Originally Posted by
ckjmglee
Hawaii (HNL/OGG)-BQN-Hawaii in early December 2013
BQN is a small airport on the west side of Puerto Rico on Atlantic Standard time (one hour ahead of EST).
United first class RT fares between Hawaii (OGG and HNL) and BQN have been running around $1,000-$1,200 during certain times of the year.
United departs EWR around 9pm, arrives BQN around 1:35am and departs back to EWR at 2:49am.
The airport is really small. You'll deplane outside via stairs, walk into the one luggage baggage claim area and if you're not checking any luggage, have to wait for them to unlock to the door to the terminal. No customs or immigration as Puerto Rico is a US territory.
There's really not much in the terminal, a small cafe, store and the check-in counters. I had my return boarding pass so I just went to security. There's not a sign denoting this, but first class and premium passengers can use the crew lane on the left side to move to the front of the slow moving security line.
There's not much in the gate area - a few soda machines, some cheap booze and bathrooms, but you won't be there long if you're doing a mileage run. United boards early and initially without any announcements (the crew turns right around so they're motivated to get back to EWR).
It's a pretty easy turn - might be a little more challenging if you're checking luggage. I ran into at least three other folks doing MRs...
Cell coverage (AT&T) was great and cell service is considered US domestic.
just did the same run this weekend to hawaii
the only thing to add was that if you come out of baggage claim and turnaround right away at screening you dont have to get checked by agriculture, however if you go outside get some tropical air, smoke or meet friends then you have to go to agriculture first before screening. The duty free also has great prices on liquor and cigs, and the cafe makes a mean but small latte. BTW Jet Blue, Spirit and United all leave withing a hour and a half of each other so screening can get crowded but it moves