Air Travel
Air Travel information pertinent to Bonaire
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Insel Air Offers Promotional Airfare on its Miami-Bonaire Route
Effective immediately, Insel Air has announced a special airfare promotion for its Miami-Bonaire route. Now through Saturday, June 19, 2010, there’s a special round-trip fare Miami-Bonaire-Miami of only $280.00 per person.
This is an excellent opportunity for a trip to Bonaire, as the normal price for this route is $430.00 per person. This special fare includes government taxes and fuel charges, however it does not include departure taxes, and it is subject to availability. This new fare can be booked through travel professionals, Insel Air (phone: +599 9 737-0444) or via the Insel Air web site by clicking here. (Source: TCB-Bonaire)
Friday, February 05, 2010
Delta and Continental Add Additional Seasonal Airlift from North America to Bonaire
Continental Airlines and Delta have both recently added additional airlift from North America to Bonaire for the remaining portion of the high season and a portion of the summer season.
Effective February 12, 2010 until April 2, 2010, Continental will operate a second Newark flight on Saturdays (EWR-BON-EWR) in addition to their normal weekly rotation. Continental flight #1553 will depart Newark at 11:55 PM and arrive on Bonaire the next morning at 5:22 AM. Continental flight #1556 will then depart Bonaire at 7:00 AM.
Continental will also operate a third Houston flight on Mondays effective March 7, 2010 until March 29, 2010. Continental flight #1898 will depart Houston at 11:30 PM and arrive on Bonaire the following morning at 6:00 AM. Continental flight #1899 will then depart Bonaire at 8:30 AM.
Effective February 13 through August 14, Delta will upgrade the 757 (with 183 seats) currently operated on the Bonaire route to a 767 with 262 seats, providing extra capacity each week.
Please note that times will be adjusted in March in conjunction with the Daylight Savings Time change. (Source: TCB Bonaire)
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Insel Air Receives A Fourth MD-Aircraft
Insel Air, which flies non-stop to Bonaire from Miami once a week, recently took delivery of a fourth MD-Aircraft. As soon as the documents and registration for the aircraft are complete, the jet will be added into Insel Air’s flight schedule.
Insel Air soon will be purchasing a third Embraer Bandeirante and this purchase will complete the fleet for the next three years with seven aircraft in total: four MD aircraft and three Bandeirantes. The airline has been regularly augmenting its flight schedule with the addition of each aircraft.
Insel Air flies non-stop between Miami and Bonaire each Saturday, and flights can also be arranged on other days of the week with a connection in Curacao. Insel Air offers more relaxed checked bag weight limits, with up to 40 kilograms (88 pounds) allowed for a combined total of up to two bags. No single piece may be heavier than 32 kilograms (70 pounds). This extra baggage allowance is especially appreciated by those visiting Bonaire for diving and who carry their diving equipment with them.
For additional information, visit their web site by clicking here. (Source: Amigoe, Insel Air web site)
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Insel Air and US Airways Sign Interline Agreement
A ticketing and baggage agreement was signed on November 10, 2009 between US Airways and Insel Air, so that either airline is now able to issue tickets on the other carrier. This effectively creates the ability for passengers flying to either Bonaire or Curacao on U.S. Airways to check their bags at the originating gateway and then pick up their bags in either Bonaire or Curacao, depending upon the itinerary.
An additional component of interline relationships between carriers is the ability to through-check the connecting passenger (not just bags), allowing issuance of boarding passes between carriers. US Airways currently lacks passenger through-check with Insel Air, but it is a near-term mutual objective.
In summary, effective immediately, bags can be checked through, while customers still need to check-in with the connecting carrier for their onwards boarding passes when transiting between US Airways and Insel Air. The agreement between US Airways and Insel Air does not yet include a through-fare agreement, thus passengers using these connections will be ticketed on two point-to-point tickets. (Source: TCB-Bonaire)
Friday, November 06, 2009
KLM To Make a Demonstration Flight Utilizing Bio-Fuel
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will be the first airline in the world to make a demonstration flight on bio-kerosene with a select group of passengers. This will also be the first ever flight in Europe on bio-kerosene. On November 23, 2009, KLM will operate a flight using Boeing 747 equipment. One of the aircraft engines will be running on a fuel mixture made up of 50% sustainable bio-fuel and 50% traditional kerosene.
"This is an important step on the road to completely sustainable aviation,” said KLM President & CEO Peter Hartman. “KLM has joined forces with its partners to vigorously stimulate the further development of alternative fuels. In so doing, we need to rely on the input and support of all the relevant parties: the business community, government and society at large.’”
Along with Air France, KLM has for many years led the airline industry in the field of sustainable development. For example, Air France-KLM this year topped the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the fifth consecutive time. The Dutch wing of the Worldwide Fund for Nature (Wereld Natuurfonds – WNF) also voted KLM its Business Partner of the year for 2009. (Source: KLM)
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
KLM to Amend Flights to Bonaire During Winter Season
KLM has just announced that beginning January 15, 2010, they will offer two flights to Bonaire each Friday, as the end of the week is the most popular time for European visitors to travel to the island.
This will be accomplished by moving the current Thursday flight (Flight KL 0763, Amsterdam-Sint Maarten-Bonaire) to a Friday departure, bringing the number of weekly flights which KLM operates to Bonaire to six. This change has already been made to their reservations system, so those passengers who were previously booked on a Thursday flight to Bonaire should check their reservation status. (Source: TCB-Bonaire)
Monday, October 05, 2009
KLM to Offer Greater Comfort in Economy Class Beginning December, 2009
From December 2009, passengers traveling in KLM’s economy class on all intercontinental flights can choose seats offering greater comfort. The new Economy Comfort zone offers up to ten centimeters (about four inches) more legroom and back supports that can recline twice as far. What’s more, Economy Comfort passengers can also disembark more quickly after landing because their seating zone is located at the front of economy class.
KLM will be offering the new Economy Comfort zone in response to customer demands for greater comfort and more choice in Economy Class on intercontinental flights. The Economy Comfort zone supplements the preferred seats already available at an additional charge. KLM’s entire intercontinental fleet will be equipped with the new zone. The first aircraft have already been converted. The remaining aircraft will follow in the months ahead, enabling all passengers to choose for the Economy Comfort zone on intercontinental flights from December, 2009 onward.
Depending on the distances involved, the price of the new zone will amount to between €80 and €150 for a single leg of the journey. Flying Blue Platinum members and passengers traveling on a full-flex Economy Class ticket can book Economy Comfort seats without a surcharge. Flying Blue Gold members will be offered a 50% discount and Flying Blue Silver members 25%. The service in Economy Comfort will be the same as that in Economy Class.
Economy Comfort seats can be booked from the end of November on the KLM web site by clicking here, or at the airport using the self-service check-in or transfer kiosks (where available). (Source: KLM)
Friday, October 02, 2009
Delta Airlines Announces Change in Flights to Bonaire
The Bonaire Insider received an official notification from the Tourist Corporation Bonaire that Delta has made yet another change in their planned flights to Bonaire.
In a communication from Delta to the TCB, Delta said that the Sunday flights did not book as well as the Saturday flights. Between December 19 and April 11, Saturdays are booked to 49%, but Sundays are only booked to 12%. Unfortunately, Delta had to make the tough decision to cancel the Sunday flights. They will still operate on December 27, January 3, and February 21, since those dates were fairly heavily booked. The other Sunday flights will be removed from the reservations systems tomorrow, October 3rd, 2009. Passengers will be offered the option of switching to the Saturday flight. It should be noted, however, that effective February 13, the Saturday flight between Atlanta and Bonaire will be upgraded from a 757 with 183 seats to a 767 with 262 seats, which will provide additional airlift on Saturdays of 79 more seats, since this appears to be the day on which most visitors prefer to travel.
The Delta JFK flight will resume in December as scheduled.
Those who may be booked on upcoming Sunday Delta flights should contact Delta or their travel agent as quickly as possible to be re-accommodated. (Source: TCB)
Friday, September 11, 2009
Current Airline Baggage Restrictions and Fees for Travel to Bonaire
It seems that each week, a major airline announces a revision of their baggage allowances and fee structures, so, we here at the Insider thought it might be helpful to summarize the current regulations for baggage on the air carriers to Bonaire.
Note that these restrictions are current as of September 9th, 2009 for economy class travel, but passengers are urged to double-check with their carrier directly should any questions arise. This is because, in many instances, baggage regulations may vary depending upon when the airline ticket was actually purchased.
Delta Airlines to Bonaire allows two checked bags at no charge. If three bags are checked, the fee is $200.00 each way; if four bags are checked, the fee is $350.00 each way.
For checked bag weight limits, up to 50 pounds is no charge. If any bag is from 51-70 pounds (23-32 kg), the fee is $150.00 each way; 71-100 pounds (33-45 kg), the fee is $300.00 each way; over 100 pounds (45 kg) is not permitted.
For checked bag size limits, the bag cannot exceed 62 inches (157 cm) when total length + width +height are added together. Provided the total dimensions do not exceed 62 inches (157 cm), then there is no charge. It the total dimensions are between 63-80 inches (161-203 cm), the fee is $175.00 each way. Bags with a total dimension of over 80 inches are not permitted.
Passengers will be charged an excess baggage fee each instance a bag goes over any one of the allowances. For example, if an extra piece of baggage is checked that goes over the weight limit and the size limit, then you will be charged three times:
Once for the extra bag
Once for going over the size limit
Once for going over the weight limit
Continental Airlines to Bonaire allows the first checked bag at no charge. A second check bag is charged $25.00 each way, while any additional bag over two will be charged $100.00 each way.
For checked bag weight limits, up to 50 pounds is no charge. If any bag is from 51-70 pounds (23-32 kg), the fee is $50.00 each way; any bag over 71 pounds is not accepted.
For checked bag size limits, the bag cannot exceed 62 inches (157 cm) when total length + width +height are added together. Provided the total dimensions do not exceed 62 linear inches (157 cm), then there is no charge. It the total dimensions are between 63-115 linear inches (158-292 cm), the fee is $100.00 per bag each way. Bags with a total dimension of over 115 (293 cm) are not accepted.
Passengers will be charged an excess baggage fee each instance a bag goes over any one of the allowances. For example, if an extra piece of baggage is checked that goes over the weight limit and the size limit, then you will be charged three times:
Once for the extra bag
Once for going over the size limit
Once for going over the weight limit
Insel Air to Bonaire allows two checked bags with no charge.
For checked bag weight limits, up to 40 kilograms (88 pounds) is allowed for the combined total of up to two bags. No single piece may be heavier than 32 kilograms (70 pounds). Should the weight for any single piece exceed 32 kilograms, then a fee of $50.00 per bag will be assessed for those over the weight limit for each 10 kilograms (22 pounds), each way.
For checked bag size limits, the bag cannot exceed 158 cm (62 inches) when total length + width +height are added together. Provided the total linear dimensions do not exceed 158 cm (62 inches), then there is no charge. It the total dimensions are over 158 cm (62 inches), a fee of $50.00 each way per bag will be assessed.
Passengers will be charged an excess baggage fee each instance a bag goes over any one of the allowances. For example, if an extra piece of baggage is checked that goes over the weight limit and the size limit, then you will be charged three times:
Once for the extra bag
Once for going over the size limit
Once for going over the weight limit
American Airlines to Curacao (a further connection via a regional carrier is necessary) allows two checked bags at no charge, but the bags cannot exceed 62 linear inches (158 cm) or 50 pounds of weight.
If any bag is from 51-70 pounds (23-32 kg), the fee is $50.00 per bag each way; 71-100 pounds (33-45 kg), the fee is $100.00 each way.
For checked bag size limits, the bag cannot exceed 62 inches (157 cm) when total length + width + height are added together. Provided the total dimensions do not exceed 62 inches (157 cm), then there is no charge. It the total dimensions are between 63-115 inches (161-292 cm), the fee is $150.00 each way.
KLM to Bonaire allows 25 kg (55 pounds) in economy class plus 1 golf bag not exceeding 20 kg (44 pounds). Instead of the standard permitted golf bag, you may take a surfboard, diving equipment, ski or watch-ski equipment or a bicycle (not a tandem) free of charge. If taking special luggage, make your reservation for it 48 hours before departure to ensure your reservation is confirmed.
Checked bag size limits, the combined total of length + width + height cannot exceed 158 cm (62 inches).
The checked bag weight overweight fee is EUR 15 per kilogram, one way. If booked on-line prior to flying, a 30% discount is offered, so the fee becomes EUR 10.50 per kilogram.
DAE to Bonaire (from Curacao) allows two checked bags at no charge, but the weight limit can be no more than a total combined weight of 20 kilograms (44 pounds); there is no size limitation.
Checked Bag Weight Limits and Fees: Up to 20 kilograms (44 pounds), free; over 20 kilograms (44 pounds), FL 3.00 per kilogram when flying between Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire; over 20 kilograms (44 pounds), FL 7.00 per kilogram when flying to Caracas and Santo Domingo; over 20 kilograms (44 pounds), FL 10.00 per kilogram when flying to the Windward Islands.
Divi Divi Air to Bonaire (from Curacao) allows one checked bag of no more than 20 kilograms (44 pounds) at no charge. The size may not exceed: 45 x 15 x 25 inches or 115 x 40 x 65 cm. A second checked bag will incur additional fees based on weight: 1 to 20 kilograms (2 to 44 pounds), FL 2.00/USD $1.2 per kilo additional. Also please note that additional checked baggage will be shipped as cargo. If you know in advance how much excess baggage you will have, the charges can be calculated by a counter employee. At the time of booking, please notify them if you intend to bring along excess baggage. Due to the limited availability of space on board the aircraft, your excess baggage might arrive on a later flight. It is recommended to check in twenty minutes prior to the mandatory 45-minute check-in time when traveling with excess baggage. Please note that heavier bags cannot be accepted because of handling limitations. Such pieces must be transported as cargo or the contents must be split and packed separately. In the event that re-packing is necessary at the airport, passenger will be responsible for all expenses and use either special cardboard boxes or plastic bags.
Those that are subject to extra fees to transport baggage to Bonaire may be eligible for on-island rebates. For additional information, visit www.paradiserebates.com. (Source: Bonaire Insider Reporter)
Note Update October 21, 2009: Thanks to the good eyes of a Bonaire Insider reader, perhaps more clarification is needed on KLM’s policy on diving equipment. The following was taken from the KLM web site on October 17th: “A set of equipment may consist of a wetsuit, vest, socks, mask, shoes, flippers, knife, empty air cylinder and regulator. The tanks should be empty and the valve should be open or removed. Diving lamps must be transported as hand baggage, with the bulb and batteries removed. Regulations for diving equipment according to the weight concept are that within the total baggage allowance, you may carry a set of diving equipment up to 20 kg (44 lbs). For each kilogram of your total baggage including diving equipment over the permitted amount, or for an extra set of diving equipment up to 20 kg, we charge a special fixed fee. For an extra set of diving equipment heavier than 20 kg the special fixed fee is doubled. Regulations for diving equipment according to the piece concept allows for a set of diving equipment which counts as a single piece of baggage and may not weigh more than 23 kg (50 lbs). If you check in more than two pieces, you pay a special fixed fee. Always make a reservation for your special baggage at least 48 hours before departure, and ensure your reservation is confirmed.”
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Days of Service Change for Delta Flights to Bonaire
The Bonaire Insider has received information that the planned new Delta flight to Bonaire on Fridays, scheduled to begin in October, 2009, was not booking well, and so Delta has made some changes to their Bonaire flight schedule to encourage additional bookings.
Instead of the departing flight from Atlanta on Friday evening, with a return flight departing Bonaire on Saturday, Delta will instead operate a round-trip rotation on Sunday, with the same time schedule as the popular Saturday flight. The Friday night flight has been canceled. Effective Saturday, July 11, a Sunday rotation will be added to the schedule.
The changes have not been made to the schedule yet. The inventory has been removed for the flights that are to be canceled, but the flights still show up in a schedule display. The schedules will be updated with these changes this Saturday, July 11th.
Additionally, the resumption of the seasonal JFK-BON flight is now scheduled for December 19th.
Delta also plans to upgrade the equipment on the Saturday ATL-BON flights between November 7 and 21, 2009 to a 767, which can handle additional passengers from the JFK and the Friday Atlanta flights.
Those passengers holding reservations on the Delta Friday flight from Atlanta are encouraged to contact Delta starting this Sunday to re-book new flights with the revised schedule. (Source: TCB-NY)
