First trip to Bonaire this weekend, I can't wait! I had originally booked a flight through AA from Miami to Curacao then connect on a DAE flight to Bonaire with 2 hours between. Then AA canceled their earlier flight and put us on a later one. Now I only have 45min connection time. Is that enough time to catch the DAE flight? How is the Curacao airport, do I still have to go through customs. And the DAE flight I speak of is the last one out for the day, 8:15pm. Any info from the experienced folk would help us out. Thanks!

In Curacao you will need to go through Immigration. Just mark your card as "IN TRANSIT." Then, you will need to claim your bags, go through Customs and leave the terminal. Take a left, follow the sidewalk to the check in area where you will see the desk for DAE. After you check in with DAE you will proceed up the stairs, pay an in transit departure tax (unless DAE includes it in your ticket), go through security and then into the departure lounge.

Ask the crew for help.
In july one of the crewmembers of divi escorted me through customs coming from Bonaire to Curacao, which took 5 minutes for our family of 6. Customs were very helpful too.

It's a small airport. So depending on the arrival of other flights you might be able to get your bags in time.

Inform DAE immediately after you arrive. They might be able to assist you with the luggage or have the plane wait for a couple of minutes.

It's a close call, but not impossible

(Message edited by bpsmits on September 12, 2008)

Thanks for the tips! I know it will be close, but if worse comes to worse I could spend the night there and get the first flight out in the morning.

Thanks pretty funny, Bob, asking DAE for help. It could happen but given my past experiences with them, don't hold your breath.

I have to admit I have no experience with DAE.
Divi employees were very helpful

DAE on bonaire has been VERY helpful for me. However DAE on Cur was terrible the one time I needed them. I would plan on AA getting you there late and missing your flight. You will also be lucky to arrive with all of your luggage. I did the same flight two years in a row. Got there a day late and a bag short both times. AA is terrible

Kelli ... you are starting out with the right attitude! I like that you are already aware that you might have to overnight in Curacao and that you are "taking it in stride"! We have flown AA Miami to Curacao many times with no trouble. Have never used DAE for our Bonaire connection but know that is really the only option for same day travel now that AA has eliminated the early flight. Getting to Bonaire is always an adventure...

We'll see how it goes. And I'll report back. Off to the airport.

Just got back. Great trip, we WILL be returning!
We actually made the DAE flight, with some running..........but our luggage did not. However, we got it the next morning so no big deal. That was way too close for me, so I don't recommend that route for anyone.

Good to hear you made your connection. Thank you for the update.

Glad to hear that you made it. Our experience with DAE didn’t have the good outcome that yours did. DAE is the worst airline I have ever dealt with.