Covid surging in Bonaire

[cpace]

Cpace, the quote in my post was from the Bonaire newspaper. However, in addition to Matrix per Tursiops, I have June 5 Delta tickets which are holding so far.

Thanks. I hope they fly. I have tickets to Bonaire for mid-August. My VRBO will let me cancel with full refund before August 4th.

The reason I am currently skeptical is that someone on one of the Bonaire facebook group pages said they heard from a AA representative that they were not flying to Bonaire until September.

 

[tursiops]

someone on one of the Bonaire facebook group pages said they heard from a AA representative that they were not flying to Bonaire until September.

Right. Read the comments on that posting and you'll find the poster was quite confused.
Random posters quoting random information without details are a problem.

 

[cpace]

Today, google flights shows AA flying MIA - BON every Saturday and Wednesday starting June 5. I logged into AA website and got errors for several of the June flights shown on google flights. Flights in August (the ones I'm booked on) appear OK. I was originally looking at a June or July trip, glad I chose August. Fingers crossed.

 

[tursiops]

Today, google flights shows AA flying MIA - BON every Saturday and Wednesday starting June 5. I logged into AA website and got errors for several of the June flights shown on google flights. Flights in August (the ones I'm booked on) appear OK. I was originally looking at a June or July trip, glad I chose August. Fingers crossed.

June 26 on AA MIA-BON appears unavailable. What were the other days you got errors on?

 

[cpace]

June 26 on AA MIA-BON appears unavailable. What were the other days you got errors on?

I searched some random Wednesdays and Saturdays starting June 5th, both one way and round trip. Error received. Just trying to figure out American Airlines, our trip is planned for August.

 

[tursiops]

I searched some random Wednesdays and Saturdays starting June 5th, both one way and round trip. Error received. Just trying to figure out American Airlines, our trip is planned for August.

Best I can tell, for June-August, on American:
no seats MIA-BON on June 5 or 26, or Jul 10
VERY expensive seat(s) BON-MIA on July 24.

That means a RT MIA-BON-MIA outbound June 5, 26, and July 10, on AA is not likely (there can always be cancellations).
It also means going down any day but trying to come back on July 24 is problematic.

August OK both directions.

 

[tursiops]

Received today from the Tourism Corporation Bonaire...
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On June 5th, Bonaire will welcome the return of non- stop flight service on American Airlines and Delta Airlines from Miami and Atlanta, respectively, marking an important milestone for our island.
After a long break in operations during the pandemic, the two airlines will resume weekly Wednesday and Saturday flights. The news comes as a response to a strong demand from both US visitors longing to visit the Bonaire and from our tourism sector and entire community eagerly awaiting their arrival.
TCB in collaboration with the Public Entity Bonaire (OLB), Bonaire International Airport (BIA), BonLab, Hestia, Bonaire Holding Maatschappij (BHM) and Bonaire Overheidsgebouwen (BOG) has made an antigen test location available at Bonaire International Airport for arriving travelers who have not been able to take an antigen test in their country of origin, 24 hours prior to departure. In addition to the antigen test, travelers must present a negative PCR test result, taken up to 72 hours before arrival on Bonaire. Or travelers can only take a negative PCR or NAAT-test result, from a test taken within 24 hours before departure. For travelers heading back to the United States there are also three other test facilities throughout the island.

To further ensure travelers are at ease when visiting, TCB, in collaboration with the Bonaire Hotel and Tourism Association (BONHATA) and OLB, is launching an island-wide ‘Bonaire Friendly Safety Seal’ (BFSS) program. The new program is designed to enhance the island’s already rigorous safety protocols by certifying our local businesses that meet the required standards outlined in the official BFSS program. In order to acquire the BFSS, businesses will need to adhere to several protocols and policies including safety, health and cleaning programs, the completion of an in-depth questionnaire and a thorough on-site inspection conducted by trained personnel. When approved, the business will receive the official gold seal to be displayed on-site and also showcased on our website, so that travelers can easily identify the qualified participants. The BFSS will certify a variety of businesses including: accommodations, casinos, car rentals, tour operators, watersports operators, taxis, restaurants, food trucks, retail shops, and spa/salons.

“We have been eagerly awaiting the return of direct flights from the US to Bonaire and have used this time to focus on improving the destination’s offerings,” said Marjolein Oleana, business manager at Tourism Corporation Bonaire. “These measures will ensure consistency in visitor experiences as we welcome travelers in a safe, responsible and organized way.”

Kind Regards, Met vriendelijke groet, Saludos

Crystel Pourier
US & Canada Representative │ Tourism Corporation Bonaire

Email: crystelpourier@tourismbonaire.com │Kaya Grandi 2 │Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean
T. + (599) 717-8322 │http://www.tourismbonaire.com/ | Skype: TCB.Bonaire

 

[maadJurguer]

Good to see the progress rolling out.

 

[Steelyeyes]

My wife managed to book flights from Bonaire to Miami for August. I guess we'll see in a few days if the first flights really do arrive.

We joined a few of our friends at the Marriot to be crash test dummies for the rapid antigen testing process. The process, once it got going, was fast and efficient. The only weak spot was having to remind them to speak English instead of Dutch, after all they are setting up for flights from the US. The results were supposedly available in minutes. I know mine were after the ten minute drive home.

 

[tkaelin]

I think just read that BON passed legislation last week that permits them to treat people differently based upon their vaccine status which is intended to let them loosen travel restrictions on those fully vaccinated. I think they were going to waive testing for travel within the ABCs first.