astute airlines...
US carriers use wide body aircrafts because it gives 'em more revenue.
As you know, most Dominicans travel to Quisqueya during the holidays, and Dominicans by nature (and culture) tend to want to bring a piece of Americana to ALL their relatives and friends on the island. They tend to literally pack everything including the kitchen sink.
Wide body aircrafts can carry more luggage, cargo (which since 9-11 has been the number one money maker for US based airlines). Also, with the rising price of crude, airlines fill 'em up and send 'em out, this way they have to buy less jet fuel when a plane is abroad.
Many airlines have emplaced "embargos" on some Latin American countries (including you guessed it DR) during the holiday seasons, meaning you are limited to 2 checked bags(each up to 70lbs), one carry on (max 40lbs). During these embargos, no excess bags, over weight, oversize is permitted; when there's no embargo, you are allowed to pay for excess bags, weight up to 100lbs, after that, it must be shipped through cargo. Late, as many airlines try to bring back frequent travelers, they've swallowed their pride and have accepted extra bags in order to generate revenue. I read on the NY times that certain carrier made over 1million dollars 4 consecutive months on excess bags alone! yet they claim they're on the brink of bankruptcy! the irony....! :cheeky: