Originally Posted by
Dan6681
I might be on the wrong track with this suggestion but if there are enough of you in the predicament why don't you just charter a small plane. It probably wouldn't be that much PP if there were enough of you. This is very popular and fairly easy to arrange in the Caribbean. What island are you leaving for Puerto Rico?
http://www.aircharterguide.com
You should also be able to get a refund on the Liat tickets since they changed the schedule after you bought them.
EXCELLENT SUGGESTION!!! I have checked out the website and input the dates, etc for travel. It unfortunately crashed after this. I will continue to pursue this option.
If the charter does not work, I'm resigned to test the US unofficial 'flat tire' rule and (probably) endure the dreaded US middle seat

on the way back. Unfortunately, I have no status on US so an UG is extremely unlikely

.
Thanks again for everyone's help!