- Re: Flights

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Flights

Author: Anthony Naska (---.lightspeed.clmboh.sbcglobal.net)
Date: 10-28-11 15:23

Hello, all,

I've been to Culebra once before and this forum was so helpful! Thanks so much.

Last time I was there, I took the ferry as I was alone and not in a hurry. This July 2012, my wife and I will be coming and I want to get to Culebra as soon as we land in San Juan.

My question/concern is the planes. My wife is afraid of flying and from the time I was there I remember the planes being very small. I assume they're safe as people use them everyday.

What would you all suggest? I told her we'll need strong drink and lots of it, but that's just me. Can you request to get on the biggest plane possible? Do certain companies use bigger/better planes than others?

Thanks!

A. Stone

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Re: Flights

Author: John W. (---.ips.direcpath.com)
Date: 10-28-11 23:47

Anthony,

You are correct that both airlines are safe and have very good records.

Vieques Air Link often flies Cessna Grand Caravans to Culebra and in my opinion the cabin feels larger than the Britten Islanders flown by Air Flamenco. There is also an isle down the center of the Cessna for loading and unloading.

Given her fear of being in small planes chosing the Cessna may make a big difference.

Good luck,

John

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Re: Flights

Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net)
Date: 10-29-11 10:06

If you don't like flying anything smaller than a 747 they both are going to seem really small. But they are safe and fly back and forth many times a day. You can get a drink at the little airport (each side). It's only a 30 min flight. If it's going to be that big of a fright for her you can ask your Dr. for some anxiety meds and that will take the edge off. Enjoy!

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Re: Flights

Author: beachbound (---.220.140.67.dynamic.ip.windstream.net)
Date: 10-29-11 12:07

I would agree with Geronimo on talking to your doctor and getting meds to take the edge off, I have a friend that has to do that and it is a huge help. Also, the little places to get a drink at the airports aren't ALWAYS open, depending on the the time and day. Another thing, at least for me, is that the combination of nerves and the feel of every little bit of movement and turbulence on the small plane can make your stomach a little uneasy. I don't know that downing enough alcohol to take the edge off would be a good addition.

Also agree with John W., the VAL Cessna's definitely have a bigger feel to them than the Islanders, BUT we have flown on an Islander with VAL before. We had a regular flight to Culebra booked, but they flew us on a Cessna to Vieques, dropped some people off and re-loaded the rest of us onto an Islander to go to Culebra. So, if you go the VAL route, you might want to explain your wife's fear and the need to be on the bigger plane.

Good luck!

Sue

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Re: Flights

Author: Arroz (---.73.60.69.cpe.seasidehighspeed.com)
Date: 10-29-11 14:56

My sister in a nervous flyer but she was totally rapt (n both meanings of the word) by the countryside as she flew over the big island. She was not at all nervous. My son, on a separate trip, who is also a bit nervous about flying, loved the 30 minute flight. I agree about the meds rather than alcohol.

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Re: Flights

Author: Frank S. (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date: 10-29-11 19:50

I want to get to Culebra as soon as we land in San Juan.

if it werent for that condition, I would say take a private ride to the airport in ceiba.
from there the trip is only like 10 minutes and SO much more tolerable.

its an hour drive, which is a drag. but it coupld be interesting.

you could have the driver drive up el yunque and back or stop at pinones or the shopping outlets, or even stop at kmart to pick something up for the vacation.
and depending on when you arrive in San Juan and when your departure is, it may be economic timewise.

just another idea

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Re: Flights

Author: Anthony Naska (64.113.187.---)
Date: 11-02-11 13:14

Thank you all for your info. We've decided to fly from Isla Grande and we've found a buy one get one free through one of the hotels. We're very excited!

A. Stone

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Re: Flights

Author: Frank S. (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date: 11-03-11 23:49

a buy one get one free what? airfare to culebra from isla grande?
which airline?
thats pretty good.

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Re: Flights

Author: Anthony Naska (---.lightspeed.clmboh.sbcglobal.net)
Date: 11-04-11 06:58

Yes, but you have to book a hotel through culebra beach rentals for the deal. We're getting two round trip tickets for $130! There are a lot of stipulations though. You have to book by Dec. of this year. The website has all the requirments. You can't be a resident of PR and there are some other ones too. Good luck!

A. Stone

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Re: Flights

Author: Frank S. (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date: 11-04-11 23:30

wow
that sounds like alot of conditions. but they dont seem extreme, just numerous. and its worth it to comply. thats still a great deal.
how did you find out about it?

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Re: Flights

Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net)
Date: 11-05-11 12:14

Vieques Air Link
Buy one get one free PROMOTION
TERMS AND CONDITIONS

March 2011

Buy one airline ticket with Vieques Air Link and receive one (of the same value) FREE when you buy one of the participants hotels offers: Club Seaborne in Culebra, Culebra Beach Villas, Hacienda Tamarindo in Vieques and the W Hotel in Vieques
Valid only with published hotels offers in the promotional landing page (landing page located at Vieques Air Link website: www.viequesairlink.com).
Promotion begins in April 1 while supplies last.
Offer only with Vieques Air Link with the purchase of one round trip ticket, departing from Isla Grande and Luis Munoz Marin airports to Culebra and Vieques islands.
Not valid for Puerto Rico residents.
Valid only with participant hotels.
Subject to availability.
450 tickets available for promotion.
Not valid with other offers.
Not valid for Travel Agents or Wholesalers.
Full payment of package is required to qualify for offer.
Package reservation and payment will be realized only by participant hotel.
Vieques Air Links reserves the rights to extend or cancel the promotion with previous notice.
For details and more information please take a view to the promotional landing page at www.viequesairlink.com/promo .

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Re: Flights

Author: James C. Williams (---.gastoneye.com)
Date: 11-14-11 15:22

This past October, my wife and I visited Culebra for our first time. We flew Vieques Air Link. The plane was a small Islander (8-seater) and my wife is a nervous flier. I used to work on aircraft and have flown in big and small, so assured her it was a fine aircraft. Our trip over from San Juan was phenomenal! I've seen many lovely landscapes from the air, but nothing compares to the flight to Culebra! Even before we approached the island, I was thrilled. But when we started desceding, a rain cloud was perched over the island with a rainbow stretching away from it. INCREDIBLE!

For this reason alone, I am happy not taking the ferry! One word of warning: pack lightly - they allow each passenger 30 lbs of baggage, then charge 60 cents/pound for excess baggage!

And be sure to rent your vehicle from Jerry's Jeeps!!!

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Re: Flights

Author: James C. Williams (---.gastoneye.com)
Date: 11-14-11 15:24

Oh, and the flight back was an extra-special treat with a delivery to another airport on Isla Grande. This meant we saw El Yunque from the air - GORGEOUS!!!

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