abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4917 posts, RR: 55 Posted (1 year 9 months 1 week 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 14047 times:
Feedback always appreciated.
I > Background:
Sometimes, it is far easier to go explore other parts of the world and conveniently forget what is within reach. We are often guilty of not doing touristy things in the cities we live in; or, explore more of our own countries. In the same vein, I had three "missing" countries in Latin America that I had never been to - Bolivia, Guyana, and Suriname. One of my "goals" is to have done all 3 by end of 2012 - so what better way to kick off that in 2011 but to visit Suriname.
Now getting to Suriname was no easy task - though, I was supposedly close-by in Venezuela. So I ended up designing an itinerary which involved a great NY-eve celebration in Brasil, followed by some relaxation in Belém. The initial idea as to try META (http://www.voemeta.com/empresa/site/default.asp) on its BEL-PBM link and then fly Suriname Airways out of PBM. Of course, flying these obscure airlines sometime never goes to plan and as departure days arrived, I found out that META had canceled their flight. I had to call the mobile number of the operations chief to get this information after their online engine did not return this flight, and I was not going to believe that the flight had been sold out! Thankfully, they were pretty fast with refund and my Brasilian friends credit card was promptly refunded back.
So after a week in amazing Suriname (really incredible place), it was time to head back. I had a business meeting in Miami, so decided to first fly PY to PBM, and then BW to FLL.
I believe this is the first report on Suriname Airways' 737 operation and the first that covers PBM-POS. Kappel has some great PY reports (http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/trip_reports/read.main/181072) and there is LatinAviation's excellent report as well (http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/trip_reports/read.main/142017) focusing on PY's intercontinental operations.
II > Pre-Flight:
a) Before Airport:
Establishd in 1955, Suriname Airways (SLM) is the national airline of Suriname, based in Paramaribo. It operates regional and long-haul scheduled passenger services. From its hub at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, PY flies to several cities in the Americas and maintains the crucial link to Amsterdam.
While PY maintains a functional report at http://www.slm.nl/, I wasn't able to use it to make my purchase as it would choke when taking my credit card information. So after many attempts, I gave up and had my Caracas angel (best agent in CCS: let me know if you ever want obscure ticketing done) get me my ticket. I was not able to view my itinerary online, and was never able to contact their call center for seat assignment. Not impressive!
b) At Airport:
Paramaribo's airport is located quite a distance away, and the 6,15am departure meant leaving my hotel at 3,00am. UUGH. Anyways, arriving at PBM, I was greeted by a very tropical airport which could have been anywhere in the Pacific Islands. The airport is itself interesting as you walk-in to this secure air conditioned area and check-in, then leave to be "outside", before going back "inside".
I am sure to confuse people, BW also has a flight to POS at that time. Since I apparently did not look like a PY customer, I was told to go to the BW counter. BW does well on PBM flights to feed its network at POS to the U.S. and Canada. After much convincing and disbelief, I was allowed to stand in queue for the flight to POS which incidentally also continued to CUR.
Check-in was rather quick and the agent was able to respond to my request for my exit row window seat - guess one of the nicer things about not having OLCI is that you can show up at the airport, and have an exit row! She was stunned that I had no check in luggage, and told me to be at the gate 45 minutes prior to boarding.
After check-in, I went past dogs and other animals, to the outside café for a tremendously expensive coffee and then back through a fast immigration, and a rather annoying security check where I was selected to go through intensive bag checks. Not having any hold luggage is apparently suspicious. Go figure.
When boarding was called in, everyone jumped and we were all herded to our bus to our 733 which looked rather exotic in the middle of the ramp.
Greeted at the door, the crew were a tad surprised by my "Good Morning" as most passengers were walking indifferently to their seat. Y load was around 70%, J load was around 80%.
Airport - External:
(Paramaribo Airport)
(I wonder where I am flying to?)
Check-in:
Airport - Internal:
*
(FIDS: What is that?)
NONE
(Post Security @ PBM)
NONE - look at the gate area and that was pretty much it!
*
Scenes of the tarmac:
NONE
Lounge: NONE
Boarding:
(Gate Area)
(Boarding - the inevitable crazy rush)
III> In-Flight:
a) Service Schedule + Impressions:
Light stayed off throughout the flight, and there was a small breakfast offering about 45 minutes into the flight. Nothing beyond that.
b) Aircraft + Seats:
Perhaps PH can tell us a bit more about the pedigree of PY's 733's? For the age of the aircraft, they were moderately maintained. As was expected of an aircraft of this age, the bathrooms and lighting were definitely of a different era. However, everything worked, and the seats were comfortable enough. There was decent legroom in the exit row, and the recline was regular economy standards. In other rows, legroom was far more tight.
c) Meal + Beverage:
45 minutes into the flight, the meal service commenced. On board today was a sandwich made of cheese and some form of meat - no idea what it was. It was OK - and very average - but common on flights in Latin America. Accompanying the food was various beverages and a good hot café which hit the right spot.
No other meal or beverage service offered, and the crew did not come with water or anything.
(Breakfast)
*
(Excellent café)
d) Inflight Entertainment:
There was no in-flight magazine in the form of audio and video. Their in-flight magazine "Sabaku" provided a good update of the country and its history. I always find it great that these flag-carriers of smaller airlines are so good at creating awareness of their unique cultures and countries.
(“In-flight magazines”, Boarding Passes, etc.)
e) Crew:
The Suriname Airways crew were OK. They went about doing their job with basic smiles - nothing too intrusive, and nothing too friendly. Just did the usual runs and service offerings before going back to the galley. The purser was an older more experienced woman and she definitely had a much more motherly charm about her. Overall, nothing memorable - but then again, nothing to complain about either.
IV> Post-Flight:
Landing in POS was hard, and the taxi to the terminal fast. I am amazed at how much POS looks like a generic south U.S. airports and I fail to understand why it does not do much more to incorporate local elements. Anyways, immigration was a breeze, and I was soon landside.
(Approaching POS)
(POS Airport)
(The 757 remains such a beautiful aircraft)
V> Impressions + Scores:
Suriname Airways gave me a no non-sense approach to getting me from point A to B. On these small flight, I do not have major expectations, and I guess PY went ahead and matched what I thought of. No aspect of their overall service stood out - but none were unpleasant either. I wish their booking engine was more dynamic; other than that, no real complaints. While it would be nice to have an IFE option, it is not required when your average stage length is not high.
Overall, neither a thumps up or down. If offered the choice, I would fly PY if the price and schedule was right again. I would not go out of my way to avoid it; nor, fly it.
(Note on Codes: Y – Economy, J – Business, F – First :: I/D – International/Domestic :: SR/MR/LR – Short/Medium/Long Haul)
(Note on Date: Dates are modified to be +/- 3 days from actual flight date to not reveal actual flight pattern)
VII> Other Pictures:
(Pictures of Paramaribo and around)
(Looks more like a U.S. university campus)
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
(And my favorite picture - the agent who I went to confirm my ticket in BEL gave me my e-ticket printout in this - what a trip down memory lane!)
debonair From Germany, joined Jan 2004, 2098 posts, RR: 4 Reply 1, posted (1 year 9 months 1 week 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 13817 times:
Nice TR, as always...
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): The initial idea as to try META (http://www.voemeta.com/empresa/site/default.asp) on its BEL-PBM link and then fly Suriname Airways out of PBM.
airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4015 posts, RR: 52 Reply 2, posted (1 year 9 months 1 week 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 13743 times:
Hi Alex,
really great to read about the 737 experience on PY!
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Since I apparently did not look like a PY customer, I was told to go to the BW counter. BW does well on PBM flights to feed its network at POS to the U.S. and Canada. After much convincing and disbelief, I was allowed to stand in queue for the flight to POS
Instead of an argument about it, why don't they just ask for the ticket? That would be much more professional.
I can't recall seen another airport without these informations. Not impressive either, since they also have quite some international flights from Europe.
Regards
Eric
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6083 posts, RR: 56 Reply 3, posted (1 year 9 months 1 week 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 13708 times:
Hi Alex!
Thanks for another interesting report with nice pictures !
Nice that you visited another county!
PY looks okay but nothing special. Magazine looks nice !
Paramaribo looks very old fashioned and very nice with nicely colored window frames.
Thanks again and looking forward to your next report.
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4917 posts, RR: 55 Reply 4, posted (1 year 9 months 1 week 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 12863 times:
Quoting debonair (Reply 1): So in the end, how did you get to PBM?
= Actually, ended up flying Suriname Airways into PBM as well.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 2): I can't recall seen another airport without these informations. Not impressive either, since they also have quite some international flights from Europe.
= There are a few places like that ... But definitely surprised that PBM is one of them.
globalflyer From United States of America, joined Dec 2005, 806 posts, RR: 2 Reply 5, posted (1 year 9 months 1 week 5 days ago) and read 12675 times:
Hi Alex...another fine read even though the score was low! PBM looks like a third-world airport but the country looks beautiful and really nothing like I expected. Can you imagine when the PY and KL widebodies arrive...must be total chaos! I am surprised that PY serves anything other than a beverage in YCL on such a short flight. Thanks again for sharing! Cheers, William
Landing on every Continent almost on an annual basis!
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): While PY maintains a functional report at http://www.slm.nl/, I wasn't able to use it to make my purchase as it would choke when taking my credit card information.
Was it your browser maybe? I've never had a problem paying on their website. Nowadays you pay USD 10 or similar if you pay by credit card.
Thanks for calling my country run down abrelosojos...
Just kidding, I know it looks kindof "run down."
Next time you're going to/through PBM just give me a PM and I'll show you around/give you some tips.
Quoting globalflyer (Reply 5): Can you imagine when the PY and KL widebodies arrive...must be total chaos!
Actually, there is a new arrivals hall which looks a ton better than the departure hall in abrelosojos' pictures.
Additionally, the long haul PY and KL flights almost never depart/arrive at the same time, unless of irops... Then it's a chaos...
I flew PY 3 times last year (2X PBM-AUA-MIA, 1X MIA-AUA-PBM) and if it weren't for the cheaper price I wouldn't have flown them. Actually, after last year I swore "never" to fly them again.
First of all their seat pitch on the 737's is very tight.
Second, their older flight attendants can be a nightmare. Rude and inflexible to say the least. However, I don't think they're rude by nature. It's because English isn't their first langauge and they're not that fluent in English. BUT, their younger crew are a lot friendlier and obviously better in English.
Third, connecting in AUA is a long and tiring afair. This is why BW is my preferred carrier when flying from PBM to MIA (through POS).
Fourth, you can't check in online (although with BW when checking in online their website crashes very often, making online check in also useless very often) nor select a seat when booking a flight.
On the other hand, I 'm suprised that you were actually given a sandwich on such a short flight. You definitely do get more and a lot better food than on BW. On BW you would only get a tiny packet of mini pretzels and a drink on the PBM-POS route. That's it.
OB1783P From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 325 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (1 year 9 months 1 week 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 12213 times:
I have wanted to visit Suriname and neighboring French Guiana for a long time, but it is so hard to get there from the US. I have postponed this trip many times, since my time off is limited: no taste for 8 hour in POS in both directions... I will make it some day, like Papillon!
I enjoyed your TR a lot.
I've flown thousands of miles and I can tell you it's a lot safer than crossing the street!
wheretonext From United States of America, joined Jul 2010, 96 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (1 year 9 months 1 week 4 days 14 hours ago) and read 11904 times:
Hey Alex,
I'm enjoying the steady stream of trip reports! Thanks for keeping up the good work!
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): We are often guilty of not doing touristy things in the cities we live in; or, explore more of our own countries
I completely understand. In rush to be a world explorer, I've neglected some cool locations in my own backyard. As a matter of fact, I'm visiting Washington D.C. for the first time next week. (Am I a bad American for going to China before D.C.? lol)
Those seem to be some healthy loads. Doesn't this flight continue on to MIA? POS seems like an unusual destination for such a small airline. Is there much O&D between PBM and POS?
Thanks, again!
Matt
Quoting BIgMac (Reply 6): Finally, I don't know if anyone knew but Kappel passed away about 6 1/2 months ago (cancer). RIP...
This is very terrible news. I always enjoyed his reports covering PBM-AMS, especially the pictures of Suriname's natural beauty. He was incredibly friendly to me on the forums. RIP Kappel.
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4917 posts, RR: 55 Reply 9, posted (1 year 9 months 1 week 4 days 12 hours ago) and read 11845 times:
Quoting globalflyer (Reply 5): Hi Alex...another fine read even though the score was low! PBM looks like a third-world airport but the country looks beautiful and really nothing like I expected. Can you imagine when the PY and KL widebodies arrive...must be total chaos! I am surprised that PY serves anything other than a beverage in YCL on such a short flight. Thanks again for sharing! Cheers, William
= William - good point - as LatinAviation mentions in his report, he was urged to run to do his VOA upon arrival from AMS.
Quoting BIgMac (Reply 6): Was it your browser maybe? I've never had a problem paying on their website. Nowadays you pay USD 10 or similar if you pay by credit card.
= Perhaps. Wait. There is a USD 10 extra charge for CC bookings?
Quoting BIgMac (Reply 6): Thanks for calling my country run down abrelosojos...
Just kidding, I know it looks kindof "run down."
Next time you're going to/through PBM just give me a PM and I'll show you around/give you some tips.
Quoting BIgMac (Reply 6): Glad you liked my country!
= Sorry. Didn't mean to offend - run down was a poor choice of word in this case. What I meant to convey was given the architectural splendor and history (as seen in the pics), it is shocking that so much of it is so poorly maintained. Isn't Parbo Unesco heritage anyways?
OHHH ... I hope you know what you are getting into ... I will SOOO take you up on that offer.
Quoting BIgMac (Reply 6): Second, their older flight attendants can be a nightmare. Rude and inflexible to say the least. However, I don't think they're rude by nature. It's because English isn't their first langauge and they're not that fluent in English. BUT, their younger crew are a lot friendlier and obviously better in English.
= You know its funny - I was actually gonna comment on how much I loved their very distinct accent.
Quoting BIgMac (Reply 6): Third, connecting in AUA is a long and tiring afair. This is why BW is my preferred carrier when flying from PBM to MIA (through POS).
= Why is it long and tiring? Do you disembark for the Americans and clear in AUA?
Quoting BIgMac (Reply 6):
Finally, I don't know if anyone knew but Kappel passed away about 6 1/2 months ago (cancer). RIP...
= OMG. This is such sad news. I had no idea. Kappel was the one who encouraged me to go to Suriname and actually helped me with tips on hotel stays and such. No wonder I got no response to an email I sent about my visit.
This really bleeds my heart. My thoughts are with him. RIP.
Quoting OB1783P (Reply 7): I have wanted to visit Suriname and neighboring French Guiana for a long time, but it is so hard to get there from the US. I have postponed this trip many times, since my time off is limited: no taste for 8 hour in POS in both directions... I will make it some day, like Papillon!
I enjoyed your TR a lot.
= Glad you enjoyed it. It is definitely hard. To get to Cayenne, I had to use Paris! But when there is a will, there is a way ...
Quoting wheretonext (Reply 8): I'm enjoying the steady stream of trip reports! Thanks for keeping up the good work!
= Thanks a lot. Your AC review is on the top of my reading list .
Quoting wheretonext (Reply 8):
I completely understand. In rush to be a world explorer, I've neglected some cool locations in my own backyard. As a matter of fact, I'm visiting Washington D.C. for the first time next week. (Am I a bad American for going to China before D.C.? lol)
= Haha ... and of all cities, it is DC that taught me that I had seen so little of my erstwhile hometown!
Quoting wheretonext (Reply 8): Those seem to be some healthy loads. Doesn't this flight continue on to MIA? POS seems like an unusual destination for such a small airline. Is there much O&D between PBM and POS?
Thanks, again!
Matt
= Matt, I thought there is significant labor and VFR traffic. Perhaps someone more intimately familiar can educate me?
Quoting wheretonext (Reply 8): This is very terrible news. I always enjoyed his reports covering PBM-AMS, especially the pictures of Suriname's natural beauty. He was incredibly friendly to me on the forums. RIP Kappel.
ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8264 posts, RR: 56 Reply 10, posted (1 year 9 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 11610 times:
Hi Alex,
Good read as expected, thanks for sharing, don't see too may Suriname AW TR's!
Seems pretty average, nothing exceptional though nothing to griper about, an average flight which is fine these days.
Interesting you liked the coffee, I tend to fine this is the one drink airlines rarely get right, it's usually a pretty tasteless muddy looking liquid!
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6190 posts, RR: 79 Reply 11, posted (1 year 9 months 1 week 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 11421 times:
Hi A.,
great report about this small airline, very enjoyable! And these houses look really beautiful!
It would also be interesting to see what kind of service the airline offers on its long-haul flights, operated by a single A343. Maybe a future target for you?
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Perhaps PH can tell us a bit more about the pedigree of PY's 733's? For the age of the aircraft, they were moderately maintained.
Both 733s are ex-LOT/Centralwings birds. They're still quite young, built in 1997.
BigMac From Suriname, joined Nov 2003, 317 posts, RR: 11 Reply 12, posted (1 year 9 months 1 week 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 11151 times:
Quoting OB1783P (Reply 7): I have wanted to visit Suriname and neighboring French Guiana for a long time, but it is so hard to get there from the US. I have postponed this trip many times, since my time off is limited: no taste for 8 hour in POS in both directions... I will make it some day, like Papillon!
8 hours? That's more like the total time it takes to get from MIA to PBM with PY (through AUA). If you take BW (through POS) or 7I (Insel Air through CUR) it'll take you 7 hours total.
Quoting wheretonext (Reply 8): Those seem to be some healthy loads. Doesn't this flight continue on to MIA? POS seems like an unusual destination for such a small airline. Is there much O&D between PBM and POS?
For PBM, POS is the "gateway" to the Caribbean.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 9): Perhaps. Wait. There is a USD 10 extra charge for CC bookings?
Yes, I think it's USD 10. Last year I didn't have to pay this fee. When I flew PY this year I had to pay the USD 10 fee.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 9): Sorry. Didn't mean to offend - run down was a poor choice of word in this case. What I meant to convey was given the architectural splendor and history (as seen in the pics), it is shocking that so much of it is so poorly maintained. Isn't Parbo Unesco heritage anyways?
I was just kidding (I'm fully aware that it looks "run down"). Yes, Paramaribo is a Unesco heritage site. Poor maintenance is part of our culture...
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 9): OHHH ... I hope you know what you are getting into ... I will SOOO take you up on that offer.
Not a problem at all!
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 9): Why is it long and tiring? Do you disembark for the Americans and clear in AUA?
Well, first of all, if you take PY it'll take you 8 hours total instead of 7 hours with either BW or 7I. Additionally, when you fly PBM-AUA-MIA you need to clear US immigration at AUA, which means you'll take a grand prix tour of AUA, then go through a thorough security check, wait for your luggage before US immigration, go through US immigration (which is a lot nastier/invasive then when doing it in the USA) with your luggage, drop off your luggage, and then lastly go through another thorough security check. Not very relaxing...
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Reply 13, posted (1 year 9 months 1 week 2 days 12 hours ago) and read 10609 times:
Hi Alex,
This marvelous report of yours definitely whets my appetite to visit Suriname.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): We are often guilty of not doing touristy things in the cities we live in; or, explore more of our own countries.
I have to count myself in. I am appreciating the beauty of my home country even more after moving to Netherlands.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): After much convincing and disbelief, I was allowed to stand in queue for the flight to POS which incidentally also continued to CUR
Apparently, we are judged on our appearance. Have you figured out how PY passengers should be dressed?
You don’t say? Even a tiny airport of my hometown has FIDS.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): the crew were a tad surprised by my "Good Morning" as most passengers were walking indifferently to their seat.
I am sure the crew appreciated your gesture.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): On board today was a sandwich made of cheese and some form of meat - no idea what it was. It was OK - and very average - but common on flights in Latin America.
Good to know what to expect on board for the flight duration.
airport1970 From United States of America, joined Apr 2011, 62 posts, RR: 0 Reply 14, posted (1 year 9 months 1 week 2 days 11 hours ago) and read 10577 times:
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): 45 minutes into the flight, the meal service commenced. On board today was a sandwich made of cheese and some form of meat - no idea what it was.
Doesn't look like much really, and definitely not a light breakfast. I'd call that a snack.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): I always find it great that these flag-carriers of smaller airlines are so good at creating awareness of their unique cultures and countries.
Ah, so it's like the PY version of The Holland Herald.
Thanks for sharing!
//Jonas
I won't stop complaining until SAS reintroduces free service in Economy Class!
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2212 posts, RR: 14 Reply 16, posted (1 year 9 months 1 week 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 10350 times:
Hi A.
Another exotic trip report, always a pleasure to read. Thanks for covering the PY-service on this shorter flight from PBM to POS. Your report gives a nice insight of the airline.
wheretonext From United States of America, joined Jul 2010, 96 posts, RR: 0 Reply 17, posted (1 year 9 months 1 week 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 10201 times:
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 9): = Matt, I thought there is significant labor and VFR traffic. Perhaps someone more intimately familiar can educate me?
Quoting BigMac (Reply 12): For PBM, POS is the "gateway" to the Caribbean.
Thanks for the enlightenment, guys! I must admit I need to learn more about O&D between the Caribbean and South America.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 9): Your AC review is on the top of my reading list .
baje427 From Barbados, joined Jul 2011, 405 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (1 year 9 months 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 9831 times:
Nice report from an area of the world rarely covered in trip reports question abrelosojos since you flew to POS and live in Venezuela can we expect a BW trip report POS-CCS?
Palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1051 posts, RR: 16 Reply 19, posted (1 year 9 months 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 9373 times:
A - I really enjoyed this rare glimpse of a route rarely, if ever, reported here on A.net. Thank you! As others have said, there are only a handful of reports out there from this airline. Nice to see what's on offer for the flight you took.
Are you able to clarify a point about the spelling of the airline's name? I've seen references to "Suriname" but on the airline's own website, it refers to as "Surinam" Airways. Is there a reason for the difference in spelling? I was reading somewhere that suggested "Surinam" was the original English name given to the settlement. Any idea why the airline does not refer to itself as Suriname Airways?
I always find it interesting that following the numerous Dutch-English disputes and wars in the 17thC, as part of the Treaty of Breda negotiations, the English commissioners (Denzil Holles and Henry Coventry) offered to return New Netherland (in which New Amsterdam (now New York) was located, in exchange for their sugar factories on the coast of Surinam that had been taken by Abraham Crijnssen earlier in 1667.
The Dutch side declined so they "lost" what was then renamed New York and ended up keeping Surinam. If only they knew then what a global city New York would go on to become.
Good read as expected, thanks for sharing, don't see too may Suriname AW TR's!
Seems pretty average, nothing exceptional though nothing to griper about, an average flight which is fine these days.
Interesting you liked the coffee, I tend to fine this is the one drink airlines rarely get right, it's usually a pretty tasteless muddy looking liquid!
Cheers
Mark
= Mark - thanks for the comments. Ya, the coffee was actually surprisingly good - it is actually quite amusing which airlines seem to have good coffee. For some weird reason, United has great coffee!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 11): great report about this small airline, very enjoyable! And these houses look really beautiful!
= PH, they really were!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 11): It would also be interesting to see what kind of service the airline offers on its long-haul flights, operated by a single A343. Maybe a future target for you?
= I wish . It is hard enough to get to Suriname as it. How about you? When are you coming and visiting us in Latin America?
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 11): Both 733s are ex-LOT/Centralwings birds. They're still quite young, built in 1997.
PH
= Thanks PH. Always can count on you for these info!
Quoting BigMac (Reply 12):
8 hours? That's more like the total time it takes to get from MIA to PBM with PY (through AUA). If you take BW (through POS) or 7I (Insel Air through CUR) it'll take you 7 hours total.
= Isn't that sad ?
Quoting BigMac (Reply 12):
For PBM, POS is the "gateway" to the Caribbean.
= Haha.
Quoting BigMac (Reply 12):
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 9):
Perhaps. Wait. There is a USD 10 extra charge for CC bookings?
Yes, I think it's USD 10. Last year I didn't have to pay this fee. When I flew PY this year I had to pay the USD 10 fee.
= This sucks. Are they the only airline in the Americas that do this?
Quoting BigMac (Reply 12): Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 9):
Why is it long and tiring? Do you disembark for the Americans and clear in AUA?
Well, first of all, if you take PY it'll take you 8 hours total instead of 7 hours with either BW or 7I. Additionally, when you fly PBM-AUA-MIA you need to clear US immigration at AUA, which means you'll take a grand prix tour of AUA, then go through a thorough security check, wait for your luggage before US immigration, go through US immigration (which is a lot nastier/invasive then when doing it in the USA) with your luggage, drop off your luggage, and then lastly go through another thorough security check. Not very relaxing...
= Oh God. This sounds horrible. I have flown out of AUA and remember lining up forever to do the US Border checks. I can only imagine how worse it is to disembark, and have to go through it. Is it a separate line or do you join all the others?
This marvelous report of yours definitely whets my appetite to visit Suriname.
= Suryo, you MUST VISIT!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 13):
I have to count myself in. I am appreciating the beauty of my home country even more after moving to Netherlands.
= Hey - I just had a fantastic trip of Indonesia - it is increasingly becoming one of my three favorite Asian countries.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 13):
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter):
After much convincing and disbelief, I was allowed to stand in queue for the flight to POS which incidentally also continued to CUR
Apparently, we are judged on our appearance. Have you figured out how PY passengers should be dressed?
= No. I am horrible at figuring out how people should dress - with a globalized world, I find it weird when people expect one thing.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 13): Good to know what to expect on board for the flight duration.
Thanks a lot for sharing.
Best wishes,
Suryo
= Suryo, stop collecting these Mid East airline miles and go see Suriname !
= Wow. Thanks for that, and good to know. Though I must complain ... made me realize how many places I'd not seen!
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 15): Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter):
From its hub at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport,
Hmm, sounds like the airport was named after a Swede
= Jaja.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 15): Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter):
I was not able to view my itinerary online, and was never able to contact their call center for seat assignment.
Was the ticket issued on old fashioned paperstock this time?
= No. eTicket.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 15):
And presumably they were traveling as well
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 15):
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter):
I always find it great that these flag-carriers of smaller airlines are so good at creating awareness of their unique cultures and countries.
Ah, so it's like the PY version of The Holland Herald.
Another exotic trip report, always a pleasure to read. Thanks for covering the PY-service on this shorter flight from PBM to POS. Your report gives a nice insight of the airline.
Greetings
Marc
= Thanks Marc.
Quoting wheretonext (Reply 17):
Thanks for the enlightenment, guys! I must admit I need to learn more about O&D between the Caribbean and South America.
Quoting wheretonext (Reply 17): Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 9):
Your AC review is on the top of my reading list .
Hope you enjoy!
Regards,
Matt
= Matt, I had no idea as well.
Quoting baje427 (Reply 18): Nice report from an area of the world rarely covered in trip reports question abrelosojos since you flew to POS and live in Venezuela can we expect a BW trip report POS-CCS?
= Let's see ...
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 19): A - I really enjoyed this rare glimpse of a route rarely, if ever, reported here on A.net. Thank you! As others have said, there are only a handful of reports out there from this airline. Nice to see what's on offer for the flight you took.
= Thank you.
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 19): Are you able to clarify a point about the spelling of the airline's name? I've seen references to "Suriname" but on the airline's own website, it refers to as "Surinam" Airways. Is there a reason for the difference in spelling? I was reading somewhere that suggested "Surinam" was the original English name given to the settlement. Any idea why the airline does not refer to itself as Suriname Airways?
= Perhaps our Surinamese friend can shed more light?
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 19): The Dutch side declined so they "lost" what was then renamed New York and ended up keeping Surinam. If only they knew then what a global city New York would go on to become.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6190 posts, RR: 79 Reply 24, posted (1 year 8 months 3 weeks 3 days 8 hours ago) and read 8259 times:
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 23): You must come to Caracas and of course you're welcome to stay with me. And, we can take a nice flight to Los Roques.
That sounds extremely tempting, thanks for the offer!
PH
Nothing's worse than flying the same reg twice!
25 MHTripple7: Cool trip report! Seems that PY is a fairly standard airline, which isn't necessarily a bad thing these days. I love the hand-written boarding pass. T
26 abrelosojos: = Good . And, the nightlife here in CCS, is legendary. Just give me plenty of head's up because my schedule is a little insane usually. = Ya. And not
27 jchalupsky: Hi there, After reading TRs for years I finally signed up for an account. I have to say your reports are beyond reproach. If I may, what business do y
28 stipica: Hi A ! ...trip report ya ya ya ok like always ... I see that PlaneHunter has to come to Venezuela to present us the flight to Los Roques ... hehehe ..
29 abrelosojos: = Jim, thanks for the extremely kind words. I will gladly take you up on that offer in Charleston - have not been there since 2002 I believe. = Haha.
30 PlaneHunter: Another reason to go! Good question! Shouldn't I better ask: When will you be there? PH[Edited 2011-10-27 04:49:14]
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