Traveltalkonline.com Forums


SXM Cruise Schedule TTOL Sponsors SXM Travel Calendar
Forum Statistics
Forums39
Topics39,307
Posts318,798
Members26,656
Most Online3,755
Sep 23rd, 2024
Top Posters(30 Days)
bdeeley 68
RonDon 36
Kennys 28
erb923 26
jazzgal 22
GaKaye 20
Member Spotlight
casailor53
casailor53
Rincón PR
Posts: 1,176
Joined: December 2004
Today's Birthdays
KDTenn, MCJgraduate
Who's Online Now
23 members (Alltech63, rkitek, pandpfromcanada, PML, louismcc, Todd, SXMScubaman, SoakInSaltwater, WWII, Carib_Ian, mark37, marybeth, Todd_Melinda_K, GeorgeC1, xrayman67, CanuckTravlr, 7 invisible), 1,546 guests, and 64 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#168598 08/28/2018 08:58 AM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,544
Likes: 1
RonDon Offline OP
Traveler
OP Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,544
Likes: 1
JB just announced price for checked bags will increase.

SXM Sponsors
RonDon #168624 08/28/2018 02:41 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108
Likes: 1
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108
Likes: 1
Now between $25 and $50 depending on flight (Blue vs. Blue Plus)

boucharda #168629 08/28/2018 03:11 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108
Likes: 1
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108
Likes: 1
Maybe because of this reported last month:

Quote
JetBlue shares plunged 9 percent — among its worst one-day declines in a decade — after the airline reported a $120 million second-quarter loss on higher fuel expenses and gave a cautious outlook for the rest of 2018.

RonDon #168644 08/28/2018 05:39 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,289
EdB Offline
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,289
It is sad to see what Jet Blue is doing to themselves the last couple of years. Besides their customer service going down, and the prices going up ridiculously, the once best airline is killing themselves. First after touting for years, the No Charge for baggage...they went ahead and started to charge. Then, the flights all over were cut back. Then the last few flights we took, the seats have shrunk. Then the price of their internet service is crazy. Then they added the different categories. Now they are going to be raising the prices on baggage?? Why doesn't JB finally come clean, and change their name to Spirit Airlines, because real soon there won't be any difference between the two airlines.

EdB #168647 08/28/2018 05:55 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,785
Likes: 1
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,785
Likes: 1
Looks like the honeymoon with JetBlue might be coming to an end.


J.D.
EdB #168653 08/28/2018 06:47 PM
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 357
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 357
The reality is they are a business and need to make money. $$$

RonDon #168657 08/28/2018 07:32 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,544
Likes: 1
RonDon Offline OP
Traveler
OP Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,544
Likes: 1
One can only hope Southwest gets to fly to SXM. Prior to the hurricane we flew SW within the states and I chatted with desk person who said the airline was considering a couple of changes, one being assigned seating and that they were trying to get SXM route.

RonDon #168679 08/29/2018 12:34 AM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,912
B
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
B
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,912
JetBlue hasn't really been a budget for quite some time.

Bahston #168684 08/29/2018 07:48 AM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 355
S
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 355
So far!!! We have gotten great prices out of Jfk. but have to be flexible. Prices are different every day of the week. So if you can get the cheapest fare on one day rather than the next, your saving... Not everyone can do that. But as mentioned!! they have to make money. After Irma they were right back flying to St.M. not many others can say that. For us it was a blessing, as we needed to get on Island after hurricane... Everyone has a different situation, but so far for us they are the most reliable. What happens this coming season? That remains to be seen. But I check flight frequently and have learned its not nessesery to book way in advance, have gotten cheaper fares closer to when we want to go. I think they sell the high tickets first and then they seem to lower the fare . Could be wrong on that, but never book way ahead...

RonDon #168692 08/29/2018 09:56 AM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,544
Likes: 1
RonDon Offline OP
Traveler
OP Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,544
Likes: 1
sasasal, there seems to be a curve of sorts in that cheap when date first opens up then fares go higher until closer to departure then down for a day then way up to fill remaining seats.

We booked SXM for March back in July and the rates have gone way up from then. But last March we got fares for half what we're paying this next trip closer to departure.

SeaStar #168694 08/29/2018 10:16 AM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,553
W
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
W
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,553
They probably lost money on paper. think reduced taxes. I'm betting that they are really making money.

RonDon #168695 08/29/2018 10:33 AM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 355
S
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 355
The bottom line is!!! Fares can change from one day to the next. Must go in and do the work checking and checking. I can go in to jet blue today and see different fares two days later, crazy, but I just do not buy tickets way in advance. I usally get tickets 2 or three monthes before flight. It works because the truth is flying during the week!!! The flights are almost never filled. Anyway that has worked for us, but not everyone can be flexible. We can. If monday is high, and thursday is cheaper, we go thursday. But its crazy how they price. Guess we are lucky going non stop from Jfk. But I still prefer Jet blue unitll they prove different. So far we have had no major problems. We left American because they were so unreliable after the merger... Good luck anyway everyon


11

EdB #168699 08/29/2018 11:42 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108
Likes: 1
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108
Likes: 1
Quote
Then the last few flights we took, the seats have shrunk. Then the price of their internet service is crazy. Then they added the different categories. Now they are going to be raising the prices on baggage??


Ok...yes they are increasing their baggage fees BUT it is part of their previous three tier system with the ONLY difference between the first two IS that a checked bag is included. The baggage fee is NOT in addition to the Blue Plus fare. If we are only checking one bag we book one Blue fare and one Blue Plus fare...works out the same as paying for a checked bag.

..and...their internet wifi (Fly-Fi) is free ....not crazy priced within the satellite coverage area. Used it last month. As is the live Directv and taped movies/TV shows when out of the coverage area

..and..their seat pitch (32 in) and seat size (18 in) is better than most economy seats on other airlines (AA 319 31 in/15.9-17.3in) (Delta 737/757 30-31-32 in/17.2 in) SWA 31-32 in/17 in)

They are just joining other airlines and charging a bit more than they did for bags. I should add that a couple of flights I checked the fee was $25 more for Blue Plus so no different from other airlines...but there are some outliers there at $50 more.....The rest of the experience is fine.

Edited to add: here's a link comparing seat pitch and seat size for ALL short haul airlines

link for seat size

Last edited by boucharda; 08/29/2018 11:47 AM.
RonDon #168701 08/29/2018 12:18 PM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,597
Likes: 1
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,597
Likes: 1
We've used to use JB when they had an SXM to JB flight where we could get a connection to BDL. When they dropped SJU connection used AA (horrible) or Delta (not bad). Post Irma our only reliable and close to affordable is JB direct to JFK and find a 3 hour ride back and forth to the airport. The seats are the same as when we flew them thru SJU. We don't check bags unless they call for free gate checks at the gate. Hopefully, when more rooms open in the bigger hotels, we'll get back some of our flights.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
boucharda #168702 08/29/2018 01:21 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,623
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,623
Agreed. Still a reasonable airline compared to most of the others.

Originally Posted by boucharda
Quote
Then the last few flights we took, the seats have shrunk. Then the price of their internet service is crazy. Then they added the different categories. Now they are going to be raising the prices on baggage??


Ok...yes they are increasing their baggage fees BUT it is part of their previous three tier system with the ONLY difference between the first two IS that a checked bag is included. The baggage fee is NOT in addition to the Blue Plus fare. If we are only checking one bag we book one Blue fare and one Blue Plus fare...works out the same as paying for a checked bag.

..and...their internet wifi (Fly-Fi) is free ....not crazy priced within the satellite coverage area. Used it last month. As is the live Directv and taped movies/TV shows when out of the coverage area

..and..their seat pitch (32 in) and seat size (18 in) is better than most economy seats on other airlines (AA 319 31 in/15.9-17.3in) (Delta 737/757 30-31-32 in/17.2 in) SWA 31-32 in/17 in)

They are just joining other airlines and charging a bit more than they did for bags. I should add that a couple of flights I checked the fee was $25 more for Blue Plus so no different from other airlines...but there are some outliers there at $50 more.....The rest of the experience is fine.

Edited to add: here's a link comparing seat pitch and seat size for ALL short haul airlines

link for seat size


Robin & Ed

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. - Henry Miller

boucharda #168703 08/29/2018 01:26 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108
Likes: 1
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108
Likes: 1
I should also add (full disclosure) re: JB and Delta, we now reward ourselves with either JB "Extra space" or Delta Comfort....huge difference a few inches makes AND at a reasonable price. We are flying Delta to Amsterdam/Toulouse in 10 days and the Delta comfort was a no brainer. With both...board before the regular economy so no issue with overhead space.

Also JB credit card makes drinks and food half price on JB....makes my Harpoon UFO only $3.50

Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 355
S
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 355
We have just under a 3 hour ride to the airport. which means we need to have trust that our flight is not changed. Having to get a ride there and back means planning. We have a choice flying out of Jfk. but have not had a problem with jet blue... Thats our experience. but in life businesses and people can do 10 things right, but we only fix on the 1 or 2 they do wrong... We have been flying to and from St. M. since the mid 80s. Original pan am folks than American for years, but they just can not be trusted. If I book non stop I want to go non stop etc. After Irma tourisim was lost, and only folks that needed to fly in did, I commend Jet blue for taking those folks and we are two of them... just our experience...

RonDon #168740 08/30/2018 08:41 AM
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 32
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 32
I wish Southwest would start flying into SXM. I've been using them to fly from Balitmore to Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Cancun. No charge for checked baggage and they tend to push the price down for anyone else flying the same route.

Last edited by decaym; 08/30/2018 08:41 AM.
decaym #168749 08/30/2018 11:41 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108
Likes: 1
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108
Likes: 1
Yup....SWA would definitely add some valid competition....

RonDon #168757 08/30/2018 02:06 PM
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 195
W
WLE Offline
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
W
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 195
The fuel cost issue is a poor excuse, a few years ago when fuel prices were 25% higher the air fares were 25% lower.
Go figure !

RonDon #168759 08/30/2018 02:50 PM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 355
S
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 355
in order for putting in another airline, or lowering prices!!! they need the people, I do not think they have the people. These airlines are not going to fly half empty and loose money... If I am wrong tell me that the flights are busting out all over... Over the past number of years!!! We have never seen a full plane, except for once or twice... they can not fly a plane with it half empty... So when theres a call perhaps things will change... Anyway thats how I see it... You will not get any more airlines in unless they know they can make the money. I do not think this is about fuel... Its about people... just my cents.

RonDon #168774 08/30/2018 06:28 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,544
Likes: 1
RonDon Offline OP
Traveler
OP Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,544
Likes: 1
Our experience is our JB flights are always full. In fact they offer free checked luggage at the gate stating full plane means less room. Last flight we didn't pack the usual one suitcase between us to check and instead brought 2 , 22" carry-ons (JB' s size limit) and got them checked for free.

RonDon #168795 08/30/2018 09:26 PM
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 785
Likes: 2
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 785
Likes: 2
Yes, I've seen Southwest change the market in areas multiple times over the last twenty years. On our upcoming trip we're flying Spirit and they're website and pricing structure is nonsensical. If they're prices were not good, in this instance, I wouldn't have used them. I hope flights our go well. We'll see soon.


Dolfer

RonDon #168796 08/30/2018 09:49 PM
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 71
A
ARC Offline
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
A
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 71
Don’t forget another huge benefit about SWA, no change fees! One of the biggest ripoffs not just in the airline business, but any business.

decaym #168801 08/31/2018 07:42 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108
Likes: 1
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108
Likes: 1
..and if SWA starts flying there is good news for equine fans.....(From Travel & Leisure Magazine)

Quote
Starting on September 17, Southwest will enforce the following rules: For trained service animals, Southwest will accept only “the most common service animals — dogs, cats, and miniature horses. For the health and safety of our customers and employees, unusual or exotic animals will not be accepted.”


Travel & Leisure article link

I was hoping that was posted on April Fool's Day but it wasn't ...and yes...a mini horse IS a support animal according to the ADA...but....on a plane?



Last edited by boucharda; 08/31/2018 07:45 AM.
RonDon #168804 08/31/2018 08:03 AM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,925
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,925
With rising costs for jet fuel, they needed to add revenue to their lowest-coast seats.


Jeff Berger
Visiting SXM Since 1978
boucharda #168806 08/31/2018 09:31 AM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,553
W
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
W
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,553
Only dogs can be service animals and they must be certified. They also must perform a specific service, e.g. seeing eye, opening doors, fetching items, etc.

weeks5051 #168812 08/31/2018 11:31 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108
Likes: 1
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108
Likes: 1
Correct but the article and policy refers to support animals and they only need a "credible verbal explanation" why they are needed

Last edited by boucharda; 08/31/2018 11:32 AM.
boucharda #168813 08/31/2018 01:04 PM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,553
W
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
W
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,553
Maybe for SW but for other airlines a letter from a licensed professional e.g. a therapist, psychologist , etc. is needed and several days notice is needed and the airline can still refuse if it deems the animal not trained or can otherwise be a nuisance.

Last edited by weeks5051; 08/31/2018 01:05 PM.
jmbcomms #168834 09/01/2018 08:41 AM
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 71
A
ARC Offline
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
A
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 71

Originally Posted by jmbcomms
With rising costs for jet fuel, they needed to add revenue to their lowest-coast seats.


The baggage fees were put into effect when oil was $100 a barrel. Over the years oil went down to around $50 a barrel. It’s funny how the airlines can raise prices when oil goes up but when oil prices were down they couldn’t lower their baggage fees! At some point there has to be some regulation on how the airline companies keep coming up with fee after fee being put on the passengers. It’s rdidculous. They are making billions on all the extra fees they charge on top of what they make on the regular fare. It’s almost criminal in my opinion!

RonDon #168838 09/01/2018 09:56 AM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 363
Traveler
Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 363
Is it really any different than the gas stations changing their prices for the stuff already in the underground tanks? On the way into town last week gas at the local station was $2.69 a gallon, 30 minutes later that same station is showing gas price at $2.74. Now that was just 5 cents but I've seen it when the price overnight increases upwards of 20 cents per gallon. Then when they "drop" the price it's usually by a penny or two. It's just another way for them to get deeper into your pocket. They know that have us over a barrel (pun intended) because what's the other option?



[Linked Image]

Link Copied to Clipboard
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5