One Hour Layover Adequate to Connect GCM and LYB?

[stephen1254]

It looks like only a single flight to GCM from either Tampa or Miami is available on Saturday, leaving mid-afternoon. Both flights show a one hour layover before catching the Otter to LYB. With having to de-plane, clear customs and immigration, collect luggage, re-check luggage, and go through security, that seems like an impossible short layover. Others here must have done these flights - did you make the connection?

 

[ReadyDiverOne]

I wouldn't risk it. Used to be there were multiple GCM-LYB flights a day, with one leaving as late at 5pm I think, but I'm seeing now last flight leaving GCM on Saturday is at 2:45. But just checking, I'm seeing a couple of AA flights out of MIA to GCM in the morning, why not take one of those? Those get into GCM at 11am and 1pm latest, giving you time to catch 2:45 into LYB (assuming there are seats).

I'm curious to hear from others, when did Cayman Airlines start having so few flights to LYB on Saturday? I see they're still offering the 5pm flight on Sundays.

 

[Jaan]

We connected CBRC to Miami through Grand Cayman recently and it was a mess. There were unmanned kiosks for customs but no instructions. Everyone was seemingly herded out to exit and then re enter secure zone. At least our bags were checked through but it was still almost an hour. I’d also add that you can’t show up at the airplane door 2 minutes before take off. They may turn you around if not there 20-30 minutes before takeoff and then you’re stuck hoping for a free seat on upcoming days

Maybe better to spend the night. Or look at cayman airways from Miami as an option if still offered. They actually had a direct to Brac.

 

[Doctorfish]

There is a fix for this. Owen Roberts Airport offers a "Meet and Greet" service for $75 pp. They will meet you at the ramp as you get off the plane and escort you to the front of the line, through customs, help with the bags and then take you to Cayman Airways check in, front of line.


Will cut your transit time to about 30 minutes and save lots of stress.

Application through Cayman Islands Airport Authority website. I've used this service several times when I have had a tight connection.

 

[Johnoly]

Owen Roberts Airport offers a "Meet and Greet" service for $75 pp.

That's a great tip,,,haven't heard about that before, Thx !!

 

[Jaan]

Of course, all assumes your incoming is on time
The joys of travel. I'd still not risk it myself.

 

[stephen1254]

It looks like the only flights from GCM to LYB on Saturday are at 7:05 am and 5:10 pm for when we are looking in late October. The meet and greet service looks like the best way to go. We can get in earlier on AA with a 4+ hour layover but then we're booking with separate airlines. I hate dealing with the logistics - I just want to go diving!

 

[tridacna]

It looks like the only flights from GCM to LYB on Saturday are at 7:05 am and 5:10 pm for when we are looking in late October. The meet and greet service looks like the best way to go. We can get in earlier on AA with a 4+ hour layover but then we're booking with separate airlines. I hate dealing with the logistics - I just want to go diving!

Be aware: The 5:10pm flight to LYB in October is hit or miss. LYB has no lighting so if your flight is delayed by 30 mins, you’re SOL. (Otter cannot land after sunset).

 

[AggieDiver]

I would not try to make a 1 hour connection, especially on a saturday. You are completely at the mercy of when your plane lands relative to the dozen or more others that come in on Saturdays and may have 2-3 planes worth of people in line ahead of you. I used to make that connection with about a 1:45 layover pretty comfortably to the 5:10 flight from a late afternoon arrival on United. But that is after the big saturday rush. If you are trying to come in midday and catch a 2-somthing flight to LYB, 1 hour is nowhere near enough and may not even be possible with the meet and greet service mentioned above.

I would suggest coming in on the flight that is convenient for you and then catching the 5:10pm flight. Check your bags, then take the free shuttle over to Georgetown Yacht Club and relax for a couple of hours before the later flight. My experience is just that, my experience, but in about 10-12 trips to LYB on the last flight out around 5pm, I have never once had any issues with it being cancelled or having to divert to CYB. YMMV

 

[tridacna]

My experience is just that, my experience, but in about 10-12 trips to LYB on the last flight out around 5pm, I have never once had any issues with it being cancelled or having to divert to CYB. YMMV

I'm 0/2 with United transferring to CA trying to get the 5:10pm to LYB. Those Otters are also "maintenance problems" prone. CA has been promising to get another one. Still nothing as of today. I'm going in June. Fingers crossed.