Does anyone have any advice on getting to Bonaire from either Milwaukee or Chicago? It seems AJ is the only way??

American flies from Chicago to San Juan, then SJ to BON. Depending on when you go, the days of the week the SJ - BON flight operates varies.

I've used that routing (originating in Rochester, NY) about 6 times, without any major problems, delays. Except, of course, last week -- which couldn't be blamed on AA as the airport in Chicago was closed for a while due to bad weather. To give AA due, they dealt with it well -- transferring our flight to Indianapolis and then taking us on to Chicago the following day. I don't see what else they could have done, and they handled it all with grace.

AA seems to be higher than AJ (which I've read horror stories on) Do you recommend that we fly AA despite the higher cost?

Our daughter has flown A/A from Chicago 3 times. Twice through Miami to San Juan and once to San Juan directly. She has never had any trouble with A/A. Try the A/A website, sometimes they have better rates than the so-called discount sites.

Actually,

Now AE does the San-Juan - Bonaire route every day.

IF, and I'll repeat IF Air Jamaica gets it's act together, the ORD-BON run was FANTASTIC the two times I did it in '01 and '02. It IS an early departure from Chicago, but you get to Bonaire in mid afternoon and we didn't depart until LATE afternoon which let you dive the morning before. check your bags before noon and then go have a nice lunch and final visit around the island before departure time.

I have come to understand that things have definitely changed since then, but hope springs eternal.

We are flying out the AJ Chicago to MBJ to Bonaire flight next week Thursday. I will post how it all went when we return (I hope it will be a good posting)!

I also suggest to people that they check into locals sales from their airport to Aruba and then take BonairExpress. My son and a friend got a REAL good special Philadelphia to Aruba and then BE to Bonaire. The whole RT fare was just over $500.00! It pays to do a little investigation!

Liz

Randy, has it really been that long ago that we met up? Seems impossible! Hope you are doing well.

Hi Mary,

It surprises me too! These two bad habits of mine (eating daily and living indoors) have prevented my return. But who knows, maybe some day these Lotto tickets I keep buying will strike gold.

It is also striking to me how fresh the memories remain of this special place.

Well it's Wed. afternoon and we are off for Chicago for our AJ flight early tomorrow morning. Keeping our fingers crossed for a worry free flight. This time tomorrow we will be on the beach in Bonaire. (I hope!)

Read my posting titled "Our A.J. ordeal" for what happened on our return flight home from MBJ to ORD. Flight down to BON was glitch free (maybe because Ryan Air took over the flight down there).