By Mary Mueller (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3996) on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 11:01 am: |
would there be interest in this flight?
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By Jim Peters (BonaireTalker - Post #15) on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 12:46 pm: |
Depending on what the final RT cost was, I would think there would be a lot of interest in reliable service from the U.S. mainland.
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By Bill and Donna Goodwin (BonaireTalker - Post #85) on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 1:01 pm: |
Most definitely interested - several times a year for our group...
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By jeff miesemer (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 1:10 pm: |
Yes. We have a group trip scheduled for November and have just found out our Air Jamaica flight has been cancelled. We're trying to find a way to get to Bonaire from Pennsylvania. A hop in Miami sounds better than the other options we've found so far, one of which is going to another destination altogether.
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By Mary Mueller (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4000) on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 1:11 pm: |
Jim - rt costs between $450 - $500 not including taxes and fees. Plane would seat 160 - 170 passengers.
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By Rob & Kobi (BonaireTalker - Post #47) on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 2:40 pm: |
Jeff, we too just cancelled our reservations flying out of BWI again this November due to the snafu with AJ. Talked to our agent again today and she assured me there is NO hope that AJ will change their minds or come back! Curacao is next on the chopping block. They have gone from 20 planes last year to just 5 currently; selling off assets. So sad!
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By George Blanchard (BonaireTalker - Post #89) on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 3:02 pm: |
At $500 pp we would be very interested. We go every year in late December or early January. However, we already have A/A for late this year.
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By Rodney Lusher (BonaireTalker - Post #12) on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 3:45 pm: |
Mary
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By DIANE AND BEA (BonaireTalker - Post #11) on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 4:23 pm: |
Yes we would be interested. Planning our 4th trip to Bonaire. We have been looking for different ways to get there . Since we had a bad AJ experience, that would be great !!!!!! Yes we would jump at it
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By Jim Woodward (BonaireTalker - Post #51) on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 4:49 pm: |
I read recently in the Miami Herald that Ft. Lauderdale is a much cheaper airport to operate from.
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By Susan (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1349) on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 5:28 pm: |
Fort Lauderdale would make it better for some of us travelling from Boston or Manchester NH too (hint hint!) - more direct flights from budget airlines. (Southwest for instance)
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By Mary Mueller (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4003) on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 5:53 pm: |
Good point on Fort Lauderdale - will need to investigate charter companies run out of there to see if they will work with this plan and meet the necessary criteria. For now Miami is the only option - but that does not mean Ft Lauderdale is out of the question.
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By Randall Jones (BonaireTalker - Post #15) on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 11:23 pm: |
Mary,
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By Carol Poole (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 9:48 am: |
We would also be very interested in a charter from Ft. Lauderdale. I also wrote US Air (well it was worth a try don't you think?!) since they are pretty successful in Aruba. Should we consider a charter flight from Aruba?
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By Carl Pflanzer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #177) on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 2:20 pm: |
Miami/Ft Lauderdale is fine, we are planning a couple of trips each year, but I think there would also be interest in weekly charters from the NY/NJ/PA area. Someone from NJ would have to pay the $200 round trip to get to Miami or Ft Lauderdale anyway, so you're looking at $700+ total per ticket round trip anyway. I would just as soon pay that much or a little more for a direct flight, maybe up to $800 round trip.
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By Davidson Mourillon (BonaireTalker - Post #52) on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 4:58 pm: |
Access to Miami will not put all passengers at the airport for a timely departure to Bonaire.
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By Tom Cousino (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1867) on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 5:41 pm: |
I just checked fares out of BTV, found it is cheaper by about $125.00 to fly to Ft. Lauderdale on Jet Blue. If it was to originate out of Ft. Lauderdale, I would recommend this service to my friends/associates who typically take one week trips. I would not take advantage of this unless it would be possible to stay on Bonaire for two full weeks.
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By Mary Mueller (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4007) on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 10:02 am: |
Davidson - the flight to Bonaire would be in the afternoon - I think most can get to Miami to connect with an afternoon flight.
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By Davidson Mourillon (BonaireTalker - Post #53) on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 11:26 am: |
Please note that the price for a charter to Bonaire direct back to back should be around (very low) 272 and (very high)500.
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By William Tweed (BonaireTalker - Post #37) on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 12:04 pm: |
Davidson, I had thought you had previously posted that it would not be economical to have a weekly charter? The prices you project sound pretty reasonable. I think there should be a direct flight from NYC, myself, but I'm predjudiced.
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By Mary Mueller (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4010) on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 12:32 pm: |
Davidson - can you give more details on the flights associated with the prices quoted? I think we all would be interested in knowing if there are regular charters out of those cities to Bonaire.
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By Dennis Wightman (BonaireTalker - Post #58) on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 2:50 pm: |
Yes, definite interest from us-we live on Bonaire and would go round trip to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale at least 4 times a year-especially if you could take pets in the cabin-pls make it petfriendly if possible.
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By Davidson Mourillon (BonaireTalker - Post #54) on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 5:22 pm: |
William, I indicated that the flow of passengers to and from Bonaire based on my analysis did not warrant a direct flight. If you look at the flow on the thread of BT it self you may find on one day maybe five for the most ten people going to Bonaire. The aircrafts which fly the long haul US to Curacao or Aruba are 737's, DC9's or MD80's - so the configuration of the aircraft is between 110 passengers to 148. No Airline will make a direct flight to a position for just ten passengers - It will cost more in fuel than the tickets summed up. When you talk about a weekly flight you are talking about minimum 110 passenger to and from Bonaire.
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By John Stigaard (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #386) on Saturday, May 21, 2005 - 10:58 am: |
We would love to see a charter out of Atlanta. Atlanta is a good hub and we have a lot of Air-Tran flights in and out. With their frequent sales on Air Tran, it would be reasonable to get to this hub for a Bonaire flight. I think this would be great.
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By Sue Goodman (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #166) on Sunday, May 22, 2005 - 8:04 pm: |
If people are turning their noses up at AirTran, please re-think your position. We flew them RT Newark-Orlando with connection in Atlanta at the end of April.
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By Davidson Mourillon (BonaireTalker - Post #56) on Sunday, May 22, 2005 - 10:20 pm: |
Considering the deficiency on airlift to Bonaire I have not stopped looking for possibilities to alleviate this problem. I believe I have found at least one solution which needs to be verified and as soon as the information has been verified I will post it for your information - I hope the moderators do not consider this as promotion of any business. As indicated before there are not enough visitors to guaranty charter flights direct to Bonaire. Maybe one or two? These are possible. What has to be guaranteed is that you can Go direct to Bonaire and direct home or at least to an airport near your home town. Promise - God's will the solution will bring ease and will also keep the focus on Bonaire.
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By David Bridenbaugh (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #10) on Monday, May 23, 2005 - 7:33 am: |
Our LDS had about 17 people booked at Captain Don's for the first two weeks in July. They were just informed about their AJ flights and it looks like NO DICE for them as AA is booked. What a bummer.
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By Ruth Dodge (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Monday, May 23, 2005 - 12:36 pm: |
We go to Bonaire every year with about 15 people from Boston. Most the folks are coming from NH so we would consider Fort Lauderdale and Miami to Bonaire. We stay at Captain Don's and decided to cancel our trip to another island as there is no place like home aka - Capt Dons in Bonaire.
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By Davidson Mourillon (BonaireTalker - Post #58) on Monday, May 23, 2005 - 3:07 pm: |
Dear BT fans
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By Tom Cousino (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1872) on Monday, May 23, 2005 - 3:13 pm: |
Looking forward to hearing more good news Davidson. Our fingers are crossed.
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By gregg brewer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #730) on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 - 11:12 am: |
I traded emails with Davidson several months ago regarding the best departure city from the U.S. that could have the best opportunity to fill the flight and keep an attractive schedule.
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By Sandy Burgess (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #9) on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 - 11:51 am: |
I would be interested in a flight from either ATL or MIA. It is getting harder and harder to get to Bonaire from the midwest-especially if you want to get there in 1 day.
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By Tom Cousino (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1876) on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 - 1:04 pm: |
Gregg, Just checked Delta to Atlanta from BTV and was pleasantly surprised. I found decent rates and a number of flights which should allow no-rush transfers in both directions:-{)}
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By Tina M. Boring (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 - 1:25 pm: |
Leaving for BON 6/2 - nervous about AJ, keeping fingers crossed that all goes well. This will be our 5th trip. Looking to schedule another one in October - not much luck so far. Want to go to BON at least twice a year. We have a small group (3 to 8) who try to go together. VERY interested in flights from ATL (MIA okay but ATL seems easier). We are little disappointed that we have found such a wonderful place and it seems like we can't get there from here.
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By Jared Hollis (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 - 6:22 pm: |
Well I have been reading these boards for months but Tina's post made me jump in and say something.
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By Davidson Mourillon (BonaireTalker - Post #65) on Thursday, May 26, 2005 - 12:25 am: |
Update:
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By Carl Pflanzer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #184) on Thursday, May 26, 2005 - 8:40 am: |
A suggestion - what about a charter from Newark or Atlanta or Miami or wherever to Bonaire, with a stop in Curacao, either before or after the Bonaire stop?
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By herman mowery (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #493) on Thursday, May 26, 2005 - 10:26 am: |
American already flies from PR to Bonaire and from MIA to Curacao. It would appear to me an easy solution would be to combine the MIA-CUR with the PR-BON route and fly a MIA-CUR-BON route.
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By Davidson Mourillon (BonaireTalker - Post #66) on Thursday, May 26, 2005 - 11:09 am: |
Dear Carl,
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By Davidson Mourillon (BonaireTalker - Post #67) on Thursday, May 26, 2005 - 1:28 pm: |
Dear Herman, If it were as easy as you state it - then please rest assured that it would have already been done long ago. Unfortunately it is not that easy. In aviation (and government) things are not as easily done as it is done in normal day to day business.To copy paste a name takes a century and once the name is glued copy pasting becomes almost impossible. Sorry I am talking in parables but it is difficult to bring up in words - I am in it every single day and I wish that I could change the system but ......... because if I could I would have done this a long time ago. Please know that I am working on it (not much comfort but at least I am trying)
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By seb (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2244) on Thursday, May 26, 2005 - 3:00 pm: |
JFK or EWR to BON would ROCK. You keep on working at it Davidson.
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By DIANE AND BEA (BonaireTalker - Post #14) on Thursday, May 26, 2005 - 3:07 pm: |
Chicago would REALLY rock, but we would even settle for Miami . Thanks Davidson
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By Jim Woodward (BonaireTalker - Post #54) on Thursday, May 26, 2005 - 5:16 pm: |
Davidson, I have been visiting BT a little more than usual the past few days. I have high hopes for your efforts.
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By Gary Long (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #122) on Friday, May 27, 2005 - 12:28 pm: |
I just received this e-mail back from American Airlines. We continually evaluate the profitability of each flight segment we operate and, where
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By Dr. Director (BonaireTalker - Post #58) on Friday, May 27, 2005 - 12:37 pm: |
Right after AJ announced it was terminating service to Bonaire, I spoke with a pilot for Independence Air, a Washington-Dulles based "low-cost" airline, and suggested that they consider the Dulles - Bonaire route. Followed it up with a written suggestion via their web-site. Nothing back yet.
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By Davidson Mourillon (BonaireTalker - Post #68) on Friday, May 27, 2005 - 3:34 pm: |
Dear BT fans, I am happy to see that there are some more people looking into possibilities for us to come to a solutions which I truly hope we can get to - not only for you but also for Bonaire.
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By Davidson Mourillon (BonaireTalker - Post #69) on Saturday, May 28, 2005 - 11:15 pm: |
I thought it would nice to inform you that AE has confirmed that they will be able to fill a piece of the gap AJ left - They will have daily flights from San Juan (SJU) to Bonaire starting July 2nd. through September 6th. 2005.
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By Tina M. Boring (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 - 8:31 pm: |
Was to be leaving 6/2 - JUST got word from Delta (been on the phone with them 1 1/2 hrs)that the Montego Bay to Bonaire leg had been cancelled. What a scramble! Delta worked hard. They said they were working with AE to alleviate the AJ mess but no agreement had been made yet. Maybe tomorrow. Delta rescheduled us ATL to Aruba. At first they said we would need to contact Bonaire Excel but they ended up getting us setup on Bonaire Excel to Bonaire. We were advised to contact Delta a day or 2 before we are scheduled to return. Keeping our fingers crossed that everything will work out. Hoping that something will be worked out by someone to ease the travel pains (and stress) of getting to and from Bonaire. Thanks to all those on Bonaire Talk who are trying to help with this endeavor.
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By Davidson Mourillon (BonaireTalker - Post #70) on Wednesday, June 1, 2005 - 12:01 am: |
We are sweating it out at this end - We just have to get confirmation. Pending are Atlanta (fuel stop in Orlando if necessary before the over watercrossing)direct to Bonaire. Miami direct to Bonaire - Orlando to Bonaire all direct flights for mid, southern and western US - For Eastern US by June 7 I shall know if we can service Newark direct to Bonaire or with a stop in Curacao. To start the operations it may take a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of one month.
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By Carl Pflanzer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #186) on Wednesday, June 1, 2005 - 8:56 am: |
Brilliant work. How often will the charters from Atlanta/Newark/Miami/Orlando fly?
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By Susan (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1366) on Wednesday, June 1, 2005 - 10:47 am: |
This is great! Orlando is a direct flight from Manchester NH on Southwest (so I'd definitely like that!), and probably a direct flight for a lot of other airlines from a lot of other places, too.
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By Carl Pflanzer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #187) on Wednesday, June 1, 2005 - 11:35 am: |
You can pretty well sign me up for the inaugural flight... :-) Perhaps we can have a party for the first flight and smash a bottle of champers against the nose of the plane. Party hats and noisemakers for everyone! :-)
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By phillip potts (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Wednesday, June 1, 2005 - 11:24 pm: |
We fly from BWI which has many direct flights to Miami and Orlando. If the new flights are confirmed then we can all breath a huge sigh of relief.
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By Carl Pflanzer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #189) on Saturday, June 4, 2005 - 8:57 am: |
Davidson, any news yet?
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By Davidson Mourillon (BonaireTalker - Post #72) on Saturday, June 4, 2005 - 4:21 pm: |
Still working at it Carl. On Monday there will be a meeting and I hope that by June 7 there will be another one. As indicated Bonaire itself is trying to get Delta - I just hope they are lucky - But knowing Delta the negotiations can become expensive and then automatically the prices will be high. At this stage my plans are in place and I hope the ice will break somewhere soon so we can get a breather.
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By seb (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2284) on Sunday, June 5, 2005 - 12:45 am: |
Davidson, hang in there and know we are rooting for you.
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By Davidson Mourillon (BonaireTalker - Post #73) on Sunday, June 5, 2005 - 2:02 am: |
Thanks Seb.
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By Davidson Mourillon (BonaireTalker - Post #77) on Monday, June 6, 2005 - 10:09 pm: |
Find a telephone number in:
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By Carl Pflanzer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #193) on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 10:52 am: |
Davidson- Any news on the talks yet? :-)
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By Nadine Rubin (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #106) on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 4:07 pm: |
Phil,
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By Davidson Mourillon (BonaireTalker - Post #78) on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 4:44 pm: |
Last minute info and still sweating it out.
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By Nadine Rubin (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #107) on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 4:52 pm: |
Go Davidson! You da man!
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By DIANE AND BEA (BonaireTalker - Post #20) on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 5:25 pm: |
We are ready for whatever the outcome maybe . Thank you !!
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By seb (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2296) on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 5:26 pm: |
OMG that would rock.
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By phillip potts (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 10:21 pm: |
Davidson---BWI to Atlanta would definitely work well for us. Nadine---I agree that Ft. Lauderdale is a better connection than Miami or Orlando.
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By Carole B. (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4989) on Wednesday, June 15, 2005 - 12:17 pm: |
Wow....you mean Joe and I can plan on returning to Bonaire again next year??!!! Wow!!! EWR/Newark to Atlanta and not having to change planes and then whisk us off to Bonaire from there...with a "large"/real plane, to boot!???!! We are IN!! Thanks for the hard work, Davidson. I will follow this thread closely, for certain. Ayo. Carole
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By Philip Wansley (BonaireTalker - Post #74) on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 1:55 pm: |
Let me also extend a big “Thank You!” to Davidson for initializing this exercise.
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By Mary Mueller (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4103) on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 2:06 pm: |
Philip - my understanding is there are 2 avenues that 2 separate sets of people are taking.
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By Bill and Donna Goodwin (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #105) on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 3:01 pm: |
We just got back from our fifth trip to Bonaire, and although we do not live in the Atlanta area, Atlanta International Terminal E is the way to re-enter the US - every time has been totally smooth and they just completed an expansion that makes it even smoother.
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By Davidson Mourillon (BonaireTalker - Post #79) on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 5:59 pm: |
Dear all, the Bonaire Tourist Bureau is aware of what I am doing and I have given them my lines of thought on how to resolve some of the bottle necks. If the BT fans collectively walk in the same direction and 214 persons from the whole of the US can travel together the travellers will have the advantage of the plan: JFK (preference is given to Newark) to Atlanta to Bonaire and back the same way. The aircraft will be a B757 which will take about 2 hrs. down to Atlanta from NY or New Jersey then approximately 4 hrs. to Bonaire direct. The US divided up into four parts will allow NE a part of Mid West and a part of West to go into NY and West a part of Mid West and South go into Atlanta. As planned the aircraft will originate in NY or NJ and end the rotation there. A day flight will originate at NY at 11:30 arrive Atl. 13:45 and leave for Bonaire at 14:15. This flight will allow all the connecting flights in the US to make connection with the flight to Bonaire. The return flight will have to be plotted to give the same results for the connecting flights home.
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By Carole B. (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4993) on Saturday, June 18, 2005 - 11:36 am: |
Thanks, again, Davidson....I'm hoping for EWR/Newark to Atlanta into Bonaire! I will continue to monitor this thread closely, for sure. Let's all stick together on this one, folks! Carole
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By Carole B. (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4994) on Saturday, June 18, 2005 - 11:37 am: |
PS We truly love the idea of large aircraft, too, be it Airbus or Boeing...both sound great to us. Hate those puddle jumpers. Carole
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By Edward Mizell (BonaireTalker - Post #39) on Sunday, June 19, 2005 - 4:25 pm: |
Davidson, thank you very much for your hard work. I'm hoping you can get something going by July 23! I'll use it next year anyway.
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By Davidson Mourillon (BonaireTalker - Post #81) on Sunday, June 19, 2005 - 11:15 pm: |
The pleasure is mine! God Bless.
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