02/2006 - Continental airlines

[Apos]

the flight prices seemed to have doubled or more in price recently BUT
i just found 2 decently priced flights from Buffalo to Santiago.

April 11-16 $522.50 CAD


June 28-July 3 $416.50 CAD

(http://www.continental.com/fReview.asp?SID=87218CB952E54ABD807791830E031AB1&FS=RT&AF=0&PS=US&SS=TB&ST=LF)

[the_Jayman]

I'll pay $260 RT includin all taxes and fees ! ! EWR to POP ! !

free captain for all ! !

[Kevy]

Not really the flight I was checking on is still around $760.

[Bug Boy]

I'll pay $260 RT includin all taxes and fees ! ! EWR to POP ! !

free captain for all ! !

You pay $260 RT out of EWR? When?

[Apos]

I'll pay $260 RT includin all taxes and fees ! ! EWR to POP ! !

free captain for all ! !

what dates?

[Bug Boy]

what dates?


Yeah, what dates. Apos you could buy a dozen tickets in advance. I know I would.

[Dick Dawson]

The lowest I've seen for Continental for EWR to POP in April is $325. Still a good price.

[JD]

I saw 274 but that's to STI.

JD

[gdogg]

To hell with you dudes and your low prices!! I'm checking, and my prices are similar to Phoenix's!

[sicpup71]

To hell with you dudes and your low prices!! I'm checking, and my prices are similar to Phoenix's!


but look for a Costa Rica trip from ATL. direct flight's unlike ny

[whynotme]

exitnow.ca has a few flights next week direct toronto to PP down to just under $700 cnd.
thinking about starting to get packed

[the_Jayman]

All prices include all fees and taxes in US $ and originate in EWR and are non stop ! !

My nubi trip was $423 . . . POP (idiot fuckin nubi ! !) MARCH

2nd = $260 POP (June)
3rd = $260 POP (September)
4th = $290 STI (March)
5th = $260 STI (April)
6th = $290 POP (November, American Airlines via Miami NEVER THE FUCK AGAIN)
7th = $323 POP

damn us NYC area guys are fuckin spoiled ! !

March into POP is EXPENSIVE ! !

I haven't shopped lately . . . I'm thinkin Columbia or Thailand but I REALLY wanna go to the DR ! !

It's so freakin easy . . . I leave my house at 6:30 in the AM and buy 1:30 my dick is in some 18 or 19 year old chica's mouth ! !

[Bug Boy]

All prices include all fees and taxes in US $ and originate in EWR and are non stop ! !

2nd = $260 POP (June)

It's so freakin easy . . . I leave my house at 6:30 in the AM and buy 1:30 my dick is in some 18 or 19 year old chica's mouth ! !

Jayman help me out. Where are you finding these prices. I did a travelocity and a continental search with no luck. What dates in June?

[Phoenix]

To hell with you dudes and your low prices!! I'm checking, and my prices are similar to Phoenix's!

I have not pulled the trigger on the July trip since I might go somewhere else, I am gonna decide after the April trip. Price's today were still high but down to about 495 to STI.

[gdogg]

but look for a Costa Rica trip from ATL. direct flight's unlike ny

You're correct, sicpup. But I'm trying to go to the DR. CR may have cheaper flights, but I'll save a whole lot more money overall going to the DR vs. CR! One day though...

[gdogg]

All prices include all fees and taxes in US $ and originate in EWR and are non stop ! !

My nubi trip was $423 . . . POP (idiot fuckin nubi ! !) MARCH

2nd = $260 POP (June)
3rd = $260 POP (September)
4th = $290 STI (March)
5th = $260 STI (April)
6th = $290 POP (November, American Airlines via Miami NEVER THE FUCK AGAIN)
7th = $323 POP

damn us NYC area guys are fuckin spoiled ! !

March into POP is EXPENSIVE ! !

I haven't shopped lately . . . I'm thinkin Columbia or Thailand but I REALLY wanna go to the DR ! !

It's so freakin easy . . . I leave my house at 6:30 in the AM and buy 1:30 my dick is in some 18 or 19 year old chica's mouth ! !

FUCK YOU, JAYMAN!!!!

[gdogg]

I have not pulled the trigger on the July trip since I might go somewhere else, I am gonna decide after the April trip. Price's today were still high but down to about 495 to STI.

If I can get a flight for $495, I'm on it!! I guess I should start looking at prices now, rather than waiting until tomorrow to confirm my work schedule. I'll at least get an idea about the prices.

[BrooklynBeas]

You're correct, sicpup. But I'm trying to go to the DR. CR may have cheaper flights, but I'll save a whole lot more money overall going to the DR vs. CR! One day though...


How do you know what youll save if youve never been there!!!

Gdogg is pissin me off with this shit... He bailed on me for CR... You suck Gdogg!!!

Not only whores but... White water rafting, great scenery, volcanos, rain forests etc etc etc....

[Phoenix]

If I can get a flight for $495, I'm on it!! I guess I should start looking at prices now, rather than waiting until tomorrow to confirm my work schedule. I'll at least get an idea about the prices.

If you use Continental get the miles Mastercard. 15K miles after the first purchase plus 5% off flights booked on the Continental website for one year

[gdogg]

How do you know what youll save if youve never been there!!!

Gdogg is pissin me off with this shit... He bailed on me for CR... You suck Gdogg!!!

Not only whores but... White water rafting, great scenery, volcanos, rain forests etc etc etc....

I can do rafting and scenery here in Georgia (of all places). Volcanoes can also be done stateside. The only thing I'm missing here are rain forests, and I have a feeling that I wouldn't go out to view them if I went to Costa Rica. I'm eventually going, Beas. And when I do, you'll be the FIRST to know!!
:D

[BrooklynBeas]

i wanted to do something different this year... CR was my first stop... you postponed that... i need a lil push come on!

[knotty]

i wanted to do something different this year... CR was my first stop... you postponed that... i need a lil push come on!

then go with jimmy and crew to Colombia. You already got the spanish downpacked.

[Bug Boy]

i wanted to do something different this year... CR was my first stop... you postponed that... i need a lil push come on!

Do a San Jose, Costa Rica trip! Costa Rica is different, different, different. Please do your homework first.

There is no beach is SJ. Casinos, really good food for little colones, chicas are beautiful, hotels are great. Do the San Lorenzo zip line tour, drink some guaro and Imperials, a quick trip to Calle Seis for a $6 fuck, spend the savings shopping on Calle Central. My favorite is to wake early in the morning and go to Calle Central to watch the pretty women hustle to catch their ride to work. Yes, beautiful women going to a real job! These are the chicas you can really dream about as a wife in the next life.

To repeat, do your homework first. Don't go to San Jose expecting another Sosua, because it is NOT!

[Señor Jimmy of Medellin]

Do a San Jose, Costa Rica trip! Costa Rica is different, different, different. Please do your homework first.

There is no beach is SJ. Casinos, really good food for little colones, chicas are beautiful, hotels are great. Do the San Lorenzo zip line tour, drink some guaro and Imperials, a quick trip to Calle Seis for a $6 fuck, spend the savings shopping on Calle Central. My favorite is to wake early in the morning and go to Calle Central to watch the pretty women hustle to catch their ride to work. Yes, beautiful women going to a real job! These are the chicas you can really dream about as a wife in the next life.

To repeat, do your homework first. Don't go to San Jose expecting another Sosua, because it is NOT!
Sosua it ain't!

[Bug Boy]

Sosua it ain't!

JDR, that is why I think you didn't enjoy your Costa Rica trip. You have to do your homework first! San Jose is not a small village like Sosua. Remove any thoughts of Sosua and go to a 2nd world country!

Take a look at my avatar. Anything wrong with that Costa Rica Tica?

[sicpup71]

How do you know what youll save if youve never been there!!!

Gdogg is pissin me off with this shit... He bailed on me for CR... You suck Gdogg!!!

Not only whores but... White water rafting, great scenery, volcanos, rain forests etc etc etc....


yo beas try this site for info http://costaricaticas.com

[gdogg]

i wanted to do something different this year... CR was my first stop... you postponed that... i need a lil push come on!

I'll be in Sosua (and probably other places in the DR) from April 11th-17th. Is that push enough?
:D

[Apos]

I'll be in Sosua (and probably other places in the DR) from April 11th-17th. Is that push enough?
:D
http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7707

we want BEAS!!!

[Apos]

i should change the title of this thread to "continental is FUCKED!!!!!"

i'm looking at flights from syracuse to STI. there proposed route is

Syracuse to Cleveland

Cleveland to Orlando FLA!!!

Orlando to Newark

Newark to STI!!!:wtf::asshole:

All for $911.10 CAD!!! ($793.62 USD!!!)
AND the flight is 22 hours! with stopovers...ya...right:mad:

[Phoenix]

i should change the title of this thread to "continental is FUCKED!!!!!"

i'm looking at flights from syracuse to STI. there proposed route is

Syracuse to Cleveland

Cleveland to Orlando FLA!!!

Orlando to Newark

Newark to STI!!!:wtf::asshole:

All for $911.10 CAD!!! ($793.62 USD!!!)
AND the flight is 22 hours! with stopovers...ya...right:mad:

Talk about fucking bullshit!!! 22 hours travel time!! Might as well go to Thailand

[Kevy]

You are better off driving to EWR.

[Apos]

You are better off driving to EWR.

i've considered it...jayman has offered accomodation as have others...might be worth the drive!:D

[Apos]

Talk about fucking bullshit!!! 22 hours travel time!! Might as well go to Thailand

it makes NO sense to fly from ohio to fla and back to new jersey...or is it just me?:confused:

[Kevy]

it makes NO sense to fly from ohio to fla and back to new jersey...or is it just me?:confused:

I think they ar eworking on a new slogan, fly Continenetal and see the USA.

[Apos]

i've considered it...jayman has offered accomodation as have others...might be worth the drive!:D

april 1-8 ewr to sti is $464 CAD
atleast $100 CAD in diesel
tolls
8+ hour drive each way
taxi to and from the airport or parking $$$
1 day less in the DR with Gdogg

maybe in July but not in april:(:confused:

[Apos]

I think they ar eworking on a new slogan, fly Continenetal and see the USA.
:rofl::rofl2:

[David Smash]

i should change the title of this thread to "continental is FUCKED!!!!!"

i'm looking at flights from syracuse to STI. there proposed route is

Syracuse to Cleveland

Cleveland to Orlando FLA!!!

Orlando to Newark

Newark to STI!!!:wtf::asshole:

All for $911.10 CAD!!! ($793.62 USD!!!)
AND the flight is 22 hours! with stopovers...ya...right:mad:




Geez it sucks flying out from Canada to DR. I never paid anything over $275 USD for roundtrip. Oh well. At least you get to flight to Cuba. We can't

[Dick Dawson]

Can't figure Continental out. It's one price early April. Then it jumps $200 more in the middle April. Then at the end of April the price falls back to the original price at the beginning of April. Go figure.

[JD]

DD,

Middle of April is Holy Week and Easter(16). That's why the prices spike mid-month. Many Dominicans go back during Semana Santa.

JD

[Andy]

Can't figure Continental out. It's one price early April. Then it jumps $200 more in the middle April. Then at the end of April the price falls back to the original price at the beginning of April. Go figure.


that's because it's high season in DR.

[Beads]

I had to pay $100 more for my July trip and im flying into STI this time too. Fucking Continental. I hope the rates go down but it doesnt look good. Hell the flight only has a few empty seats!

[Bug Boy]

You pay $260 RT out of EWR? When?

i got 298 all in on jet blue for may 3-8

[Bug Boy]

i got 298 all in on jet blue for may 3-8

Isn't jet blue the flight that lands in the middle of the night? If so I would rather pay $325 and land at 1 pm.

[psriches]

Isn't jet blue the flight that lands in the middle of the night? If so I would rather pay $325 and land at 1 pm.It arrives at around 1ish in the morning.

[sicpup71]

It arrives at around 1ish in the morning.

731New York, JFK 11:55pmSantiago, DR 03:25am

[psriches]

Not sure what date you're referring to, but right now Jet Blue gets in at 1:15am... And starting in May, they return, leaving STI at 6am instead of the usual 2:15am..

Sun, 16 Apr 06
Flight 731 9:40 pm Depart New York NY (JFK)
1:15 am Arrive Santiago, DR (STI)(next day)

[David Smash]

For those who booked their flight for May make sure to go online to Jet Blue b/c they DID change their times for STI.

[sicpup71]

Not sure what date you're referring to, but right now Jet Blue gets in at 1:15am... And starting in May, they return, leaving STI at 6am instead of the usual 2:15am..

Sun, 16 Apr 06
Flight 731 9:40 pm Depart New York NY (JFK)
1:15 am Arrive Santiago, DR (STI)(next day)

may 3/4th..

[psriches]

FYI:

Continental out of Newark going to Santiago just $296..................... Get it while it's hot!!

[MyTio]

Continental airlines I now have 40.000 how easy is it to up grade

[the_Jayman]

save your miles . . . use um for sumthin important like a trip to Brazil or Thailand . . . .

$316 RT includes tax . . . in and out of POP late January ! ! !

SAVE THOSE MILES ! ! !

[Cuba Libre]

Continental airlines I now have 40.000 how easy is it to up gradeExcept for the holidays, I don't believe you'll have any problems booking upgrades.

One of the reasons I fly to the DR is because even though I'm the lowest rung of their Elite status, I've be able to get standby upgrades on every flight but one (I've flown over 100 segments to the DR). In the US, I get upgraded one out of ten times.

The only problem with flying first class is that I arrive drunk, and continue to drink when I arrive. It sort of makes the first day a blur.

[MyTio]

save your miles . . . use um for sumthin important like a trip to Brazil or Thailand . . . .

$316 RT includes tax . . . in and out of POP late January ! ! !

SAVE THOSE MILES ! ! ! I am book for January 30 to February 8 super sunday at the sharks bar

[Beads]

how do you get these upgrades?

[agua chico]

Just ask. I got upgraded to business class in British Airways in July. It was the best flight of my life, I didn't want the plane to land. If you're a frequent flyer they may comp it or just charge you a minimal amount.

[Jimmydr]

Just ask. I got upgraded to business class in British Airways in July. It was the best flight of my life, I didn't want the plane to land. If you're a frequent flyer they may comp it or just charge you a minimal amount.


If you fly alot to the same place you will notice the counter staff to be the same people and just say hello to them and after time, you will be able to get upgraded because its available and they know you.

[Rubicon]

When I returned from POP on Continental in November I checked in online and it notified me at that time that an upgrade was available and asked if I wanted it.

[Beads]

So you have to ask for an upgrade? I don't have that high of en elite status with continental so I don't see anything when I check in for an upgrade. I only fly 4-5 times a year so I probably don't quality.

[Jimmydr]

So you have to ask for an upgrade? I don't have that high of en elite status with continental so I don't see anything when I check in for an upgrade. I only fly 4-5 times a year so I probably don't quality.


You should know all the Counter people in POP by now?

[Beads]

yea I definitely recognize a few counter people in POP and EWR. So I ask them for an upgrade?

[Jimmydr]

yea I definitely recognize a few counter people in POP and EWR. So I ask them for an upgrade?


Basically it started with me signing up for the bump list and then I asked who the supervisor was and from there I would say hello to him everytime I checked in. I was bumped 4 times and upgraded twice over the past 20 trips to DR.

[eldorob]

So you have to ask for an upgrade? I don't have that high of en elite status with continental so I don't see anything when I check in for an upgrade. I only fly 4-5 times a year so I probably don't quality.

The very bottom rung of Elite status is requires about 30K miles flown in a 12 month period plus some kind of point system. Check your One-Pass account, it will show you how your advancing on elite status and also miles acrrued.

If not a FF for business, you best bet is to get CO World Mastercard thru Chase Bank. You get 20,000 miles for sign up, plus other bennies.

And besides making friends as Jimmy says, (which does work) you can at least buy upgrades to 1st class with you mileage that you get from the card. A 2-way 1st class upgrade from coach to 1st costs 30K miles to DR. But not doable if you purchase x fares.

[eldorob]

To save miles (cause I'm cheap with my miles also) I'll buy a coach ticket, change my flight-down seat to a bulkhead or exit row 24 hours before the flight leaves for the extra leg room, and then buy an upgrade to 1st class for the trip home (cost of 15K miles). Cause on the trip home I'm usually wiped out and need the extra comfort.

And any friends you can make are a bonus if it gets you a free bump. Bumps are a lot harder to get then they used to be tho, the airlines tightened up on that for the non-FF's.

I try to learn as many first names as I can and always use them. It helps...

[Cuba Libre]

If you fly alot to the same place you will notice the counter staff to be the same people and just say hello to them and after time, you will be able to get upgraded because its available and they know you.Since non-traditional upgrades are last minute, they are handled by the gate agents, not the counter staff. But, your point is the same, get to know the employees.

[Jimmydr]

Since non-traditional upgrades are last minute, they are handled by the gate agents, not the counter staff. But, your point is the same, get to know the employees.


In DR, the counter people and the gate agents for American are the same people.

[Cuba Libre]

When I returned from POP on Continental in November I checked in online and it notified me at that time that an upgrade was available and asked if I wanted it.I'm guessing you have an elite status?

[Cuba Libre]

Basically it started with me signing up for the bump list and then I asked who the supervisor was and from there I would say hello to him everytime I checked in. I was bumped 4 times and upgraded twice over the past 20 trips to DR.Voluntary bumps are great. In addition to the free flight, generally you can finagle them to put you in First Class on the next available flight.

I'm curious, the two upgrades, were they part of the bump? Were they granted in the US or the DR? Which airline? The days it's tough for a non-Elite flyer to get upgraded on CO when flying from the US.

[Jimmydr]

There was a 2 hour delay so I asked if I could get first class and he said sure and the other time it was related to a bump.

[Rubicon]

So you have to ask for an upgrade? I don't have that high of en elite status with continental so I don't see anything when I check in for an upgrade. I only fly 4-5 times a year so I probably don't quality.

I've never outright asked for it. It just happened that when I checked in I was asked on the site whether or not I wanted it.

Originally I had purchased a first class ticket from October 31st until November 18th. I decided to stay through Thanksgiving and changed my flight to Nov 24th. As a result, I lost the 1st class because it wasn't available on the 24th. When it was time to leave, I checked in online and was then asked if I'd like the upgrade. Interestingly, though, when I arrived at the airport, I was told they were overbooked. I told 'em, the hell with it. I'd stay until the 29th if they'd promise me a first class flight on that date, and they said sure, and I got it.

[Rubicon]

I'm guessing you have an elite status?

Last I remembered, it's Silver elite. I've done a hell of alot of flying, particularly with Continental to the DR, over the course of the past 2 1/2 years, so it's nice to get something in return for the customer loyalty. In addition to that, I have a couple of AMEX cards tied in to their Rewards program.

[dijinn]

I'd stay until the 29th if they'd promise me a first class flight on that date, and they said sure, and I got it.

Rubicon: I also flew back on Continental on Nov 29th in first class. There were only 4 people in first class on that flight, 2 men and 2 women. I'm guessing you were the other guy in first class? Wish I had known you were an ISOC member, then I wouldn't have gotten up and switched seats when you say down next to me!

[Rubicon]

Yep, that was me. If I remember right, I was the only one sitting on the left side of the plane, and 3 others on the right side.

BTW, it's a good thing you did move as, by that time, I was sick with a cold or flu, something I'm still trying to get over.

[jim15687]

I will be departing tomorrow for POP via ewr .Awoke this am logged into to check in online to see at a certain point the question to upgrade per segament 1st was 59.00 and second was 79.00 for a total of 138.00. This was a great deal as new baggage cost for CO is 25.00 first bag second bag 40.00 extra leg room 69.00 comes to 134.00 which I was ready to pay.So for 4.00 difference I will be 4th off plane plus free booze and food and access to first class club.
I was checking all week to upgrade so I guess patience does payoff sometimes

[yayow]

I will be departing tomorrow for POP via ewr .Awoke this am logged into to check in online to see at a certain point the question to upgrade per segament 1st was 59.00 and second was 79.00 for a total of 138.00. This was a great deal as new baggage cost for CO is 25.00 first bag second bag 40.00 extra leg room 69.00 comes to 134.00 which I was ready to pay.So for 4.00 difference I will be 4th off plane plus free booze and food and access to first class club.
I was checking all week to upgrade so I guess patience does payoff sometimes


So because you are in first class you don't have to pay for baggage cost and second bag cost? Not having to pay for extra leg room I understand, but the baggage costs are included in first class or will you still have to pay them?

[vewdew]

So because you are in first class you don't have to pay for baggage cost and second bag cost? Not having to pay for extra leg room I understand, but the baggage costs are included in first class or will you still have to pay them?


Its all included in the upgrade, you dont pay for first or second bag and you can carry up to 70LB instead of 50.

I do that all the time I fly on continental.

[Rubicon]

Its all included in the upgrade, you dont pay for first or second bag and you can carry up to 70LB instead of 50.

I do that all the time I fly on continental.
There must have been a change in the past year or so, then, because last year, I believe it was early April, I was flying from Bangkok to POP, with a layover in Newark, and when checking in for my flight in Newark was told that I had to pay for the second bag, and that weight limit was 50 lbs. I was also flying first class on a paid ticket.

[fishhunter]

I will be departing tomorrow for POP via ewr .Awoke this am logged into to check in online to see at a certain point the question to upgrade per segament 1st was 59.00 and second was 79.00 for a total of 138.00. This was a great deal as new baggage cost for CO is 25.00 first bag second bag 40.00 extra leg room 69.00 comes to 134.00 which I was ready to pay.So for 4.00 difference I will be 4th off plane plus free booze and food and access to first class club.
I was checking all week to upgrade so I guess patience does payoff sometimesWhy would you want to carry all that shit to the DR? I travel with one of these and buy what I need in country. Travel light and no extra charge.
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/pelican-flashlights_2171_23775139

[jose1234]

Why would you want to carry all that shit to the DR? I travel with one of these and buy what I need in country. Travel light and no extra charge.
Click to see pic (http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/pelican-flashlights_2171_23775139)

Looks like a suitcase nuke from russia...LOL :lol:

[sporthobbyist]

last year they used to have two flights a day from EWR to POP, everyday of the week.

i just took a look at October and it is only one flight on Saturday only???

and because it is only one flight per week, there is no hope of a special 200-300 deal like I have flown in the past.

I hope this is just pre merger nonsense. Otherwise Sosua might be a just a memory for me.

[MyTio]

last year they used to have two flights a day from EWR to POP, everyday of the week.

i just took a look at October and it is only one flight on Saturday only???

and because it is only one flight per week, there is no hope of a special 200-300 deal like I have flown in the past.

I hope this is just pre merger nonsense. Otherwise Sosua might be a just a memory for me.
try jet blue NYC flights every day

[JD426]

Maybe start a thread on carpooling with other guys, cause Jet Blue from JFK seems to be the best ticket right now. And they are consistent. POP, and STI (which is even less most times).
Whats strange about jet blue in Santiago, they have 2 flights literally like 1.5 hours apart to JFK in the evening , and both flights are not full at all.

[sporthobbyist]

I am mile whore and only fly continental. It used to be great. Most of my flights to POP were in the 200 range(pre tax) and free upgrade to business class.

POP is a destination that i would fly to everytime there was a deal. But i guess those days are gone. The only Sat flights in Oct were mid 700(pre tax)

I guess its San Jose for me!!??

[hugrad95a]

I am mile whore and only fly continental. It used to be great. Most of my flights to POP were in the 200 range(pre tax) and free upgrade to business class.

POP is a destination that i would fly to everytime there was a deal. But i guess those days are gone. The only Sat flights in Oct were mid 700(pre tax)

I guess its San Jose for me!!??

You do know they fly to Santo Domingo every day. You could fly into Santo Domingo and leave from POP. You can take the bus to Sosua its not that hard or bad.

[Pacoloco]

Yep a lot less flights on most airlines to many destinations, it sucks. If Delta doesn't bring back the ATL-POP run this winter I'll either be flying into SDQ or driving 3 hrs to catch American thru MIA to POP. What a hassle.

[sporthobbyist]

I am allowed three bags up to 70lbs each for free on Continental

Out of all the trips i have made to POP. Business class was always free. But it is about a three hour flight so its not such a big deal

I want a full complimentary upgrade on a SEA flight!

[jim15687]

I am flying into pop this trip and out of santo domingo theres a charter air service for like 79.00 if your not up to the bus trip.Only thing is I believe they only fly on monday and fridays

http://www.dominicanshuttles.com/

[Rubicon]

I can't catch a fuckin break with CO.

I posted previously that I went back to work a year ago after being out of work for 2 1/2 years. It became something of a problem as I haven't been able to get more than 3 days off at any given time, although I TOOK 8 days this past October without asking so I could handle the partial sale of my house in POP.

This morning, and out of the blue, my boss said "You're going to the DR Thanksgiving weekend, aren't you?", and I told her yeah. She said "Well, why don't you take the following Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday off as well." My knees buckled, and I did everything I could to keep from dancing a jig right there in her office.

I walked out of her office and immediately went to the Continental site and pulled up my reservations with the intention to change my return flight from Nov. 27 to Nov. 30. Of course as my luck would have it there isn't a return flight until Dec 1, so now I'm SOOL and will have to return on the 27th as previously planned. Jet Blue keeps looking better and better all the time.

The upside, however, is that on Monday she approved me for a one week leave at the end of December and that ticket is in the bank.

[mikelodge]

last year they used to have two flights a day from EWR to POP, everyday of the week.

i just took a look at October and it is only one flight on Saturday only???

and because it is only one flight per week, there is no hope of a special 200-300 deal like I have flown in the past.

I hope this is just pre merger nonsense. Otherwise Sosua might be a just a memory for me.

Good Luck to you but those rates you have been getting are gifts and you should be happy for what you had. Most places in the USA cost between $500-$1000 to fly to anywhere in the Caribbean or South or Central America. With the exception of some cattle car charter flights to Mexico and a few to the DR and Jamaica for $300-$500 unless it was a last minute fire sale those rates are really low.

It is really only several large cities that offer those 200-300 rates and they are pretty much all in the East and SE with the exception of Detroit. A friend of mine just paid almost $600 for a flight on American from Miami to POP so go figure.

The airlines simply do what they want and need to to handle the market and sometimes we benefit and sometimes it sucks for us. Be happy to know you used to go for almost free. :smile::wink:

[deezl]

I can't catch a fuckin break with CO.

I posted previously that I went back to work a year ago after being out of work for 2 1/2 years. It became something of a problem as I haven't been able to get more than 3 days off at any given time, although I TOOK 8 days this past October without asking so I could handle the partial sale of my house in POP.

This morning, and out of the blue, my boss said "You're going to the DR Thanksgiving weekend, aren't you?", and I told her yeah. She said "Well, why don't you take the following Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday off as well." My knees buckled, and I did everything I could to keep from dancing a jig right there in her office.

I walked out of her office and immediately went to the Continental site and pulled up my reservations with the intention to change my return flight from Nov. 27 to Nov. 30. Of course as my luck would have it there isn't a return flight until Dec 1, so now I'm SOOL and will have to return on the 27th as previously planned. Jet Blue keeps looking better and better all the time.

The upside, however, is that on Monday she approved me for a one week leave at the end of December and that ticket is in the bank.

I'm pretty sure that you can eat the $150 change fee (which you'd have to do to switch your flight anyway) and leave your return date open - so you don't actually have to book the flight at that time, you get a credit (iirc, you have a year to use that credit). That done, book a return flight on Jet Blue via POP or STI for 11/30. Then then next time you're going to DR, you can use the credit for the return flight on CO. Call Continental and see what they say, but I'm about 90% sure that you can change your ticket without giving a date.

otoh, if the return ticket isn't even worth the change fee then you can just cancel the ticket or not show up for the flight.

[Rubicon]

I'm pretty sure that you can eat the $150 change fee (which you'd have to do to switch your flight anyway) and leave your return date open - so you don't actually have to book the flight at that time, you get a credit (iirc, you have a year to use that credit). That done, book a return flight on Jet Blue via POP or STI for 11/30. Then then next time you're going to DR, you can use the credit for the return flight on CO. Call Continental and see what they say, but I'm about 90% sure that you can change your ticket without giving a date.

otoh, if the return ticket isn't even worth the change fee then you can just cancel the ticket or not show up for the flight.
I've already paid the $150.00 change fee as the ticket I am using is one I had previously cancelled. I would have gladly paid another $150.00 since, at this point, having the extra 3 days away is more important to me than the additional fee. The problem for me is that I HAVE to be back to work on Dec. 1, so was trying to rebook my flight for a return on the 30th, but there are no return flights available until Dec. 1.

[Rubicon]

I'm pretty sure that you can eat the $150 change fee (which you'd have to do to switch your flight anyway) and leave your return date open - so you don't actually have to book the flight at that time, you get a credit (iirc, you have a year to use that credit). That done, book a return flight on Jet Blue via POP or STI for 11/30. Then then next time you're going to DR, you can use the credit for the return flight on CO. Call Continental and see what they say, but I'm about 90% sure that you can change your ticket without giving a date.

otoh, if the return ticket isn't even worth the change fee then you can just cancel the ticket or not show up for the flight.
Ahhh, screw it. I just cancelled the CO ticket and booked with Jet Blue. $760.00. I knew from the beginning that that's what I could have done, just didn't want to do it.

deezl, thanks for that extra push. Now, instead of having that short 3 days I'll now enjoy 6. Worth the trouble, IMO

[Dave Diaz]

Ahhh, screw it. I just cancelled the CO ticket and booked with Jet Blue. $760.00. I knew from the beginning that that's what I could have done, just didn't want to do it.

deezl, thanks for that extra push. Now, instead of having that short 3 days I'll now enjoy 6. Worth the trouble, IMO

I'M curious did you get a refund of the money you spent on CO or are you getting a credit for a future CO flight in the amount your original CO ticket cost??

I'm asking because in september I booked a jetblue flight and I cancelled it but instead of getting a refund (minus the cancelation fee) I got a credit for the money I spent on the flight. So I have 1 year to use this credit or I lose the money I spent.

I'm wondering if CO has a similar practice as I believe they will be one of my favorite airlines to fly in the future.

Enjoy your trip amigo and your extra days. :iconTU::iconTU:

[Rubicon]

I'M curious did you get a refund of the money you spent on CO or are you getting a credit for a future CO flight in the amount your original CO ticket cost??

A credit. The cancelled ticket was originally from a trip I had to cancel mid-year so, I believe I'll have less than a year to use it.

BTW, you won't be using CO in the future as they're merging with United. I don't know yet what that'll do to future routes.

[JD426]

$700 on Jet Blue ? whats your departure date ? must be 11/22 cuz all the other ones are in the $400- $470 range. in fact even those prices just dropped to $610 as of today.
Are you signed up for Kayak, Price Alert ?? its free.

[Dave Diaz]

A credit. The cancelled ticket was originally from a trip I had to cancel mid-year so, I believe I'll have less than a year to use it.

BTW, you won't be using CO in the future as they're merging with United. I don't know yet what that'll do to future routes.

As they say in PI, Same same :corky:. From what Ive been reading it'll be a gradual fade out and some planes may still bear the CO name. Ive been flying alot of United lately anyway even though im booking through CO's website.

As long as they go to Manila i'm fine with United. And cant beat that 20k mile run :corky:

Thanks for the info Rubi. I guess all airlines do the credit thing rather than a refund. I can only imagine the Co merger will allow them to go to more destinations rather than less, but that is wishful thinking on my part.

[Rubicon]

$700 on Jet Blue ? whats your departure date ? must be 11/22 cuz all the other ones are in the $400- $470 range. in fact even those prices just dropped to $610 as of today.
Are you signed up for Kayak, Price Alert ?? its free.
Departure 11/24-11/30. Fifty of the $760 is for extra legroom.

I don't quite understand it myself. I've often checked the site, even if for no other reason than curiosity, when guys have posted these lower fares. I never see them.

[joeysterr]

$700 on Jet Blue ? whats your departure date ? must be 11/22 cuz all the other ones are in the $400- $470 range. in fact even those prices just dropped to $610 as of today.
Are you signed up for Kayak, Price Alert ?? its free.

Or Yapta
www.yapta.com

[hugrad95a]

Why didnt you just book a flight from Santo Domingo back to EWR. Continental flies to SDQ every day. Take the bus from the North Coast or Santiago to Santo Domingo. Water under the bridge at this point though. You could have bought two flights for that amount that you paid.

[Rubicon]

Why didnt you just book a flight from Santo Domingo back to EWR. Continental flies to SDQ every day. Take the bus from the North Coast or Santiago to Santo Domingo. Water under the bridge at this point though. You could have bought two flights for that amount that you paid.
When I'm traveling I like convenience. I'm not the take a flight, take a taxi, take a bus, and then another taxi kind of guy. I've taken the bus (Metro) on a handful of occasions from POP to SD for my residency, and when I shipped a car down. Won't do it again unless I absolutely HAVE to.

It's bad enough that I drive 3 hours from my home to the airport, and then the 3 hour, 15 minute flight to POP. It isn't worth it to me to then have to take a 3 1/2 hour bus ride from POP to SD, an xx minute taxi ride from the bus station to the airport, a 3 hour 15 min. flight to EWR, then a 3 hour drive home on the return. At that point the trip starts to become really unenjoyable to me.