FYI:
Checking on my reservation with Jetblue, I came across a "new baggage policy" on the website.
I had anticipated that Jetblue would soon begin charging for the first bag too, but expected that announcement to come around Nov. 1st as Jetblue changes CEO's.
However, this new fee is not from the airline but rather the DR.
Note that if you pay a checked bag fee, you are now also subject to 18% duty imposed on that fee by the DR;
A Value Added Tax (VAT) of up to 18% is also payable on baggage fees for certain international flights. Non-US VAT based on itinerary are as follows:
Country of Originating travel VAT
Barbados 17.5% of Baggage fee
Dominican Republic 18% of Baggage fee
Costa Rica 5% of Baggage fee
Trinidad 15% of Baggage fee
I guess this is an alternative to the tax on purchases under $200.00...and it will get far less pushback...as most travelers won't notice it until they are already checking in with their bags.
And if Jetblue institutes a checked bag fee for the first one like lots of other airlines this will raise lots of revenue for the government, in addition to the already high ticket fee taxes and the tourist card fee....which I expect to be raised to $15.00 in the not to distant future.
Respectfully,
Playacaribe2
Checking on my reservation with Jetblue, I came across a "new baggage policy" on the website.
I had anticipated that Jetblue would soon begin charging for the first bag too, but expected that announcement to come around Nov. 1st as Jetblue changes CEO's.
However, this new fee is not from the airline but rather the DR.
Note that if you pay a checked bag fee, you are now also subject to 18% duty imposed on that fee by the DR;
A Value Added Tax (VAT) of up to 18% is also payable on baggage fees for certain international flights. Non-US VAT based on itinerary are as follows:
Country of Originating travel VAT
Barbados 17.5% of Baggage fee
Dominican Republic 18% of Baggage fee
Costa Rica 5% of Baggage fee
Trinidad 15% of Baggage fee
I guess this is an alternative to the tax on purchases under $200.00...and it will get far less pushback...as most travelers won't notice it until they are already checking in with their bags.
And if Jetblue institutes a checked bag fee for the first one like lots of other airlines this will raise lots of revenue for the government, in addition to the already high ticket fee taxes and the tourist card fee....which I expect to be raised to $15.00 in the not to distant future.
Respectfully,
Playacaribe2