Caribbean Airlift Updates
July 1, 2008
PUERTO RICO issued a call to action to Caribbean nations to work with airlines to increase air access to the region through San Juan. Among the proposed incentives for the airlines are revenue guarantees; a $3 million coperative marketing program to promote new and expanded flights; landing fee reductions ranging from 15% to 45%; and partial recovery of startup costs for new airlines coming into Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico’s air efforts already are paying off, with 12 new routes with four weekly flights each to San Juan on JetBlue, Air Tran, Continental and Delta from New York, Boston, Newark, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, beginning in September. Meanwhile, the destination’s Cruise Incentive Program, launched in 2005, has been extended through the 2010-2011 cruise season. It allocates $10 million annually for the development of Puerto Rico’s maritime industry.
• Continental will add a fourth daily nonstop from its Newark hub to San Juan in September. The flight will run through December, but the Puerto Rico Tourism Co. is in negotiations with the carrier to ensure that the flight becomes permanent.
• JetBlue will increase its service to San Juan from Boston, New York, and Orlando to take effect in September. Also this fall JetBlue will increase its service from New York Kennedy to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with an additional 10 flights per week. The carrier also will add six more weekly flights from New York to Santiago, Dominican Republic. The carrier currently serves Santo Domingo with daily flights from Kennedy and Orlando to Santo Domingo.
• Air Jamaica still allows passengers to check up to two bags in economy and up to three bags in Lovebird Executive at no charge, but the carrier implemented changes to its baggage policy, effective July 1. Baggage allowance for executive class is three pieces at a maximum weight of 50 pounds each; economy passengers may still check two bags, with a maximum weight of 50 pounds each. Bags from 51 pounds to 75 pounds cost $75 per bag. Sports equipment, such as golf bags and surfboards, no longer is considered standard checked baggage, and baggage fees apply. No excess bags are being accepted through Aug. 31 on Air Jamaica flights from Toronto to Jamaica and between New York Kennedy and Barbados, Grenada and Jamaica. Each passenger is still permitted one carry-on.
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