Please help! I am trying to fly to Bonaire on Dec 26th from NYC area, and return around January 3rd, 2006. I am unable to find flights in any online forum, via AA.com, airjamaica.com, sidestep.com, etc. PLease tell me how to get to Bonaire!

Signed,
Desperate and grateful.

Hi,

I assume you have read all the other threads on Getting to Bonaire. We live in DC - so similar east coast to Bon issues - and your options include
a. the new charter out of Ft L, sat to sat only,
b. into Aruba or Cur on whoever is flying - us air, , american, sometimes delta or untied , with a hop over on Bonaire exel or whatever its new name is or from Cur on Bonaire exel or even better Div Divi - a local very very reliable small outfit.

Thank for that advise. DO you think Divi Divi is a reliable plane to trust my life with? Is it true they only have one pilot? Is that legal for commercial aviation?

Is the ferry really closed down?

thank you.

Erik -

You might also consider NYC to San Juan, then American Eagle to Bonaire. The schedule is not the best, but we have had excellent luck on this route. We do always fly during the week and that might account for the fact we've never encountered lost baggage, unreasonable delays, etc.

We have not flown Divi Divi, but we know many folks who have and as far as we know the airline's safety record is perfect. To be a matter of fact, I think you will find quite a few folks who prefer Divi Divi over Bonaire Excel for reliability.

Hope this helps.

Charles Poteet
Dallas

Yes the ferry closed down aprx..a year ago.

Divi is a reliable airline to trust with your life.

Yup they only have 1 pilot and yes that is legal for the type they fly with. A cesna(7pax) and 2 b-2 britten norman islanders(9pax).

Erik,

Divi divi is reliable, and safe. I am small plane phobic and did fine, actually I sat in the co -pilot sit, which helped. They have several flights a day and could not have been more than nice. The flight is 20 min and as there are so few folks on board, and often locals, getting through customs and baggage pick up is a breeze. More reliable than BE.

Have your wife write me separately if she has additional fears, happy to help. L

You can also take a hop skip and jump to Toronto , Canada and take the charter plane. It goes every Sunday to Curacao or Aruba. Then grab the Divi Divi.

We were recently able to book ewr to mia, mia to cur, then Divi Divi to Bon. for Christmas week. The first two legs were on AA. I'm pretty sure the American Eagle flights from SJU to BON are booked for the holiday week. Good luck!

David

thanks everyone for your excellent help. i now know that i will be ok if i can get to aruba or curacao, because then i can hop on a little plane and get there.

i am having difficulty finding flights for less than $1000 round trip. does anyone know of deals or specials to get from NYC area to aruba or curacao via miami or jamaica, around the dec 26-jan 3rd timeframe? i have even used sidestep search engine, but no luck! please help! thanks
erik

Best I could find was around 810 rt using expedia traveling on 12-25. The usual RT fare from NYC on Air Jamaica is around $750. and this is obviously peak season. Good luck with your search.

David

Erik,
Before paying for your ticket to Aruba or Curacao, first check to be sure you can get the commuter flights you need. From Aruba, only BonairExpress flies this route. From Curacao, you have the choice of BE or Divi Divi. But sometimes both airlines are sold out.
Good luck!
Tish