Airport Info for EWR - SJU - SDQ Flight

[bigbird]

This will be my first time flying American Airlines with a connecting flight in San Juan, PR. Are there any pitfalls to look out for at SJU? Do I have to go thru customs and immigration in PR?

[Budson]

You'll love coming into SJU customs as compared to MIA. The only issue I have had is that the flights from SDQ to SJU tend to be late or cancelled more that the norm. Try to give yourself generous layover time in SJU in case the flight is delayed.

[bigbird]

Originally Posted by Budson

You'll love coming into SJU customs as compared to MIA.

Do I need to go thru customs in SJU on the way to SDQ or just on my return flight home? I normally fly Continental direct frow EWR but their prices were insane. What about lost or delayed luggage?

[Budson]

Yes SJU is you port of entry in the USA and you'll go through customs/immagration there. I have never had luggage problems leaving, only coming in. Coming in it has not mattered. I have flown in from Boston, Ft Lauderdale, Miami, Newark, and JFK and have had delayed luggage from each. A few months ago, the put some additional luggage restrictions on flights coming into the DR that seems to have helped. Obviously, carry-on is the best way to go when you can.

BTW, I sent a complaint to American Airlines that is posted on this board that because of I was awarded 15K frequent flyer miles. I was also put on some "death watch" for a months because everytime my flight was delayed for a month I got an email saying they were sorry an gave mr more miles. I ended up getting enough for a flight. Guess they wanted another chance to loose my luggage.

[bigbird]

Originally Posted by Budson

BTW, I sent a complaint to American Airlines that is posted on this board that because of I was awarded 15K frequent flyer miles. I was also put on some "death watch" for a months because everytime my flight was delayed for a month I got an email saying they were sorry an gave mr more miles. I ended up getting enough for a flight. Guess they wanted another chance to loose my luggage.

Thanks for the info. I had delayed luggage with Continental once and ended up a couple hundred bucks richer. It pays to complain and file the paperwork.

[zak023]

Why would you want to use American and change planes...From Newark Continental has a nonstop 757-300 flight # 742 leaving at 8:50 AM arriving in SDQ at 12:52 PM for $405.00 including taxes R/T....The return flight #751 same type of aircraft leaves SDQ at 2:00 PM on the day you choose and your back in EWR at 6:09 PM..It doesn't get any easier than that....You think $405.00 is insane...Where are you buying your tickets if you are paying more than that..My friends just used travelocity.com and got the tickets at that price for a flight in 5 weeks and paid $405.90 exactly...

[La Mariposa]

Originally Posted by bigbird

Do I need to go thru customs in SJU on the way to SDQ or just on my return flight home?

Just on your return flight home.

[bigbird]

Originally Posted by zak023

Why would you want to use American and change planes...From Newark Continental has a nonstop 757-300 flight # 742 leaving at 8:50 AM arriving in SDQ at 12:52 PM for $405.00 including taxes R/T....The return flight #751 same type of aircraft leaves SDQ at 2:00 PM on the day you choose and your back in EWR at 6:09 PM..It doesn't get any easier than that....You think $405.00 is insane...Where are you buying your tickets if you are paying more than that..My friends just used travelocity.com and got the tickets at that price for a flight in 5 weeks and paid $405.90 exactly...

I purchased my ticket 3 weeks ago and Continental's price was in excess of $750 round trip. The prices at Continental drop drastically after September 1. The price you paid is not for a flight in August! Try logging onto Continental and get a price quote for 8/11 departure and 8/19 return. I think you will edit your reply. I have made 6 trips to the DR in 14 months and have flown Continental each time. Continental's summer rates are insane!

[bigbird]

Originally Posted by zak023

It doesn't get any easier than that....You think $405.00 is insane...Where are you buying your tickets if you are paying more than that..My friends just used travelocity.com and got the tickets at that price for a flight in 5 weeks and paid $405.90 exactly...

FYI

Review Ticket Details
Price Details:
1 Adults (age 18 to 64) $848.00
Additional Taxes/FeesTaxes $118.00
Total Price $966.00
Flight Details:
Depart:
7:10 a.m.
Fri., Aug. 11, 2006
New York/Newark, NJ (EWR - Liberty) Arrive:
11:04 a.m.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ) Travel Time:
3 hr 54 mn OnePass Miles/
Elite Qualification:
1,557 /150% Flight: CO743
Aircraft: Boeing 757-300
Fare Class: Economy (Y)
Meal: Breakfast

Complimentary OnePass Elite Full Y Fare Upgrade Upgrade Elite Y Fare
Depart:
12:20 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 19, 2006
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ) Arrive:
4:25 p.m.
New York/Newark, NJ (EWR - Liberty) Travel Time:
4 hr 5 mn OnePass Miles/
Elite Qualification:
1,557 /150% Flight: CO751
Aircraft: Boeing 757-300
Fare Class: Economy (Y)
Meal: Lunch

I usually use Travelocity for the flight search but book directly with Continental to save the $5 processing fee.

My first ticket to the DR was for May 11, 2005. Total ticket cost including fees and taxes was $260.55. So $405 is no bargain.

[zak023]

WOW ....That is insane... Are they trying to loose buisness??BTW the fee for travelocity has not been $5.00 for 2 months...It is now $10 believe it or not per ticket...I was forced to fly US Air last year because of the same reason with Continental ..The less time you give for an advanced purchase the more it is..You appear to need specfic dates which limits your choices and prices..You can get a low price on continental..But you would be leaving on a Tue Or wed returning the same..If you want to travel on a Fri Sat Sun you will pay premium.....Also look what we are paying in gas 15 months later for our cars..You wont see that 2005 price again..It's the hidden fuel surcharge that will prevent it...My first trip to the DR was back in 99 and paid LESS THAN 200 but gas was only 1.10 per gallon then....The best price I saw from EWR to SDQ this year was $300.00 with tax on Continental non stop...Weekend travel as you prefer to do..That was in Mid March 2006......

PS Have a good vacation........

Zak.