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Getting to Bonaire: UPDATE BONAIRE EXEL
Bonaire Talk: Getting to Bonaire: Archives: Archives 1999-2005: Archives - 2003-05-01 to 2004-01-31: UPDATE BONAIRE EXEL
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By gregg brewer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #339) on Sunday, September 14, 2003 - 12:11 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I arrived Friday evening in Bonaire after flying to Aruba on Delta and then connecting with Bonaire Exel. I am sorry to report that BE has a lot of work to do...reminded me of the ALM days. I had reservations but had to stop at the ticket counter in Aruba to get the ticket. I waited outside for about 15 minutes while I watched thru the glass about 6 people standing around laughing eating etc. Finally, somebody decided to wait on me. The delta flight arrived at 2:00 but BE would not start check in until 5:30 so had to drag the luggage around with me. At 5:30 I went to the terminal for check in. The overhead screen said the Bonaire check in was at counter No. 11. I waited in line behind other folks until 6:00 and an agent never showed up. I grabbed a different agent to ask if the BE agent would show up and he said BE was checking in at counter No. 4....went to counter 4 and waited 20 minutes while the agent processed the one person ahead of me. When the agent got my ticket, I got the ol "deer in the headlights" blank look and was asked "where did you get this ticket". I informed her the ticket was issued by the BE ticket counter. She had to call the supervisor. The supervisor straightened things out quickly and then advised that my baggage was over weight...Be alerted that BE strictly abides by a 20 kg limit and charges outrageous fees for over weight. After complaining to the supervisor that nobody from the US could travel with dive gear and meet the 20 kg limit...the supervisor then allowed me 10 more kgs...it still cost $60 more for my luggage. It took the agent about 20 minutes to process the exess baggage fee on my credit card. Apparently, she had to go to the outside ticket counter to take a CC. After she got back, the supervisor then informed me that I had to pay the $20 airport tax...At that point I was pretty angry and just gave them the $20....then I asked the Supervisor why transit passengers had to pay the tax. He gave me my money back because transit people do not pay the tax. I raced to the gate in time for the boarding (barely)...after taking our tickets and preparing to enter the bus, the agent then informed us that the pilot decided to get fuel...took over 30 minutes...we finally boarded the bus for the 100 yd trip to the plane. After boarding, they buttoned up the plane and we prepared for the trip (no a.c. turned on) ...waited about 10 minutes with the engines starting before the pilot advised that he was waiting for his clearance...there were no other planes...this was beginning to remind me of the work slow downs in Curacao. We finally got the clearance and departed. The pilot turned on the a.c. about half way to Bonaire...we arrived in Bonaire 1 1/2 hours later than scheduled. They even managed to break a bottle of rum that I had just bought in the duty free shop and put in my carry on suitcase...that was the worse part

My conclusion: When I factor in the 5 hr layover (BE could rememdy that by changing the time of their afternoon flight which left at 2:00 to a time that allowed it to capture the U.s. flights which arrive between 2:00 and 4:00) and the baggage limit, BE is not nearly as attractive an option as I had previously hoped...the late arrival was not a help either...I will probably go back to the AJ and AA connections. BE has a way to go to gain my confidence....I'm stuck with them to go back to Aruba..if the flight is delayed as the flight from Aruba, I will miss the Delta flight.... Also, make sure you tell the agent that you are a transit passenger to Bonaire and do NOT pay the transit tax. I wonder how many folks have paid that tax without asking.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ann Phelan (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1236) on Sunday, September 14, 2003 - 12:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

YIKES..well, Gregg, as frustrating as that scenario is, it can happen with ANY AIRLINE..and still it appears the AUA BE staff have a lot to learn.

I had a pleasant experience at the Bonaire end with BE. I have also had good luck with Divi and DCA to CUR. And all of my trips to and from on AA and JM have been super..count me lucky..BUT the LAST trip Aug. 27th to BOS from BON the Air Jamaica ticket clerk took the green transit tags OFF my luggage because the flight number from BON to MBJ and MBJ to BOS are the same: 49, BUT it is NOT always the same aircraft.

I know the girl and politely told her to put the bag tags BACK on as I did NOT want my stuff sitting in MBJ. She would NOT. So, I went to Monique, the tall BAS lady and she helped. GOOD THING..we had a change of aircraft and a horrible delay in MBJ due to weather..my one and only crummy experience..also that was the flight from ^%$$ due to turbulence.

You are a seasoned traveler, so I don't have to tell you this..but to me, it's best to go right to BON and avoid two carriers..ALWAYS..if you can.

Annie

:-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By C Poteet (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #137) on Sunday, September 14, 2003 - 4:19 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Gregg -

Thank you for your timely report on BE.

As a repeat traveler to Bonaire, you know the culture of the area, so your comments are particularly valued.

I guess what concerns me the most about your experience is BE's apparent absence of understanding of what it takes for good customer service and an inattention to detail. Such issues are usually an indication that management has not instilled into the staff the proper mind-set about putting the customer first. And, unfortunately, such issues are sometimes an indication that management does not understand nor support such a philosophy.

Well, the operation is young and let's hope that feedback such as yours will be heeded by BE to improve their service. After all, Ann had a good experience. But I must admit, Ann sounds as if she could have had a good flight with Braniff!

Thanks, again, for the good information.

Charles Poteet
Dallas

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Lydia S. Segal (BonaireTalker - Post #53) on Sunday, September 14, 2003 - 9:00 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Gregg

I also took Delta, on FFM, but into Cur. During the summer they only fly once a week, but in the winter add on more flights. That left the Cur to Bon piece and I was arriving two days before BE started.

So, based on what I read on this board, and trying to avoid a previous bad experience with DCA, I flew Divi. Other than the fact that there was no mid afternoon flight which I was hoping to make,(cancelled as they had no reservatioins) I had a seat on the 5 pm.

They were wonderful, took my bags early, no extra charge. And I got to sit in the co pilot seat. On the way back, they escorted me and my luggage through the dreaded transit longue, no waiting for customs, etc, and took me directly to Delta. I did go by the day before, to make sure they could handle all my luggage. I was prepared to bring it early in case they needed to get some of it on an earlier flight, but it was unnessary.

Wonderful service. And, of course no long lines with only nine seat plus the pilot. The plane is small, and I don't like to fly, but I would do it again, in a heart beat. Lydia

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Carole Baker (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2619) on Sunday, September 14, 2003 - 10:21 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Gregg, sorry to hear about your flying fiasco, but glad to see that you are back on Bonaire again to enjoy yourself for the next 2.5 weeks. You lucky dog, you! Say hi to the gang at the Divi for us....keep me posted as to any new structures or activities or KLM crewmembers since last June....are the chicki huts still on the beach? Are the crewmembers and small infants still utilizing them? Have fun and savor those Miller Lights....Carole and Joe

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Phil Denton (BonaireTalker - Post #50) on Monday, September 15, 2003 - 5:19 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I went from Bonaire to Aruba and back the same day Friday the 5 and had a wonderful experience. On time no problems--Aruba's airport is confusing; but that is another issue Phil

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ann Phelan (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1237) on Monday, September 15, 2003 - 7:03 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hey Charles, whatcha mean?? :-)

I have had my share of crummy flights..or are you saying I am in such a cloud heading to Bonaire nothing fazes me??

:-)

Annie (hoping for some Isabel winds Fri.)
Cape Cod

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By gregg brewer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #340) on Monday, September 15, 2003 - 12:08 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

In spite of my venting above, I still support the concept of BE providing service to Bonaire. I think my expectations were that due to the association with KLM, the operations would be run much more smoothly. I am a seasoned traveller and realize these problems can happen on almost any flights...however the nature of these problems on my first BE flight reminded me of ALM...We are all hoping that BE does not become an ALM. For now I accept that BE is having start-up pains. However I still want to alert the other BT'ers that they should refuse to pay the Aruba exit tax $20. Also that BE is strict about luggage weight (I've never had this problem before on previous trips) I will return to Aruba in two weeks from Bonaire and will report on that service out of Bonaire.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Vicki Murt (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #28) on Friday, September 19, 2003 - 5:40 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hope the BE flights from Curacao to Bonaire and from Bonaire to Aruba are a lot smoother! I will be visiting the islands for two weeks in October. Great air fare rates into Curacao and out of Aruba on AA - from Kansas City. Fare was $300 less than RT flight to Bonaire on AA. Corinne at SunRentals is setting up my BE flights - just waiting for confirmation number. Sounds like the weight is for one bag @ 44 lbs. Does this limit include your carry-on items (purse or small bag)? I have a two hour lay-over in Curacao. Hopefully enough time to go through customs and catch the plane. Does anyone know which counter BE uses in Curacao? I have been there once before, but used the AA counter. Thanks for any info.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Darby (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Tuesday, September 23, 2003 - 4:50 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I also need to fly round trip Aruba to Bonaire in November-I understand I have two choices DCA through Curacao or Bonaire Excel and how would I get in contact with them. Sounds like the options are poor. Any recommendations.
Thanks

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Anne Olkowski (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Thursday, September 25, 2003 - 3:52 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Add me to list of people tring to plan a trip to Bonaire but deadending in Aruba. I finally got Delta tickets for the 5 of us (using FF points!). I will arrive in Aruba on a Tuesday at 2pm.
Now how do I get to Bonaire. Delta referred me to Air France to get the BE schedules. Air France informed me that BE does not fly to Bonaire. They referred me to KLM Excel to get Dutch Carribbean Airlines. The KLM representative said she had no way to access flight info for the "Dutch Eagle Express".
Please help, at this point I either change my plans and book a resort in Aruba or fly in with no further reservations and try to get to Bonaire on any plane I can find- which I am not comfortable with. Should I call a travel agent or does anyone have a phone number for an airline with these flights?
I am frustrated in Florida.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Linda Richter - NetTech (Moderator - Post #1483) on Thursday, September 25, 2003 - 4:00 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Phil listed this email address in another conversation: mailto:ferina.goeloe@bonairexel.an as a contact that helped him book flights.
Their phone number on Bonaire is 599-717-0707

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Linda Richter - NetTech (Moderator - Post #1484) on Thursday, September 25, 2003 - 4:04 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

BE is currently working on ticketing agreements with several US airlines but I haven't heard anything yet.

In case you were getting confused BE and DCA are two different airlines.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By gregg brewer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #342) on Thursday, September 25, 2003 - 5:36 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Since my initial debacle on BE, I think it is only fair to provide an update. One of my friends took the same flight from Aruba to Bonaire on Tues 16th and her trip was perfect (except for the $5 charge for being over 20 kg). She returned to Aruba this past Wednesday. Her flights were all on time with no problems. Also, another friend arrived on Sat 20th from Cur (Delta to Cur). She took the BE flight at 3:30...she had no problems and was not charged for overweight (by about 20 kgs)...go figure. Her flight arrived in 15 minutes. I return on the 29th on BE to Aruba and hope that the pattern continues. Based on these experiences I feel a lot better about BE. I'll withhold final judgement until after my return.

Anne...use the email link the Linda provided...BTW, I was never able to get a response on BE from either KLM, Northwest (KLM partner) or Delta...however, the trip worked for me and my friends...I wouldn't do DCE unless I was completely stranded

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca Miyuki-Whitehead Starkweather (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #4) on Friday, September 26, 2003 - 2:02 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Greg,

This hurts us as tom and I wre looking at going through AUA from ATL now that DL cancelled the ATL to CUR non-stop on saturdays

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By gregg brewer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #344) on Saturday, September 27, 2003 - 12:01 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Becky,

The AUA connection will work on Delta but you won't like the 5 hr layover in AUA. It wouldn't be so bad if you could check your luggage on BE once you get to AUA...then you could roam around. BE won't check luggage until 5:30 so you are pretty much stuck at the airport for 5 hours unless you rent a car...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By gregg brewer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #345) on Tuesday, September 30, 2003 - 3:16 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Final Judgement: As promised above, I withheld final judgement on BE until my return home.

We returned home from Bonaire thru Aruba on Monday 29th. BE has an opportunity to provide an exceptional opportunity for people who want to travel to Bonaire from the U.S. However, I will probably not take that route again. During check in in Bonaire, we encountered another debate with the ticket agent over the 20 kg wt limit. They insisted that we pay 10 guilders (small fee..) for our excess of 10 kgs for two persons. I pleaded the case that we had scuba equipment but the agent claimed since it was not written in the record that we had scuba equipment, they would not allow the 10 kg per person extra. My travelling companion had just purchased her ticket (ten minutes previously) in Bonaire. They said "their" agent should have made an entry about scuba equipment but since she didn't make the entry, too bad....20 minute debate over 10 guilders...ironically, there were only 3 persons on the flight to Aruba so it really wasn't a weight issue. The flight did leave on time and all bags arrived in Aruba. The 1:00 BE flight arrives in Aruba at the same time as the Delta, American and Contenintal flights so the receiving area was overflowing...30 minutes to get thru immigration. Aruba does not have a transit area that would allow us to pass thru as transit passengers. We had to fill out the immigration cards as if we were just arriving for a visit to Aruba. Of course, we were questioned closely by the agents who couldn't understand why we entered "0" as the number of nights we were staying in Aruba. We then picked up our luggage (nightmare with all the other US flights having just arrived and waited in line to go thru customs...this is usually quick but the number of people made the wait longer. We hauled our bags to Delta counter...Delta was excellent..all the tickets were fine, bags were tagged...they keep the bags until we go to US customs ...we move to the gate area and wait in another long line to inspect papers ...then pass thru Aruba immigration AGAIN... before heading for U.S. customs...picked up our bags, cleared US customs easily and then headed for the gates (bags in hand)...all bags were searched by hand (similar to AA in Bonaire)as well as our IDs and tickets again so if you go this route, you may want to sort your undies. We dumped our bags off after they were checked and headed for the gate. By now, it had taken about 1hr 15 min...we hit the duty free shop for about 5 minutes and got to the plane as they were starting to board (3:15 departure time)... The whole experience starting with the debate over 10 guilders was exhausting...it makes the 4:00 am trip on American to SJU seem much more attractive.

IMHO, BE and Aruba need to work their relationships much more to accomodate their customers and visitors. I was really annoyed over the weight restriction and the attitude of BE (basically tough luck)...reminded me so much like ALM. I don't think I will do the Aruba connection again. American and/or AJ are more attractive and cost less...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By C Poteet (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #146) on Tuesday, September 30, 2003 - 6:45 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Gregg -

It's nice when folks do what they say they're going to do: thank you for the follow-up to your original BE report.

Even without any debate over weight allowances, your description of jumping all the hoops in Aruba is exhausting to read. It is difficult to believe there is no transients holding pen in Aruba.

I agree, the pre-dawn AA dance all of a sudden looks a lot better.

Charles Poteet
Dallas

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chet Wood (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #405) on Wednesday, October 1, 2003 - 7:03 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Yah!
But AA/AE don't look so good when they eliminate Friday flights to San Juan which you already have tickets for.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By gregg brewer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #347) on Wednesday, October 1, 2003 - 10:27 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Chet,

Unfortunately, there does not appear to be a perfect answer. I thought the Aruba connection would be close because there are so many U.S. carriers going every day. However, Aruba is a million miles from Bonaire. You may want to check AA/AE flights to Cur...there are numerous flights from Cur to Bon.

 


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