Cover image credit: Jacob Lund/Shutterstock.com
When you think of once-in-a-lifetime destinations, Jamaica often comes to mind. Set in the mesmerizing Caribbean, it’s one of the largest islands in the region and a hotspot for travelers. Rich in history, the vibrant culture and music scene on this island add to its magnetism, and so do the many beaches, waterfalls, blue holes, rivers, mineral springs and other natural attributes sprinkled throughout the island.
If you’ve got your heart set on traveling to this island, there are some things you’ll need to know, like the best time to go to Jamaica (between mid-December and April) and how to navigate the airport! As things can get a little hectic at the island’s busiest airport, theSangster International Airport in Montego Bay, it’s well worth it to consider options that can get you through immigration faster. That’s where Club Mobay comes in. It’s a VIP airport experience that won’t break the bank.
Let’s dive into the details!
What is Club Mobay?
Club Mobay Arrival Service
Club Mobay Departure Service
What to expect at the Club Mobay VIP Lounge
Club Mobay VIP Lounge opening hours
How much does Club Mobay cost?
How to book Club Mobay?
What do Sandals guests think of Club Mobay?
FAQ’s
What is Club Mobay?
Club Mobay is your express pass through the airport in Jamaica, whisking you past long lines and getting you to your vacation faster! With both an arrival and departure lounge available, VIP perks range from snacks and cocktails to a kids zone and a spa. Signing up for this service is a great idea if you’ll be traveling to Jamaica either for the first time or during peak season (December until April), but the benefits extend throughout the year!
Club Mobay Arrival Service
There’s a lot to look forward to with the Club Mobay VIP Arrival Service in Jamaica for a vacation that’s smooth from the start. Here’s what to expect:
Personalized Meet & Greet
Once you get off the plane in Jamaica, you’ll make your way into the airport where you’ll be greeted by a VIP representative at the Club Mobay Meeting Point. This is located below the ramp – you can’t miss it! The VIP rep will be holding a welcome sign with your name on it. This is a sure signal that your VIP experience is about to begin!
Personalized Service
You won’t have to worry about figuring out how to navigate Jamaica’s airport on your own with Club Mobay. Once you meet with your Club Mobay agent, you’ll be escorted through immigration and assisted with luggage retrieval and customs. As part of the service, this is an expedited process (fast track) that can save you time.
Lounge Access
Once you’ve cleared immigration, you’ll be directed to the arrival VIP lounge. Away from the hustle and bustle of the airport, you can indulge in the amenities of the lounge while waiting for transportation to your resort or awaiting connecting flights. The VIP lounge offers complimentary snacks, Jamaica-inspired cocktails, Wi-Fi and more.
Time Savings
When considering whether or not to book Club Mobay’s VIP package, think of the time you’ll save. Using this service can help you to avoid potentially long waiting times at immigration. This is especially valuable when several flights land simultaneously.
Expert Tip: As Club Mobay’s services are quite popular, make your booking as soon as you confirm your stay at Sandals Resorts in Jamaica. This can help ensure availability.
Club Mobay Departure Service
The Club Mobay arrival and departure packages can be booked individually. That means you can choose one without being obligated to go with both options. For the departure lounge service, you’ll need to go to the Club Mobay desk just after the TSA lines. Do this once you’ve checked in your luggage. When you get there, you’ll receive a receipt that will need to be presented to the fast-track desk. Here’s some more details on the inclusions of this service:
Fast Track Through Security
Much like the arrival process, the Club Mobay departure service provides fast track components. Upon departure, expect this to take you through security quickly!
Convenient Lounge
Inside the Club Mobay Departure Lounge you’ll have access to complimentary food and drinks including snacks, tapas, sandwiches, fruits, non-alcoholic & alcoholic beverages, and more. Some guests have noted that there’s a wider food selection in the departure lounge and that this lounge is larger as well. In addition to the food area, there’s a children’s play area, spa, and restrooms. There’s also a dedicated areas for adults, families, and guests with special needs. If you’ve got the time for it, you can indulge in spa offerings that include manicures, pedicures, and massages.
While at the Club Mobay Lounge you’ll also have access to reading material including newspapers and magazines. You can take advantage of complimentary international calls to United States, Canada & UK landlines and check out the cultural exhibits.
Personal Guide
Once it’s time for your flight, you’ll be escorted to your departure point by a Club Mobay agent. With a personal guide, you won’t need to worry about getting lost along the way!
Booking the Club Mobay Lounge
Club Mobay has been in operation since 2011. With this service, you get a fast-track ticket straight to the good stuff: a comfy lounge with plenty of snacks, Wi-Fi to stay connected, and even a cocktail or two to kickstart the island vibes. Here’s how you can make your booking:
Bookings
The Club Mobay VIP experience can be booked via the Island Routes Sales & Service Center at 1-877-768-8370. You can make this reservation online. Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive email confirmation. Your confirmation email includes a Club Mobay voucher that you’ll receive in PDF format. Print out the voucher and bring it along with you to the airport.
More information available here: Island Routes Club Mobay Airport Bundle Package.
Good to know: Once you get into the Club Mobay lounge, you’ll be able to stay there to wait for your resort transfer or flight departure. Your Club Mobay voucher is only valid for your travel dates, and usually for the maximum 3 hours you’re required to be at the airport in the case of departure.
What to expect at the Club Mobay VIP Lounge
We’ll start with the food! Club Mobay’s menu includes many options for both adults and kids. Other amenities include private restrooms, shower facilities, a spa (treatments available at an additional cost, see price list), and an adults-only lounge. Oh, and you’ll also be able to check the status of your flight on the flight monitors on your way back home.
Keep in mind that Club Mobay was designed for the comfort of all guests, including those with disabilities. This VIP service takes special care of seniors and children traveling solo! This is an accessible space which includes an elevator, roll-in shower, spacious doorways, accommodating seating, tiled floors, and a bathroom stall with handrails.
Club Mobay VIP Lounge opening hours
Club Mobay Arrival Lounge: Monday to Sunday: 6 AM – 8 PM
Club Mobay Departure Lounge: Monday to Sunday: 6 AM – 10 PM
Good to know: The Club Mobay departure lounge rarely sells out due to its size, and walk-in bookings are often available, subject to space. From the Club Mobay departure lounge, you’ll be able to hear airport announcements and view a departure board for flight information.
How much does Club Mobay cost?
VIP Meet & Greet Arrival Service: $50 per adult, $25 per child (2-12 years old), free for infants (under 2).
Departure Service: $30 per adult, $20 per child (2-12 years old), free for infants (under 2).
Bundle Service (two services above combined): $80 per adult, $40 per child (2-12 years old), free for infants (under 2).
What do Sandals guests think of Club Mobay?
For arrivals, Club Mobay can help you get attuned with the rhythm of Jamaica before you even leave the terminal. As for departures? The departure lounge can feel a bit like an extended vacation, especially when coming from the all-inclusive Sandals Resorts. But what do guests think about the Club Mobay experience and is it worth the extra cost?
Sandals Resorts guests tend to love Club Mobay’s fast track service and generally think it is well worth the money.
Picture: Sandals Montego Bay is located on a 5-minute drive from the airport and boasts a private white-sand beach and 12 incredible restaurants. With Club Mobay, you’ll be able to get to your vacation that much sooner!
From the account of Lisa, a Sandals guest speaking of the Club Mobay experience:
“It was a blessing! When we arrived, we bypassed what seemed to be a hundred or more people in this long line. We were out of the airport in no time.”
And about the Club Mobay departure service:
“We were able to sit in the lounge and enjoy drinks while we waited for the plane since they make you get to the airport way too early.”
A second guest, Dana, added:
“Club Mobay is totally worth it! From plane to resort in 1 hour, including immigration, testing and luggage pickup.”
Want to see for yourself? Book your Club Mobay experience here.
Note: As Club Mobay is not associated with Sandals, it does not provide airport transfers for guests to Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica. Don’t worry though, free airport transfers to your resort and back to the airport once your vacation is done are included in your Sandals all-inclusive vacation package!
FAQ’s about Club Mobay
How far in advance can Club Mobay bookings be made?
You can make your Club Mobay reservation just as soon as you’ve received your flight confirmation as this information is needed to complete your booking. You’ll need to make your reservation at least 48 hours ahead of travel to secure the required services.
Are we allowed to tip Club Mobay agents?
Yes. There isn’t a no-tipping policy in place for Club Mobay agents, which means it is entirely up to the traveler whether they’d like to tip or not. In most cases, the amount tipped depends upon individual experience. In general, tips are usually around $10 – $20. Some guests choose to tip $10 if they’re traveling with carry-ons only, while with checked bags they might tip $20. Bartending and wait staff might receive $5 – $10. Generally, the amount that you tip (or not) is up to you. US Dollars will do!
Do we have to wait in the line at the airline?
While Club Mobay provides expedited services, the airline check-in is not fast tracked. This means you will have to wait in line at the airline counter. Once you’ve checked in, you’ll be able to start your Club Mobay Fast Track Service inclusive of luxury arrival and departure lounge experiences.
Why does the Arrival Service cost more than the Departure Service?
There’s a small price variance with the arrival service as compared to the departure service. This is because the arrival service is more detailed, and more coordination is required with immigration, as well as your transportation facilitator.
Are there other ways to book Club Mobay’s VIP services?
Aside from direct online bookings, you can also book the Club Mobay Lounge via travel agents and tour operators. If you’ll be arriving to Jamaica through Kingston, Club Kingston offers similar amenities at Kingston’s airport.
Bonus: book private luxury transfers to your resort
As an added bonus to the Club Mobay experience, you can also book luxury BMW transfers to take you to and from your Jamaica resort via the Sangster International Airport. Private transfers offer added comfort, while the first-class fleet brings a touch of style and flair. Sandals Resorts private luxury airport transfers cater to a maximum of two people per ride.
Insider tip: Your upgraded airport transfer in Jamaica will include complimentary alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, snacks and Wi-Fi. It’s a worthwhile vacation extra for that special trip!
Club Mobay: Best for seamless travel to Jamaica!
Picture: All-inclusive Over-The-Water Bungalows with Elite Butler service at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay.
Club Mobay is a great way to begin and wrap up your Jamaica vacation if you’re after a getaway where everything flows from start to finish. Vacations don’t always go this way, but services like Club Mobay and Sandals all-inclusive resorts make it possible. Sign up and discover a travel experience that’s as relaxed and carefree as it should be!
Insider tip: Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean are both less than 5 minutes away from the Sangster International Airport. The best thing about these resorts is that you’ll be able to ‘Stay at one resort, Play at both’. Transfers between resorts are included. Combined, these resorts have 21 unique restaurants to choose from with cuisine from around the world!