I am doing this review of my visit to Jamaica a bit backwards. I first covered my American Airlines business class flights and meals as well as my, shall we say, interesting return flights. I will cover my simply amazing stay at the Hilton All-inclusive Montego Bay soon but I have something like 100 photos and the post is going to take a while (it will be the most photos of any post I have ever published). But now the departure lounge review.
One thing about Jamaica I don’t care for, despite how lovely the island is, is how fee crazy they are on things that should not be so darn high. I mean just look at the breakdown of the costs to fly in and out and this is on a “FREE” American Airlines award ticket!
If you look at the featured photo at the top of this post you will see security to get to the gates. What you do not see are two other things. First, the line behind me snakes back and forth as far as the eye can see and this is why they maybe recommend you arrive 3 hours before your flight. The other item not in the photo is to the left, that is, the “fast track” security line with almost no one in it. Flying business class? Nope, still can not use it even with the hefty $20 “Tourism Enhancement Fee” you paid.
To have access to this you have to pay up sucker to the tune of $33 per person and that is a discount over the non-pre-booked price.
Oh, but wait this is a Priority Pass lounge – just flash your card from any number of high-end travel credit cards?
Riiiggghhttt…
NOPE!
Why you ask?
This club on a Saturday was fully packed with pre-books. As a Priority Pass holder, I would not get access to fast-track security and would have to wait my turn for a chance to get in.
Did we get in? Yes, but we would only have about 30 minutes to “enjoy” the lounge.
When I say enjoy, let me share that it took about 15 minutes to check in using my Priority Pass card and then we were escorted to an open seat vs. just going to find one.
This lounge is at ground level and feels cramped and uninviting. I had little to no time to visit so I at least wanted to get some food shots to see what you could expect. See if you are inspired.
I ask you would you pay $33 for this? Now I know many will say the real value is not the lounge (and you would be right) but the fast track security so you don’t have to wait in line so long. That I understand but it is a high fee to save yourself around 30 minutes in line.
Have you visited this lounge? Were you impressed? – René
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