Are there any specific SOPS in the Carribean regarding cruising flight levels? I recently took 2 flights, KFLL-MDPC and MDSD-KFLL. On the former flight, we cruised at FL 350, but about halfway into the flight, we descended to FL 340 (I felt the descent, and also confirmed this on Flightaware). On the return flight, we were at FL 340 for the cruise, and at a certain point, changed our cruise to FL 360 (I felt the climb and confirmed on Flightaware also). I obviously know of step climbs, but what was the reason for the descent? I assumed to avoid some weather that was in the area, but is there a specific procedure I'm missing here for the Caribbean? Also, the change in cruise FL's was, at least it seems to me, at around the same point on each flight.

More than likely it's traffic.

Could be traffic, could be different RVSM rules in different FIRS, requirement due to active military airspace above a certain level or it could be an altitude restriction on the airway itself.

 

Really there is a multitude of reasons which would be hard to find out unless you asked the crew or Air Traffic Controller on duty at the time.

More than likely it's traffic.

 

 

Could be traffic, could be different RVSM rules in different FIRS, requirement due to active military airspace above a certain level or it could be an altitude restriction on the airway itself.

 

Really there is a multitude of reasons which would be hard to find out unless you asked the crew or Air Traffic Controller on duty at the time.

Got it; that makes sense. I was just curious because on a previous flight a couple of years back between MDPC and KMIA, the same thing happened-a climb after having been cruising for a while.