great post Dr Phil.
I had EXACTLY the same probs as you. Being as I was a bit older, and worked so damn hard to get the money to fly, I was reluctant to, but did on a couple of occasions dare to ask how or why.
then just like that, the crap starts. I think I said earlier I was put on the outer, Dr Phil explained perfectly what I meant.
Probably up to 20 times I had my flights juggled around, stuffed up or cancelled, mostly without my knowledge...!!
I would turn up, on time ready to go, then "oh, sorry but......"
I was even pulled aside by the old chick who answered the phone at the time I was training and told "I better start playng the game around here, people who don't play the game don't get anywhere".
Unbelievable.
On the aircraft issue, Phil's right. Find out how many operators for first timers have Tobago's on line. I can tell you, there's NONE.