Originally Posted by
Jughead135
Looks like I'll be a temporary commuter from S. Florida for a couple of months, as my wife takes her horse (and, only incidentally, her husband) down to Wellington for the winter season. I'm in ATL, brand new to the 320B category.
PBI will be my easiest drive by far (~15 minutes), but FLL & MIA are in striking distance if the need arises. I've heard bad things about FLL for commuting, but nothing one way or another about PBI or MIA. Looking at schedule alone, PBI looks pretty good: 11 mainline flights per day, with a couple of SWA flights for good measure. Of course, that may not be the whole story, so, on to my questions...:
- What am I in for, jumpseating PBI - ATL & back? Tips/tricks I need to know? Lots of commuters? Sitting on the JS doesn't bother me; not getting on the flight at all does!
- Parking? Do we have a FA base there? If so, how do I get a parking pass? If not, should I expect to need FLL often enough to be worth pursuing a parking pass there? (My commuting airport is not a base; I have to pay for my own parking, so my parking privileges are "unused," if I find myself at a FA base.)
- If I'm on my own for parking at PBI--options/suggestions?
Thanks for any help/ideas/advice. Cheers!
Neither FLL or PBI is bad if you are Jonny on the Spot with booking the jumpseat. Loads seem subject to fluctuations, so always book the JS despite what the loads say.
There is a FA base for MIA and FLL, so parking is "free"...you still have to pay but the CO reimburses you. Not sure if that extends to PBI. The setup in PBI is easier in and out and is just less hassle than FLL or MIA, especially during cruise days. In either case you need to see the station manager to get set up. Just ask one of the agents.
I wouldn't bother with MIA unless you are in a serious jam. From Wellington, that's an easy 90-120 minutes with no traffic to MIA...and there is always traffic. Also, going east-west in PBC is a pain, especially during rush hour. Plan extra time.
By that same token, I-95 traffic is like Death Race 2000, except during rush hour, when it's completely stopped. I've seen it take 2 hours plus to get from PBI to FLL. Recommend the Turnpike from Wellington to FLL as the primary.
Nu