By Dan Shealer (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #9) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 4:48 pm: |
We are eager to make airline reservations to return to Bonaire for the Christmas/New Year holidays. This year, we traveled on Air Jamaica and were stranded for two days in Jamaica. Given this experience and the information on this website regarding Air Jamaica's solvency, Air Jamaica does not seem like a good prospect. USAIR can get us to Aruba but its future is uncertain it sounds from the postings on the website as if it would be difficult to predict the reliability of transportation between Aruba and Bonaire ten months from now. We can get a flight on American Airlines through San Juan but American's website does not list any return flights except through Lima on KLM. Anyone have suggestions. We love Bonaire and will be returning for the holidays no matter how difficult-but would like to make the trip as predictible as possible.
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By seb (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2015) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 7:34 pm: |
Where are you starting out from Dan? Have you checked alternate airports in your area?
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By The Ginocchio's @ Golden Reef Inn (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #578) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
What about flying into Curacao then taking Divi-Divi or BonairExel (now BonairExpress). It's a short ride. Like Seb said, check from your airport to see if there are any flights to Curacao. Good Luck!
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By David Johnson (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #183) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 11:00 pm: |
Four major choices from the US that I am aware of:
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By Jake Richter - NetTech (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5360) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 11:14 pm: |
Note that #1 and #3 can be combined - I do that frequently. I fly out of Bonaire on American Eagle to San Juan and onward, and then return on afternoon American Airlines flight from Miami to Curacao and then Divi Divi (or BonairEx(el|press) ). Or vice versa - to the U.S. from Bonaire via Curacao and Miami, and return via San Juan directly to Bonaire. My preference is to avoid Curacao entirely if possible because I don't like having to recheck bags, but if I don't have any other option...
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By George Blanchard (BonaireTalker - Post #68) on Monday, February 21, 2005 - 6:24 pm: |
We usually use AA and either go through San Juan or Curacao. We have found the best bet is to call AA direct and discuss options with them. We use Frequent flyer miles whenever possible and have found them to be helpful if you are a little flexible. This year we went from Atlanta to Miami on AA then BE on a Saturday but returned on a Sunday via the same route. In 2004 we used San Juan on a Friday and Saturday combination. By the way, calling AA in evening after 9:00PM seems to get the best results.
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By Daren Daniels (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #10) on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 - 2:12 pm: |
It is not good to book so far in advance. Airlines update their flight systems with each season. Also, most airlines only book 9 months in advance. Wait to see what happens...December is very far away.
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By David Kaye (BonaireTalker - Post #70) on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 - 10:27 pm: |
AA books 11 months in advance, I believe. When we had AA vouchers that were only good for a year, AA explained that we could book travel at the end of the year, for flights as much as 11 months beyond that.
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By Linnea Wijkhof-Wimberly (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #815) on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 2:02 pm: |
I prefer AA via SJU to BON with a several nights stopover each way in Old San Juan. It costs a little more when you factor in the hotel, but I don't have to worry about missing luggage. If it doesn't arrive with me, I have several days for it to catch up with me. I stay in the old town and never have to rent a car, just walk around and ride the free trolleys or take a $.50 bus to any place out of the old town. Thats how I can get fresh bagels for Jake and family. I also hit one of the mercados to pick up racao, ajecitos (PR sweet peppers), and any other items I want for cooking that aren't available on Bonaire.
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By Nat (BonaireTalker - Post #65) on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 2:46 pm: |
Linnea, nice suggestion. Is there a particular place you recommend staying in Old SJ?
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By David Kaye (BonaireTalker - Post #75) on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 1:03 pm: |
Nat:
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By Nat (BonaireTalker - Post #67) on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 2:40 pm: |
David,
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By Linnea Wijkhof-Wimberly (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #816) on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 10:20 pm: |
I use the Hotel Milano also, right in the center of Old San Juan, resonable prices, and clean, if ordinary, rooms. When you are asleep, who needs fancy decor.
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By Linnea Wijkhof-Wimberly (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #817) on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 10:25 pm: |
Oh, I stayed in one of the inside rooms during Frances last year and didn't hear a thing.
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By David Kaye (BonaireTalker - Post #77) on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 10:36 pm: |
Nat,
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