I got back from EWR-POS-IAH-EWR. Almost 24 hours from the time I left home to getting back.
Arrived at Newark around 10:30pm. Premier section closed, so I had to go to the Economy desks - luckily there was no line. I was able to get tickets for all 3 legs. Side note - I got the crappy 'SSSS' indicator, which means TSA scrutiny. FF status, TSA precheck, Global Entry and still I got randomly selected.
Go through Newark security - patdown #1. United club closes at 11:15pm so I stand by the gate. I get upgraded (the only leg for the trip) at T-45 min.
EWR-POS flight uneventful. They served dinner, beef or chicken; I chose beef. Why can't they serve breakfast later instead of a meal after midnight?
Arrived POS 5:00am. Go to immigration. Two lines, one says "Visitors" and the other says "Caricom Citizens." By 5:30am the lines for both were quite long.
The immigration officer looked incredulous that I am turning right back and not staying at the island. I guess she's never had a mileage runner before. After a few phone calls, she advised that I would be escorted by UA personnel back to the counter. I told her that there would be more people like me showing up in the future. Also, there is no visa fee.
In retrospect, I should have said that I am staying "1 day for a quick meeting" instead of trying to explain what a MR was. As you will read below, it would have been faster for me to just leave on my own and get back to the gates.
After waiting about 20 mins for the UA escort, I was taken over to baggage claim (I told him I had none), then past the baggage claim exit where you give the top half of the stamped immigration form, then over to the UA counter (I told him I already had my next leg ticket). He left me there, so I just made my way over to International Gates. I showed the officers there my ticket and passport, and I get back to the place where I just walked through a few minutes ago. It is possible to skip the baggage claim area and just walk straight from immigration over to the gates.
Pics: Everyone walking towards the baggage claim, but if you turn around and go up these escalators, you can get to the gates
Due to delays I did not seek nor use the VIP lounge, presumably located somewhere in the international terminal (before security to gates).
My flight to IAH was from the gates 1-4 area. I went through security - patdown #2, then into the waiting area. This area only has 2 gift shops and a food counter.
Slight delay on departure but arrived IAH on time. I have Global Entry so I was out in two minutes. I go through security again - patdown #3. Bonus - I notice the Global Entry office, I walk in and get my driver's license info updated on the spot - can't do it online.
Had a quick bite to eat before the final leg. Arriving aircraft was delayed thus departure was delayed, but got home to EWR on time.
It was a bit exhausting since the first leg is a red-eye and I wasn't able to sleep. I wished I could have spent some time in the club lounges to eat and drink something. If I do this trip again, I'd prefer to stay one day at a hotel before moving on.