San Juan airport layover options

[liamsaunt]

So, my layover in San Juan was extended this morning to 4.5 hours. Thank you Jet Blue! The only other option is to switch to Cape Air and I am not going to do that with kids in tow. The resulting mental trauma of dealing with their reactions to that little plane doesn't outweigh the trauma of a long layover

Does anyone have suggestions for someplace decent to eat lunch either in or near the airport, or any other ideas for how to kill that time? I understand that the lines to get through security are long at SJU so am not sure if leaving is a good idea. Plus there are six of us, so taking a taxi etc. could be kind of a pain.

Thanks for any input, forum friends!

[PA Girl]

If you want to leave the airport, there are lots of van type of taxis. In Feb, we had 7 when we stayed in San Juan and we just walked out the door and a dispatcher was right there, directing us to a van. (I was also worried about cab size.) The cost was really reasonable, our ride was at least 20 minutes and it was $27 total for all 7.

That being said, I don't remember seeing any dining options around the airport, just lots of office and industrial buildings.

We have cleared SJU security a couple of times. Last trip, we literally walked right through. Every other time, it was an absolute zoo even during the week.

Speaking of last time, because AA openned up a check in line just for us (I have no idea why) and we walked right through security, we had 2 hours to kill. We camped out at the Margarittaville bar. Yes, it is hokey but there were lots of tvs and our son got a kick out of the decor. There were many families doing the same thing.

[bdkane]

Last time we had a layover in SJU we hit Margaritaville, it was pretty good for airport food - and the drinks helped kill the time

Regarding Cape Air - Im not sure how old your children are, but mine (5,11) really enjoyed the "go kart" in the sky... as they called it

Regarding leaving - you couldn't pay me! - once through security with my little one is enough

[loria]

have to chime in on the small plane-- my kids LOVE it-- the new perspective is really wonderful and they think its a real treat! and the food at SJU is HORRIBLE. I would opt for a quicker get away

[News of St. John]

San Juan is one of the last airports that I would ever want to be stuck in. It's definitely one of my least favorites. That being said, I too would opt for Cape Air. When I visited this past January, my husband and I actually skipped our Jet Blue connection and bought Cape Air tickets at the airport just to get out of San Juan quicker. There were four of us on the plane including the pilot and it was quite an experience. The views are incredible but it is pretty small. Even so, it beats being stuck in the San Juan airport.

[liamsaunt]

I know San Juan stinks, we have gone through there before. Here is the thing: switching to Cape Air is going to add almost another $1,000 on to our already very expensive plane tickets ($750 x6, the highest fare we have ever paid!). I really don't want to output any more money towards airfare. And, I truly know my niece and nephew would not enjoy Cape Air at all.

I was hoping to hear that there was someplace decent inside the airport these days or that going somewhere nearby was a viable option, but it doesn't look like that is the case. We'll just hang out at Margaritaville with the knowledge that a fantastic vacation is only 4.5 hours (and a taxi and a ferry ride!) away. Thanks guys!

[jayseadee]

Maybe you'll get lucky and JetBlue will make another change - in your favor this time.

[mindehankins]

I get that, Liamsaunt. Ours were almost $900 apiece, this trip. You've got the right attitude. 4 1/2 hours. Maybe plan some special game or scavenger hunt to make the time pass?

[loria]

the folks at TA like Metropol (Cuban) it's 5 minutes from the airport and you'd probably be able to get there eat and get back in plenty of time-- i cannot vouch for it myself.... but it might be good for a family meal.
i get you with the extra grand-- that is A LOT on top of your tickets....!

[Pia]

There is always Starbucks in the San Juan Airport

Pia

[News of St. John]

I understand that cost is definitely a factor. Here is what I did- When my husband and I got to the airport, we went directly to the Cape Air counter. We explained that we had a layover and were interested in getting on an earlier Cape Air flight. I explained that Cape Air was already scheduled to fly and that I would be doing them a favor by hopping on. I also convinced them to change me a super cheap fare because I was actually helping them. And it worked! They charged us $92 and then brought us through security and we were on our merry little way. It was pretty sweet. I almost felt like I was on The Amazing Race!

And if they say no or if the cost is too high, grab a coffee like Pia said. Good luck!

[stjchica]

To me..on a layover..4 hrs just doesn't seem like that much time...by time you get off the plane, etc etc..and then have to get back through security, back to boarding, etc..I would just be stressed that I would miss the plane or something if I left..
I think I would pack some extra activites, food/snacks and hang out at the airport and chill and then eat somewhere good on arrival..imo.

[augie]

I'd take a cab to Isla Verde and eat in either the sports bar or at the rooftop restaurant at the El San Juan.