, we take our name and our mission seriously. To provide hassle free travel accommodations we offer a wide selection of Lear, Falcon, Gulfstream and Astra corporate jets. In addition, to our fleet of turbo prop aircraft which include a Metroliner, Cessna Caravan, Cessna 402B Executive Businessliner, Merlin and Saab340. This diverse fleet can accommodate 6 to 30 passengers, providing individuals as well as large corporations the fastest and most cost effective method for conducting business worldwide. Helpful flight coordinators are ready to plan your travel specifications on the ground and in the air.
  

Calypso/Twin Air

• flew w/Calypso last year and will be on them again in January. There were no problems with safety; some slight delay on the way over - but that's endemic with island transportation. Joe G, 12/22/04, Board Ref
  

• Calypso is the exclusive booking agent for Twin Air, an on-demand charter service. I have used Calypso on a half dozen occasions in the last year and got what I paid for: "on demand" charter service from FLL to Marsh Harbor and back., COVCI, 12/27/04, Board Ref
  

• Thanks to Tiffany, Brandon and Lynn at Calypso for going the extra mile for me yesterday morning. I had just returned from Acapulco with the unwanted baggage of "turista" and arrived at Calypso counter at 7:30 a.m., tired and ill, to learn that I was booked on their 2:45 afternoon flight not the morning flight. I was in no mood for a long wait at the Jet Centre. I couldn't have been treated better by their staff. With nothing but smiles and apologies for their part in any mishaps, Tiffany first called for flights from other airlies and of course this was unsuccessful. She then tried for a half hour to get me a hotel room to rest until the afternoon flight. New Years Eve was impossible for accommodation on short notice. Undaunted, Lynn (hooray Lynn) brought in a temporary bed from her home and made me comfortable in the Calypso Penthouse. Tiffany brought magazines and good cheer. Brandon kept up a professional positive and optimistic attitude although I was a difficult customer. I got some sleep and got back to Abaco in time for New Years Eve. Hooray Calypso! Now that is service with a smile and an example of turning lemons into lemonade. Thanks Calypso. Moonrise, 1/1/05, Board Ref.
  

• My family flew Calypso/Twin Air (They've merged I guess) twice during the last two weeks. On time, good planes freindly pilots. I've been a commercial pilot for 30 years and watched these guys like a hawk: both men and machines were right on point. i will fly them again. Randall Peffer, 1/4/05, Board Ref.
  

• I just went over and back on twin air/calypso and have flown them many times and have never had a bad experience.Round trip from fll to tcb was $234 i believe.I live on the outer banks and have found that for the time it takes me to get to norfolk and fly to fll i can usually drive it in the same amount of time so that might be an option.  island daze; 7/27/05, Board Ref   .
  

Fom the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, August 14, 2005,

7 survive as plane crashes into sea off Fort Lauderdale  

• A twin engine Piper airplane carrying seven people -- including a toddler -- crashed into the Atlantic Ocean Saturday, six miles southeast of Fort Lauderdale, where the waters can be as deep as 1,000 feet. No one was severely injured, and only one passenger was taken to the hospital with minor wounds, according to U.S. Coast Guard officials. Those on the plane -- a fixed-wing, multi-engine aircraft built in 1980 -- credit the pilot with saving their lives. "They just knew everything was going to be OK," said Tom Oster, who drove the survivors the Coast Guard station back to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, their intended destination. "They said that the pilot was very, very good and saved their lives." Alicia Kathleen Falango was taken to Hollywood Memorial Hospital in stable condition. The Coast Guard could only release four other names: David MacDougall, Leslie MacDougall, William MacDougall and Christopher Cappelmann. The pilot was not identified.As they returned to the Twin Air's office from the Coast Guard station, Leslie MacDougall, carrying her son, William, in her arms, calmly said, "fine, everybody's fine." David MacDougall, a Washington, D.C., resident who was a passenger on the flight, added, "It all happened so fast. [I was] pretty freaked out. I mean I don't normally crash a plane in the ocean everyday." The plane, owned by Twin Air, was returning to Fort Lauderdale from North Eleuthera in the Bahamas when the airport received a mayday from the pilot. Coast Guard officials said they launched a helicopter, a cutter and two small boats to rescue them, and broadcasted a message to any nearby ships to be on the lookout for survivors. A fisherman spotted the passengers, who had been in the water for at least 30 minutes, took them onboard and dropped them off at the Coast Guard Station in Fort Lauderdale. "[The fisherman] dropped them off at the pier, backed out and left," said Petty Officer Sandra Bartlett, a Coast Guard spokeswoman. "We didn't really get to talk to him. The Coast Guard would greatly like to express it's appreciation to the good Samaritan for being able to rescue all seven people. It's not uncommon for a good Samaritan to be humble by nature. It takes a humble character to be a hero." The Federal Aviation Administration, along with the National Transportation Safety Board, will investigate the cause of the crash. Twin-Air charters flights out of Fort Lauderdale and is owned by Clayton Gamber, who could not be reached for comment. In October, a Twin-Air pilot ditched a Piper Navajo in the Atlantic Ocean off Pompano Beach after the plane had engine trouble on the way back from the Bahamas, according to federal crash records. The pilot, Denis Guillermo Murphy, stalled the plane and leapt into the water, crash records show. He survived with only minor injuries. Another Twin Air plane, a Cessna 402, got a flat tire Tuesday during a landing at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. The plane skidded off a runway and into some grass. No one was injured during the landing, and the plane sustained some minor damage.
  

• Our experiences with Calypso have been quite different. We have always been impressed with the friendly, professional attitudes of all of their staff. We have had Pilots remember us by name over a month after our previous flights, had Pilots carry my wifes carry-on to the aircraft for her, and have always been treated as if they truly value us as customers. Just our experience. R, August 14, 2005, Board Ref   .
  

Cherokee

• For flights to West Palm Beach this is the #1 choice. Reliable and very safe but not the cheapest. No baggage or baggage weight concerns. Very limited schedule 5 days a week. If it fits our schedule, there is no hesitation with a decision to fly with Cherokee.  Island Notes, 12/1/04 Board Ref..
  

• We had the misfortune of flying on days that  saw MAJOR cold fronts coming off of Florida. Needless to say ALL prop flights were delayed causing huge connection problems for many travelers. The staff of Cherokee bent over backwards to help my family including my special needs child. Not only did they cater to us and make us as comfortable as possible. They even used a favor from a service in Palm Beach to get us a Leer Jet back to PBI. My family will be back and we will use Cherokee Air.I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THEM. They also carried us to Wally's for lunch, which I learned was one of the best resturants on the Island. JohnnyG, 4/4/05, Board Ref.   .
  

• There is hope for all in Cherokee; Faron's group of dedicated, honest, and cautious pilots made our visit to Abaco last month not only bearable but saved us thousands! Long story, TRUST ME, I STRONGLY reccomend them for ALL travel to and from the Abacos. Johnny G, 4/29/05, Board Ref   .
  

• My family just got back from a week at Dolphin Beach on Guana. Great trip; I took a 25' boat over from Florida and my wife, 2 daughters and mother-in-law flew over on Cherokee. They could not have had a better flying experience. Super easy both ways, very nice and professional pilots and staff, very convenient, no long waits going or coming, and a very nice plane (Cessna Carravan). For anyone thinking of going to the abaco's - especially if your departure point is WPB, I strongly recommend you give Cherokee a look. 1Amigo, 8/8/05, Board Ref   .
  

Continental

• Very reliable but not a great price unless you book in conjunction with connecting flights to somewhere outside of Florida. Has flights to Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm. Island Notes, 12/1/04 Board Ref.
  

• Flown with them twice RT this year so far (last friday returning) and they were right on schedule....the staff in MHH has been very friendly and charming which is quite refreshing....., Herve, 3/8/05, Board Ref   .
  

• have flown with them the last 3 year, have nothing but positive things to say. They ran a bit behind for our return flight on sunday (about 15 minutes) . there was a flight to fll, that was running behind due to mechanical, but they re-routed everyone that would miss their connecting flights ..... seems to be very helpful. Riss, 3/8/05, Board Ref   .
  

• I flew Continental FLL to MHH last week.....Monday & Friday. They were an hour or a little more late leaving FLL, waiting for delayed flights from the north. The board kept saying "on time" and even though I asked, they kept saying "on time". When I got to MHH I had to get a customs form and fill out in a rush because the pilots said I was supposed to get one from the counter in FLL. I've never had to ask before in my many flights........always been given one on the plane. No big deal, but you know you don't want to take time to do that after you land........rush, rush to the ferry. (These things are trivial compared to many other problems incurred over the course of time......just giving you my latest experience.)  Returning was about 30 minutes late leaving MHH.......that's a pretty good record. Everyone in the airport was very nice. I had thought their luggage weight limit was more than it is.....I thought two bags per person at 70 lbs. each. But it was much less......two bags at 40 or 50 pounds each. That wasn't an issue this time, but it often is when we're staying for longer lengths of time. I may go back to Yellow Air Taxi next time. I still had to change terminals and use the shuttle changing from Delta coming into FLL and switching to Continental.  Mudpuppy, 3/8/05, Board Ref   .
  

• Flew Continental roundtrip to treasure Cay last week. Just returned saturday May 21st..I had three checked bags (2 cloths and misc stuff, 1 full of dive gear for two people) There was no 2 bag limit and no extra charge for the third bag. All three bags avereged around 50 lbs....Badwing, 5/24/05, Board Ref   .
  

• Continental's checked baggage allowance is 70# per bag and you can check TWO such pieces per passenger for a total of 140#! On top of which you can carry-on 1 piece weighing 40# plus a laptop or handbag. That's a total weight per pax of 180#. Watch the dimensions of your bags, though. Pelican Pete, 5/23/05, Board Ref   .
  

• Do Not Fly Continential - I Had To Wait 3 Hours To Get There Then 5 Hours To Get Home!!!! So A Total Of 8 Hours Of Delays ~ Never Again!!! brunettelady23, 11/21/05, ......  Board Ref   .
  

• We taken Continental from MHH before and we flew with just 4 people on board not including the two pilots. We've never had a problem with them. In fact, all four people were there ahead of time so we took off ahead of time and got into Florida way ahead of schedule. Apoggi, 11/21/05, Board Ref   .
  

• My last flight out of MHH on Continental was on time with only two pax. Unfortunately, they failed to load our luggage. Got it, intact, a couple of days later though! HankG, 11/21/05, Board Ref   .
  

• One of the reasons I fly Continental is that they allow you to check in 2 bags weighing up to 50 pounds and one carry on weighing up to 40 pounds. Yes they are more expensive, but when I flew the smaller more inexpensive airline, they only allowed me 40-50 pounds of baggage and charged me $1 per pound overweight luggage adding $100 on to the cost of the more inexpensive ticket making it more expensive than Continental. abceram, 11/22/05, Board Ref   .
  

• For an extended post on the Abaco Forum about Continental (Jan-Mar 2008,) click here..
  

Florida Coastal

Service was suspended in March, 2006, and has not resumed!

• flew with them this past month. I had booked a roundtrip ticket with them from ft. lauderdale to marsh harbour. they changed my return trip to an earlier flight because they weren't enough passengers on the one i had booked. but they gave me enough notice so that i could book my return on another airline. they gave me a full refund immediately. my one-way trip with them was fine and hassle-free. it was a fabulous day to fly and the views from the plane were spectacular. will probably fly with them again. sarae, 11/17/04, Board Ref
  

• My note on Florida coastal Airlines is long overdue. I have flown a few different airlines to Marsh Harbour and I had the best experience with them. The cheapest flights I have found yet, one way and round trip. Not only were they there when I arrived to check in, they also flew from Ft. Lauderdale even though I was the only passenger! Returning, I only had to be there half an hour before the flight and the people were on time and extremely friendly. I have to say thank you to Doc for such a nice flying experience. I would recommend them anytime and I know they are opening up their flights even more in the next few months. trishdcct, 11/17/04, Board Ref
  

• I agree...great airline! They saved me and my wife on our honeymoon from our Island Express fiasco (read the recent IE thread). They made room for us and didn't charge extra for the last minute booking. And, they didn't know it was our honeymoon. They fly reliable Cessna 402's and have experienced pilots., Felix, 11/17/04, Board Ref
  

• We flew FCA from Fort Lauderdale to Marsh Harbour and return in mid July. My wife and I are both amateur pilots, and were satisfied with the "puddle jumper" Cessna 402 twin aircraft. Even though the aircraft are Mid '70s vintage, they are well-equipped and maintained. Despite rough weather on the way back to Fort Lauderdale, we had a smooth and safe trip. Nice people, and convenient (for us) location at Terminal 4 in FLL. They have a website with online reservations (some flights to Treasure Cay). They show prices of about $89.00 each way, but you have to add security fees. Beware the 44# weight limit. Over the weight allowance they charge $1/# with a $10 minimum charge. Long Look, 9/17/04, Board Ref
  

• flew with them this past month. i had booked a roundtrip ticket with them from ft. lauderdale to marsh harbour. they changed my return trip to an earlier flight because they weren't enough passengers on the one i had booked. but they gave me enough notice so that i could book my return on another airline. they gave me a full refund immediately. My one-way trip with them was fine and hassle-free. it was a fabulous day to fly and the views from the plane were specatular. Will probably fly with them again.  Sarae, 11/17/04. Board ref   .
  

• If your afraid of flying this flight is not for you. My flight was delayed two hours, the flight was 90 something degrees on a plane that was falling apart. I was charged more money on my credit card statement then I was quoted. I will NEVER fly them again. Good luck  robd855, 6/22/05, Board ref   .
  

• Only been to the Abaco's one time. We flew FCA out of Ft. Lauderdale and had a very good experience. On time, good flight, and no hassles. Getting ready to book for our next trip and will again use FCA.  CaywannaBay, 6/25/05, Board Ref   .
  

• We've been trying to book with FCA for over a week. No one answers their phone and the on-line booking isn't working. SeaShelly, 2/25/06, Board Ref   .
  

• I booked with FCA. Using them in two weeks. I too had a hard time getting through with them. Finally I looked online when they had flights leaving FLL and called one hour prior to that. Figured they would have someone at the counter then. That worked for me. Vorreiter, 2/25/06, Board Ref   .
  

• 1 week ago, I flew Continental from TCB to FLL. Another couple on that flight had been scheduled to fly FCA, but were cancelled last minute. They had to pay for 2 round-trip tickets on CO--over $500!! No explanation from FCA., lodderena, 2/25/06, Board Ref   .
  

Gulfstream

• We've been hit or miss with Gulfstream we've had last minute cancellations been bused to Miami as well as having great flights, on time with no hassle-- and we love 70lbs checked luggage so I have my fingers crossed. AbacoBrad, 2/7/05, Board ref.
  

Island Express

• Use them when I just have to go to Florida and no further. Nice folks and very laid back. The Chief Pilot, Luciano, is very experienced and safe. Administration, ticketing and marketing always seems to be the problem with Island Express. Seems to go under and re-emerges at two year intervals. Island Notes, 12/1/04 Board Ref.
  

• We have flown Island Air Express at least 5 different times and never had a problem. The flights were pretty much on time and the flights were good ones. I don't like to fly, and I would not have a problem going on them again. Cherokee for me, 11/19/04, Board Ref
  

• I will never fly those guys (IE) again. We are still fighting with them to pay us back for a flight back to and from Marsh Harbour from Ft Lauderdale back in June. They told us to buy tickets on FCA and they would reimburse us...their planes were down for maintenance. I hear this is standard practice. In fact several of the "cabbies" said they don't believe they have planes and that they have never seen an IE plane. They never answer the phone and won't return our calls. We have sent several faxes to their phone number pleading (and threatening) for reimbursement. The only fax they ever acknowledged was the original sending of the contract with our credit card information (to charge us). Felix, 11/19/04, Board Ref
  

• Had the same problem, they still owe us $1400.00 from 2 years ago. We will never see it, we would never fly with them again. They have very very bad business practices; sweetsue10190, 11/21/04, Board Ref
  

• .Last week I flew Island Express from Ft. Lauderdale to Treasure Cay. I was told that we had to leave some luggage behind because the plane would be too heavy if we didn't. I did not want to argue because I'd rather be safe. They told me they would deliver my luggage later that day. Two days later they delivered 3 of the four missing bags. My bag was and still is missing. It is a gray duffle bag. It had some clothes, food, baseball gloves, baby bottles, and other assorted items in it. I was with a group of 5 adults and two children. We were not over the 40 pounds per person weight limit by much. They told us that since the flight was full of adults, we would have to cut weight somehow. The first option was for someone to stay behind. We were assured that our bags would get to us later that day, so we decided to get all the people over there first. I lost at least $400 worth of stuff in that bag. I will say that Elias, from Island Express, sent us some replacements for a few of the items we lost (diapers, cereal, etc.) I hope that my bag will turn up, but it seems that it is Island Express's responsibility since they forced me to leave the bag behind. My suggestion to you would be to try and stick to the 40 pound weight limit. I will not bash Isl. Express here, but they certainly leave a lot to be desired. FutureBahamianTeacher, 3/29/05, Board Ref.   .
  

• Would walk first; Island Express has had a long history of dissatisfied customers. I'm sorry for your experience. Even the "new management" hasn't changed their unfortunate reputation. MLMP, 4/28/05, Board Ref   .
  

• The worst! They still owe us $750 from three years ago,don't know how they can still be flying after avoiding money being owed and lying to customers.It should be a crime!  Sweetsue 10190, 4/28/05, Board Ref   .
  

• I have been using Island Express Airlines and I have had very good experiences with all the staff. The reservations are helpfull in making connecting flights. I have had wonderful experiences with there pilot Luciano. They are a very friendly airline. They have gotten me to my destinations on time. Vanessa, 4/29/05, Board Ref   .
  

• Boy, I would not chance Island Express,alot of bad experiences. sweetsue10190, 7/22/05, Board Ref   .
  

• I agree with the last post. I have flown Island Express twice and both times were not plesent. dyn0d, 7/22/05, Board Ref    .
  

US Airways

• Avoid totally for all flights at the moment. They do not fly to Abaco despite whatever the agent may tell you. Island Notes, 12/1/04 Board Ref.
  

• They canceled our flight for November 20!! We are now flying Bahamasair and, if they are on time, we will not get into MH until 3:50! I have been on hold for almost an hour and still don't have our return flight!!!!, AbacoPeach, 11/12/04, Board Ref
  

• Last evening I called USAir to verify my flights and times for my trip in early April. Was advised that USAir no onger served West Palm to MH. When I asked when they intended to advise me of the situation they were helpful. I am now booked on USAir into West Palm and on Bahamas Air into Marsh Harbor. Using frequent flyer miles to get this done. They must have made a deal with Bahamas Air since they are no longer serving. It was a little unsettling when they advised that they no longer served MH. Will go a different route next!! Junkman, 2/7/05  Board Ref
  

• We were booked on USAir from Maine to Fort Lauderdale....our flight was also changed without notice ...when I called just to check they had rescheduled us on a flight that wasn't going to make the flight with Yellow Taxi out to Marsh Harbour and we had to change planes twice going down to Florida...so they rescheduled while I had them on the phone......I am not kidding the very next day there was a message on the phone....the flight had been changed again!!!!! if any are booked with USAir....make sure you call months ahead and keep calling to confirm your flights are going to work. Maine-iac, 2/8/05, Board Ref.  
  

Vintage

• Just flew with Vintage out of Orlando and would do it again and again!! Very professional, on time, and they have later flights so you can get there and return within a day each way! Not in the main terminal but just a $20.00 cab ride away and they shuttle you back to the terminal on the return trip. AbacoKB, 12/2/04, Board Ref
  

• Vintage Props & Jets seems to be the only airline I can depend on to get me where I'm going when I want to go. They fly turboprops with two qualified pilots and plenty of room underneath the airplane for baggage. They are serving Daytona, Jacksonville, Orlando and Melbourne and I have nothing but good to say about them and I've been using them for years! Octopussy, 12/14/04, Board Ref
  

• When the Gulf Stream gods prevent a crossing, we take Vintage Air (out of Melbourne - they also fly from a number of other places) and we have ALWAYS been more than satisfied. They seem to be priced a little higher than some of the other airlines listed, and they are worth it! Floridays, 12/22/04, Board Ref
  

• We live in the Orlando area and have only used Vintage out of Daytona Beach. We are in the north part of town (Seminole County) and it takes us about as long to drive to MCO as it does to drive to Daytona, so it is no problem for us. On one of our trips, we were flying out of Marsh Harbor and had to stop at Treasure Cay to pick up additional passengers. This was only a minor delay and must have been built into our travel time because we arrived back in Daytona on schedule. On our most recent trip, last June, we arrived at the Vintage desk in Daytona to find that the flight we were to take was delayed due to bad weather in the Abacos. I know that there are some things you can't do anything about, and bad weather with a small plane is just not something you want to mess around with. We arrived in Treasure Cay only about 30 minutes later than scheduled and still made it over to GTC on the last ferry of the day. It was still a lot quicker trip than if we had flown a commercial airline out of Orlando with a layover in Ft. Lauderdale or Miami. Our experience with Vintage has always been the best. JJ, 5/2/05, Board Ref.   .
  

• VINTAGE is the most professional and reliable airline to Marsh Harbour.They fly King air prop JETS and are very reliable. Sugar Loaf Roger, 11/8/05; Board Ref   .
  

• You may wish to consider flying Vintage from New. Smyrna. They offer free long term parking at New Smyrna, right beside their terminal. Flights are a little more expensive however you avoid the additional driving south to West Palm. Parking in New Smyrna is outdoor but we have always found it safe and convenient as you park within 50 yards of their terminal/departure area. All of our experience with Vintage has been to our total satisfaction. Bahapa, 12/17/05, Board Ref   .
  

• On Weds 3/8/06 I confirmed that Abaco is not for sissies, but that help is availible.
  

• About 5:30pm this date my son-in-law sustained a severe eye injury. I'm a gynecologist but even I recognized this to be a serious injury. I called the Corbett Clinic in TC and Dr John Shedd answered and told me he could meet us in 5 minutes. He did a complete evaluation, treated him for pain, and told me he needed to see an opthalmologist. His wife got on the phone and contacted Vintage in Daytona about an evacuation and they were airborne inside 30 minutes and on the ground in Marsh by 8:15pm. We were home in Valdosta Ga @11:00pm where we could see our own opthalmologist in our own hospital and yes he definitely needed to be seen and treated. His prognosis is good. My heart felt thanks go out to Dr Shedd and his wife for their excellant treatment and concern. They had even made arrangements for him to be seen at Ormond Beach, but it was Bike week in Daytona and Vintage was willing to take us home. I just can't say enough about Vintage Props and Jets. We have been flying with them for 10 years now and their response to our request was "we'll be airborne in 30 minutes" no questions asked! I knew Vintage was good, I just didn't know how good! We'll be back to Abaco in June on the We'll See so give us a shout. You can bet we'll come down on Vintage!  HMoseley, 3/13/06, Board Ref   .
  

• We have flown with Vintage for years, lots of our guests do for both the cottages and our sailing charters and there is never a lost baggage issue and every one is happy. My dad flew to the states today with Vintage and I just heard form him and all went perfect. Watercolours, 6/9/06, Board Ref    .
  

• Flew them last month out of Melbourne. GREAT! My son left an expensive 35MM camera on the plane. Pilot (Todd) found it and took it in to the counter where they held it. Called the counter and they put the camera in a cab and sent it to the marina where we were picking up a rental boat. John, 7/26/06, Board Ref   .
  

• Flew with them a few weeks ago, excellent service. I think discarding the "Orlando Hub" concept has cured their blues. DrRalph, 7/26/06, Board Ref   .
  

Yellow Air Taxi

• We had no problems with Yellow Air Taxi. They were a little late but not enough to be concerned about. We will fly with them again! AbacoPeach,  11/28/04 Board Ref
  

• I flew Yellow Air after Franny just to get back to Guana. They were 2 hours late and I had to pay almost $300 to get over because of weight. Totally unorganized and unsafe. Erin, 11/29/04 Board Ref.
  

• Lots of nice paint jobs and slick brochures but otherwise just like Air Florida.  Island Notes, 12/1/04 Board Ref.
  

• My husband and I have used Yellow Air Taxi on several occasions, and we've been very pleased with them. Always very courteous and reasonably priced. In addition to Marsh, they do fly to Treasure Cay from Fort Lauderdale. Elizabeth, 9/18/04, Board Ref , 
  

• I just gotta pipe up with a big recco for Yellow Air Taxi--From FtL they have been wonderful for us! (and we have made several trips here lately since Christmas!) Can't say enough for that crew! Pattie & Bob Toler, 1/17/05, Board Ref.
  

• I have flown Yellow Air Taxi and had a good experience. I also used Yellow Air for many of my wedding guests - who all had good experiences. One big plus is that they fly out of the executive terminal, which is sooooooo much nicer than the normal airport terminal. The schedule is indeed a bit "fluid" depending on the number of people flying. However, they seem to have a lot of demand. I will fly them again. Jlee, 9/6/05, Board Ref   .
  

• We have flown Yellow Air several times with good experiences. They have waited for us due to late flights into Ft. Lauderdale when possible, but if they have passengers to pick up in Marsh for return flights that won't happen. We flew with them in July on a very rough flight due to a hurricane tail, and our pilot whom we had flown with previously demonstrated his expert flying skills. Yellow air does not always have someone to shuttle you as they advertise from the main airport, making a cab ride necessary, tho short. sea lubber, 9/15/05. Board Ref   .
  

• In my regular travels homeward to Dickie's Cay, I have had mixed results with carriers such as Air Sunshine, Air Florida, as well as major carriers. I must strongly disuade you from Yellow Air Taxi... These folks accepted my online reservation, disputed my reservation & forced me to rebook thru Continental to make it to the Abacos. To add insult on injury from last year's poor experience (with no resolution, I might add), I was sent a receipt for payment dated "Nov. 3, 2005" for travel in winter of 2004! My loyalties are now with Continental & I plan on using them again this fall for travel "without a hassle" out of Fort Lauderdale!   vineyardson, 11/1/05, Board Ref   .
  

• Yellow Air Taxi is reliable and professional. It flies out of the Jet Port near the Fort Lauderdale Airport, so parking (getting in and out) is very easy. I'd recommend using them. sk, 11/23/05. Board Ref   .
  

Return to DrRalph on the 'Net Home Page

Jump to the new Abaco Forum