Club MoBay VIP arrival service and departure Lounge

[usmc7236]

We arrive 15 December, so if I'm inclined to check the internet while on vacation, maybe I'll have a review for you before you depart.

S/F
Scott and June

[Jamie~and~Christie]

We booked our Arrival/Departure "Bundle" today as well. We are traveling 11/7 - 11/20 and will be sure to post a review upon our return. So far, I have to say, the communication from Club MoBay has been great! I know that the arrival service is brand new, so I'm interested to see how smoothly it goes, or if there are still kinks to be worked out.

[suzyQ]

Hello,
I contacted Club Mobay to ask for clarification of "fast tracked" immigration upon arrival. Here's some of the text of the email I received:

"We have recently introduced our "Meet & Greet" Bundle Package which cover departures as well as arrivals. This package includes:

Met off the plane
Escorted through immigration and security (Club Mobay has a designated line for immigration)

Receive a refreshment and cold towel
Co-ordinate and accompany you to the hotel arrivals lounge or transport

In addition you fast track through immigration and security on departure and get access to the Club Mobay Lounge."

Hubby and I are considering purchasing since we arrive on a Friday afternoon during the week between Christmas and New Year's, and we think it will be very busy at Immigration....

Hope this helps!
suzyQ

[bern_ford@comcast.net]

Hubby and I did not enjoy the lounge. We used the lounge for departure out of Jamaica 1/2/2012. I guess we are just particular of what we eat and drink while there. Also, it did not buy us anytime through the lines. I guess many left before or after. We would not do this again.
Bern and BoB

[Jan]

Elliemaebelle,
Does this also allow you to bypass the long line to check in luggage upon departure? This line was the worst....
If so, I'm in!

[Vickyj]

We used the departure lounge in 2011. We weren't impressed. Kids running around watching all the TVs, so we played on our computers, snack picked over, not much left. They were working on lunch. When we went to go through immigrations, we were put in the fast track line, but as there was a family with a member in a wheel chair, we still had quite a wait. Definitely didn't save us money. As for arrival, we know about immigration, we prepare our paperwork on the plane, we deplane and walk very quickly as we have very little carry on luggage and get "ahead of the crowd". Last year, we were first in line. I would rather spend that $160 towards spa services or a trinket from the resort.

[Vickyj]

Elliemaebelle,
Does this also allow you to bypass the long line to check in luggage upon departure? This line was the worst....
If so, I'm in!

No you still have to stand in line to check in at the airline then check in for MoBay is by the security check point.

[elliemaybelle]

Have received my conformation and these are my instructions upon landing:


Please enjoy Club Mobay VIP services at MBJ Sangster International Airport on your arrival.
Club Mobay features include the following steps which ensures that your arrival is as quick and smooth as possible.
1. Upon deplaning, descend the ramp where a spacious Club Mobay Meeting Point area exists. You will see
your Club Mobay representative holding a paddle sign with your name displayed.
2. Identify yourself to the representative, who will introduce themselves and escort you to the Immigration
Area.
3. Present your Immigration/Customs form along with Passport to the representative, who will quickly inspect
to ensure documents are completed in accordance with the requirements.
4. You will then be taken to a special VIP fast track line in the Immigration Hall, where the Immigration
authorities will process your arrival. Our agents will be on standby in case you have any queries.
5. Once through with Immigration, your Club Mobay representative will escort you to the Customs Hall, where
your checked luggage (if any) will be retrieved.
6. Special seating area is available in the baggage retrieval / waiting area.
7. Customs clearance forms are then presented to the officers.
8. Your representative will then take you outside into the Ground Transportation Hall
9. You will then be accompanied to the Club Mobay Lounge (or your hotel arrivals lounge).
10. A refreshment and cold towel will be presented to you prior to the final transfer
11. Your escort will take you to your ground transport which brings you to your hotel / villa.

Hope this helps

[suzyQ]

Hi elliemaybelle!
Thanks for sharing!!!! Please let us know your experience. Debating whether it's worth the extra money! We enjoy the Departure Lounge and the arrival perks sound pretty good too!!!

Thanks again!!!!

[smroot]

We just returned from CSA and I must say, probably due to time of arrival and dates, that we never waited at all to go through immigrations and customs. As a matter of fact it was so quick, we got our luggage off the carousel. Was also the same way going back, the only line was the airline ticket counter, both in Jamaica and in Charlotte. I believe we will travel midweek again and go during the off season again. Fantastic and different from February for sure. With that all said, I would not use it at all, but then it is your vacation and money and you are the one who has to be happy. It is good mon.

[JohnieReb]

We just returned from CSA and I must say, probably due to time of arrival and dates, that we never waited at all to go through immigrations and customs. As a matter of fact it was so quick, we got our luggage off the carousel. Was also the same way going back, the only line was the airline ticket counter, both in Jamaica and in Charlotte. I believe we will travel midweek again and go during the off season again. Fantastic and different from February for sure. With that all said, I would not use it at all, but then it is your vacation and money and you are the one who has to be happy. It is good mon.

I agree! Just got back myself and there was absolutely no need to use Club Mobay. Save your money! Was through immigration in 2 mins.

[Tuckersmom]

As anyone recently used the arrival service? Would you share your experience and your opinions? Thanks!

[KAL3876]

Does anyone know if you can just purchase an arrival? I hate the Saturday lines - especially in Feb!

[beachbums94]

Have received my conformation and these are my instructions upon landing:


Please enjoy Club Mobay VIP services at MBJ Sangster International Airport on your arrival.
Club Mobay features include the following steps which ensures that your arrival is as quick and smooth as possible.
1. Upon deplaning, descend the ramp where a spacious Club Mobay Meeting Point area exists. You will see
your Club Mobay representative holding a paddle sign with your name displayed.
2. Identify yourself to the representative, who will introduce themselves and escort you to the Immigration
Area.
3. Present your Immigration/Customs form along with Passport to the representative, who will quickly inspect
to ensure documents are completed in accordance with the requirements.
4. You will then be taken to a special VIP fast track line in the Immigration Hall, where the Immigration
authorities will process your arrival. Our agents will be on standby in case you have any queries.
5. Once through with Immigration, your Club Mobay representative will escort you to the Customs Hall, where
your checked luggage (if any) will be retrieved.
6. Special seating area is available in the baggage retrieval / waiting area.
7. Customs clearance forms are then presented to the officers.
8. Your representative will then take you outside into the Ground Transportation Hall
9. You will then be accompanied to the Club Mobay Lounge (or your hotel arrivals lounge).
10. A refreshment and cold towel will be presented to you prior to the final transfer
11. Your escort will take you to your ground transport which brings you to your hotel / villa.

Hope this helps

elliemaybelle,
That sounds rather promising (item #4). Have you been on your trip? Did you feel you were really through customs & immigration quicker than others?

We leave Feb 6th for CSA and had just heard about this. The departure service was great last year and at an extra $25 person to bypass some lines upon arrival sounds great to us!

Thanks,
beachbums94

[D&A913]

I just looked into this. You CAN purchase just arrival (it's $55). I checked flight stats and it appears 8 flights land within 10 minutes of our on Saturdays. We'll be spending the extra money not to wait in immigration we will have flown literally across the country.

I've seen some conflicting info on shuttle pick up. If my flight lands at 11:30am (along with 8 others), and I'm out 1 hour before everyone else. Do I have to wait in the lounge an hour, or do they have rotating shuttles moving people out to CSS and CTI?

Thanks!

[lsm1212]

Okay, we just got back from CSS on Saturday. We opted for the MoBay Pass (Arrival and Departure). And I am SOOOOOO glad we did. We arrived on Sat, 3/16 around 1pm. The line was starting to go up the ramp. Our rep was right at the bottom and walked us straight the VIP line. I asked her how long the other line was probably going to take and she said about 1.5 hours or so. So glad we weren't there. There was no one in front of us in the VIP line. She then helped us get our luggage which was already sitting out off the carousel. She walked us to customs. There were about 20 people in the regular line for this but we were the only ones in the VIP line. She then walked us to the Couples lounge so we could check in. In total from getting off the plane and checking in the Couples lounge???? 10 minutes. We actually stayed in the MoBay lounge the most. I changed in the restroom and got a drink. Our shuttle left about 20 minutes after we arrived. We were at the resort about an hour and 45 minutes later (the other 2 couples wanted to stop along the way).

For the departure, we got to the airport around 10:15am for our 12:40pm flight. Instead of using the kiosks (which seemed to be packed with people), we went to the actual airline desk to check in. We were second in line and it went pretty fast. We then went towards passport check/security. The VIP MoBay line is on the left... regular on the right. The regular line was pretty long. All the way towards the airline check in areas. There were only about 5 people ahead of us for passport check. We then went to the VIP MoBay security line. Again, about 5 people in front of us but the regular line was very long. Not sure how much time we saved on that but it did make a huge difference. We were then directed the MoBay Lounge which was nice. A/C and had food, drinks and bathrooms. Very spacious area. We left a little early to walk around the airport a bit.

So all in all, VERY well worth the money for us. Saved us about 3 hours I would guess. But I'm sure it's because we arrived on a Sat and left on a Sat. We are going to Negril in November (leaving on Sat and returning on Sat again)... and will definitely be using this service for that trip too.

[dawi]

I just looked into this. You CAN purchase just arrival (it's $55). I checked flight stats and it appears 8 flights land within 10 minutes of our on Saturdays.
Thanks!

Where did you find the arrival flight information? We are arriving on a Saturday and want to see how many flights are arriving so we can make a decision about purchasing this.

Thank you!

17 days....but who's counting

[PeteandSarah]

Thank you so much for this input!!!! the wait at the airport was the worst!!!! how do we get the VIP pass and how much does it cost? See you in Negril Thanksgiving 2013!!!

[D&A913]

We are considering the arrival lounge. If you save that much time in lines - does that mean you just have to wait in the Couples lounge for an hour for others to arrive? Or do shuttles just rotate through and we might be able to leave the couples lounge earlier as well?

18 days! Can't wait!

[blridgway]

Thanks for such a comprehensive review. I am seriously thinking about doing this package for our trip and I enjoy being informed as much as I can be before I make my decisions.
Brenda
CSS Oct 2013

[Woodbridgeata]

After going back and forth with this for a while, I have decided to just book both the arrival and departure. We are getting in Saturday morning, and flying out the following Sat. I know its gonna be a roll of the dice for arrival but I cant stand ques. 17 Days!!!

[Woodbridgeata]

question: Are you supposed to tip the club MoBay agents?

[lsm1212]

question: Are you supposed to tip the club MoBay agents?

I did for the arrival rep. She was the only one that was with us for that part. I gave her $5.

For the departure, you will see and speak to a few people and it's not really personal service. Just a true fast track. So didn't tip then.

[smroot]

Where did you find the arrival flight information? We are arriving on a Saturday and want to see how many flights are arriving so we can make a decision about purchasing this.

Thank you!

17 days....but who's counting

If you have a smart phone, I have an Iphone, you can down load an app called flightaware. I think you can download it onto a computer as well. It is free and you can see all kinds of information about airports and flights. I use it to track the progress of my wife's flights when she is traveling for business.

[Cdnwhseguy]

I use an IPad App called Airport Zoom. For arrivals today (Sat) into Sangsters there are 61 flights landing between 8:00AM and 3:00PM, with almost half of these lading between. 10:00AM and 3:00PM. We have always travelled mid-week on all of our trips...except this year. We arrive two weeks this Saturday, right before noon....we will be getting the MoBay pass for sure! 14 more sleeps!