When is the earliest time to book flight on return?

[Droop]

I know this has probably been asked numerous times but I could not find it on this thread. My hubby and I as well as another couple have booked a flight out of San Diego to Seattle when we return from out Panama Canal cruise. I've never sailed into San Diego so I'm not familiar with the port. I hear the airport is visible from the port. (We are sailing in on the Celebrity Century). We are sailing in Jan so I had booked the airfare quite a while back to leave there at 155 pm and get back into Seattle at 439 pm. I just found out that the flight time has changed to 245 pm and gets into SEA at 535 pm. I know it's only 45 mins more but the next earlier flight on Alaska airline is at 1035 am. Would that be pushing it a little or is this doable? I really don't want to stress (especially with another couple). We are kind of stuck in the situation where we really don't want to wait around or we could rush off and do something quick but then we are dealing with the luggage. Any ideas? Thanks so much.

[Piepkorn]

I know this has probably been asked numerous times but I could not find it on this thread. My hubby and I as well as another couple have booked a flight out of San Diego to Seattle when we return from out Panama Canal cruise. I've never sailed into San Diego so I'm not familiar with the port. I hear the airport is visible from the port. (We are sailing in on the Celebrity Century). We are sailing in Jan so I had booked the airfare quite a while back to leave there at 155 pm and get back into Seattle at 439 pm. I just found out that the flight time has changed to 245 pm and gets into SEA at 535 pm. I know it's only 45 mins more but the next earlier flight on Alaska airline is at 1035 am. Would that be pushing it a little or is this doable? I really don't want to stress (especially with another couple). We are kind of stuck in the situation where we really don't want to wait around or we could rush off and do something quick but then we are dealing with the luggage. Any ideas? Thanks so much.

 

San Diego is known for it's historically slow customs clearance, and it will be slower as you are not on a 'closed port' cruise. Although the airport is just a few minutes away from the cruise terminal, the slightest delay could cause you to miss your flight. It is doable, but I would not attempt this myself. I remember seeing a few discussions regarding luggage in San Diego...but don't recall where they were. I'm sure someone else will come on here to help :)

[Keith1010]

I would not book a 10:35 AM flight. There is too much risk and then you have the stress of worrying about this.

 

Go with the later flight. Be one of the last off the ship and just plan to have lunch at the airport.

 

Keith

[SadieN]

Last cruise out of San Diego we waited forever for the ship to clear and we were on a closed-loop cruise.

 

It is done onboard and everyone has to clear CBP before anyone is allowed to debark. We heard the same names being called over and over.

[Droop]

It looks like I'll keep the later flight. I really do appreciate the info from all of you. That's what's so great about C/C.

 

Thanks!:D

[kenish]

I've taken 2 cruises into SAN and would have missed a 1035 flight in both cases. (Fortunately I can take the train for 90 minutes and I'm home). Alaska Airlines is sometimes surprisingly flexible...if you breeze off the ship and get to the airport in time, it doesn't hurt to ask if you can get on the earlier flight. Of course the better plan is to chill and enjoy San Diego!