posted on September 19, 2001 07:30:57 AM new
Having just returned from Jamaica last night, please allow me to shed a bit of insight.
Many bidders, sellers, friends, & family are currently stuck outside of the country. We were due to leave on Friday, but the flight was cancelled...finially got back in yesterday evening.
We called American Airlines numberous times, generally receiving a busy signal-- I truely believe they laid the phone off the hook. We walked to the airport twice to get information, being told no flights were available, particularly to the Miami area.
Jamaica air flights are now running to the US. AA was running about 3 a day to the US the day I left, but you have great difficultly finding out about them. Had it not been for help within the states, we would still be stuck there. I know of several people who took flights to Canada, so they could catch a ride back inside the states.
For some reason, credit cards are not always working outside the states at this time. A very big deal, if you need it to make a call.
We saw many people there, stranded at the airport. All money spent, only a return air ticket left. Waiting for a flight home.
No mention has been made (that I've heard) on the news of bringing US citizens home, despite the threat of active war.
I have no clue how difficult it may be in other countries at this time, but if you have friends & family outside the states, call them. They may need help to get home. Don't think they will call you if they need you-- they may not be able to.
posted on September 19, 2001 07:36:53 AM new
I have family vacationing in France right now (scheduled LONG before all this happened & they were already over there).
They've already been contacted by the American Consulate to tell them about security measures they should be doing & that if they have any trouble getting home to come to the Embassy.
Their phones (including cell) seem to be working fine despite the fact they are based off the east coast.
The Embassy is urging ALL Americans to be very, VERY careful overseas.
Sorry to hear you had such a difficult time but glad you are home safely!
posted on September 19, 2001 07:41:07 AM new
We thought of trying the embassy & consulate while there. Looked in their phone book, all listings were for Houston, LA, etc... all places within the US. We did not find any for Jamaica.
However, while at the airport, we did speak with one person who stated an embassy or consulate there owns or has contacts to a hotel, offering rooms at $60 a night. Whether they are allowing people to stay if their credit card is not working (or they have no funds), I don't know.
posted on September 19, 2001 09:44:19 AM new
Posted courtesy of Mntmom512 on another board:
"Here, again, for those who may not have seen this post before. Angelflight America 1-877-621-7177 - this is an organization of pilots who donate their time and use their private planes to fly people who, for extenuating circumstances, cannot get to a certain place but need to get there immediately. If you know of someone who is in need of their services, give them the number."
