Air Jamaica is one of the cleanest, most pleasant airlines I have ever travelled on. I flew Air Jamaica a few years ago between Barbados and New York and boarded the plane not expecting much (it hasn’t got the best reputation in the Caribbean). But I was hugely surprised at how friendly the aircrew were and how much effort they put into making sure you enjoy the journey.
BRIEF HISTORY Air Jamaica is one of the largest airlines in the Caribbean, along with BWIA and LIAT. It began flights in 1969 and was owned at that time by the Government of Jamaica. After a painful economic crisis in Jamaica during the 1980s and 1990s, the government needed some extra money and therefore privatised Air Jamaica in 1994. The newly launched airline has a repainted exterior with eye-catching colours, a beautifully refurbished interior, and a generally boosted performance (greater punctuality, more destinations, more passengers).
CHECK IN & BAGGAGE In economy, I was allowed up to two suitcases with a weight per person of up to a 70lbs (32kg), which far exceeded American Airline’s quota of one item at 20kg. The only problem with this is when it comes to getting on the return flight down to the Caribbean, you’ll be surrounded by people who’re been on shopping holidays and are taking advantage of the generous three items of hand-luggage. Luckily for me, the two flights I travelled in were half-full but I can imagine feeling a bit claustrophobic if flights were full.
IN-FLIGHT SERVICE The aircrew were the most helpful, friendly crew that I’ve ever had the pleasure to travel with. They really made a huge effort to make sure everyone was happy and were particularly good with young children and babies. For example, the person in front of me had a baby who wouldn’t stop crying. The air stewardess came over, asked if she could pick the baby up, walked up and down the aisle with the baby and almost instantly, the baby stopped crying. She must have had the calming touch!
The entertainment system was reasonable: several music channels and a film. But the real selling point was the in flight fashion show. The aircrew put on clothes from Jamaican stores and do a catwalk show up and down the aisle. You can then buy any of the clothes featured. They also did a mini-aerobics session (lifting arms, tapping toes, turning necks and so on) – hugely important to prevent deep vein thrombosis setting in. In addition, there was also a competition, where they had put all the seat numbers into a hat and the winning seat number won free return flights for two (New York-Barbados).
THE MENU The meals onboard my flight there and back were delicious. Air Jamaica has really tried to make catering a delight, hiring an award-winning chef to design their menus. There is lots of fruit, which is quite unusual in my experience. Champagne breakfasts were served not only in First Class but also in the Main Economy Class Cabin. Complementary champagne, wine and Red Stripebeer (the beer of Jamaica) was served with all meals.
SPACE I remember there being a lot more space than in other economy class cabins. The flight was relatively empty because the route had just started up and I had three seats to myself. The toilets were also clean and well-maintained.
THE PRICE For a 5 hour flight, I paid approximately £300. This was extremely competitive at the time and almost half the price of American Airlines (the only other carrier that flew that route).
FALLBACK: THE AFTER EFFECTS Jamaica gets a lot of bad press when it comes to air travellers. Both immigration and customs have their guard up when they see flights coming in and be advised that you will be checked more thoroughly than arriving on other airlines. Although my flight from Barbados-New York never at any point went through Jamaica, everyone on board the flight was thoroughly checked by custom officers at JFK. This has never happened to me when travelling into America on American Airlines. Likewise, when landing in Barbados, everyone was pulled aside and their suitcases checked. Again, I’ve never been checked arriving in on BA, Virgin, LIAT or American.
Another bad thing that happened after the flight was my credit card bill! I booked my flight from a travel agent in Barbados on credit card. A few weeks later when I got my statement, I discovered that not only had the original amount been taken out, but the same agents also removed a further £350. After investigation by the fraud unit at my bank, I was issued with another card and didn’t have to pay the amount. I’m not sure if the person who tried to steal the money was at the travel agent or at Air Jamaica.
CONCLUSION Air Jamaica is good value for money and almost invariably is cheaper than it’s international competitors: BA/AA/BWIA. I’ve travelled with all these airlines and without a shadow of doubt would highly recommend Air Jamaica over these airlines. The aircrew are fantastic, the flight was very smooth and the prices are cheap! So, 5 stars! Well done Air Jamaica!
FOR MORE DETAILS For more information or reservations in the UK, you can call Air Jamaica on: 020 8570 7999. In North America and the Caribbean, the number is (800) 523-5585. Or alternatively, visit their website: www.airjamaica.com
I flew AJ from London to Cuba in September 2003, and had a great experience. Given that the choice of direct flights was Air Cubana (ageing Russian crate) or Air Jamaica (Months-old Airbus 340) it wasn't a hard decision. I'd endorse all the comments about the plane, staff and service. Food wasn't fantastic in economy, but edible enough, and on a par with most economy food. My only gripe is that they don't serve drinks - alcoholic or otherwise - before meals, but the cart comes round after the food cart. As drinks take longer to serve than food, that means a longer delay the further back you are. Hey ho, fantastically funny, skilled staff who made the flights both way a real pleasure. Great op!
fran19 15.08.2003 19:40
Nice to see someone has something good to say about airlines.
Fran19
penguinchickalata 30.07.2003 03:17
this sounds great- i wish i could afford it! i would love to fly anymore at the moment but this sounds like the way to do it in style!!!!! :D lesley
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May 12th, 2003
very helpful by (100%):
