Recommended Airline Curacao to Bonaire R/T

[zzzScuba]

So, now that American Airlines cancelled our flight to Bonaire, we're now flying into Curacao... for a connection into Bonaire R/T.

Any recommendations (DiviDivi; DAE; Insel) for which is the better airline to take... taking into account that we might have some excess baggage (and we don't want to be hit for a tremendous excess baggage fee)???

Opinions greatly appreciated.

Jeff.

 

[DeputyDan]

I have only done the DIVI DIVI and would do it again.

IMHO - The excess baggage fee is based on the make up of the passengers.

When we used them, everyone on the plane but my family were locals with no baggage. The only baggage was ours so there were no space or weight issues and no extra fee.

I would bet that if everyone on the flight were Americans with lots of bags the situation would have been different!

You should plan on paying the fee and be pleasantly susprised if the cost comes in less!

 

[Damselfish]

I'm guessing certain days/times tend to be more locals. And others (especially Saturday and times convenient to incoming international flights) tend to be more vacationers. Might be worth keeping in mind if you have flexibility when you travel.

 

[DeputyDan]

We traveled mid-week!

 

[scubadada]

Hi Jeff,

My wife and I dived in Bonarire in November. We flew from Philadelphia to Aruba on US Airways and then flew on to Bonaire on Dutch Antilles Express. DAE has no direct flights from Aruba to Bonaire, so we made the stop on Curacao.

I made the reservations with DAE on their website and it went flawlessly, a big improvement over old Bonaire Exel. We each had a large suitcase at less than 50 pounds, a roller carry on, and a backpack. The roller carry on had to be checked and returned plane-side as there is little on board storage. There was no problem with the luggage and no additional charge. Our plane from Aruba to Bonaire and the return both left and arrived on time, making our connections a piece of cake. I would not hesitate to recommend DAE based on this experience and will use them again next trip to Bonaire unless we switch to Delta from Philly.

Best of luck on your trip, enjoy Bonaire.

Good diving, Craig

 

[zzzScuba]

Thanks to all for their responses.
Any more suggestions?

 

[dvrliz1]

Actually try Tiara Air direct from Aruba to Bonaire. They have a 9pm flight ( I know I'm sitting in the airport on Aruba on my way back home to Bonaire on this flight). RT for Ed and I was $135.00 each. No stops on Curacao, 40 minute flight. The return flight leaves Bonaire at 12.00 noon, so you can make the afternoon flights from Aruba back to the states no problem.

www.fly-tiaraair.com