Would you book a flight this close to arrival after a cruise?
 

I am wondering if I am booking a flight back to the states too close after a cruise. The cruise supposedly docks at 6 am in San Juan. I see a flight at 8:45 am and another at 12:45 pm. Can we safely make the 8:45 or is it better to slow down the pace, and leave on the later flight? I don't want to be booted off the ship though, only to sit in an airport for 3+ hours! Any thoughts? Thanks much.

Not a chance - just because the ship docks, it still has to clear customs, they have to get luggage off-loaded, you might have to disembark in a specific group, get transport to the airport, etc. Just book the 1245, have a nice breakfast on board, a relaxed disembark, and take your time getting to the airport. Then you have plenty of time if something doesn't go smoothly.

I agree - you are only asking for trouble booking the 8:45AM flight. Do yourself a favor and heed txgirlinbda's advice - an extra hour or two's wait at the airport is much better than missing your flight and trying to get seats.on another flight. Think about what you'll do if you miss the 8:45 flight and the 12:45 one has no available seats.

The San Juan airport can be a zoo with LOOOOOONG security lines. Why worry about making your flight during your whole cruise. Book the later flight and relax.

No Way! I have never gotten off a cruise before 9am. Cruise lines specifically state to book air after 12 noon on disembarktion day.

You want the 12:45 flight :-)

"The cruise supposedly docks at 6 am in San Juan."

And of course there is a suggested flight time on the cruise line website, have you checked?

Cruise ship docks. Then it has to clear with customs. They upload everybody's luggage even if you don't turn yours in. Then the debarkation - more or less organized.

Airport: print boarding passes. Go through agriculture inspection. Go through TSA.

8.45 may be realistic only if you have a private jet.