Has anyone used Surinam Airlines

[DNovak]

I was looking for flights from MIA to AUA and came across this airline. The prices were much better than AA, but I was wondering if anyone has had any experiences they can share. I am not crazy about flying in the first place and on an unknown airline makes me a little nervous.

Thanks for your help. We haven't been to Aruba and 2 years because of the economy so I am trying to book a trip without breaking the bank!!!

[arubabob]

Originally Posted by DNovak

I was looking for flights from MIA to AUA and came across this airline. The prices were much better than AA, but I was wondering if anyone has had any experiences they can share. I am not crazy about flying in the first place and on an unknown airline makes me a little nervous.

Thanks for your help. We haven't been to Aruba and 2 years because of the economy so I am trying to book a trip without breaking the bank!!!

I have not flown them. They are the national airline of Suriname. They have a total of 3 planes(as of August 2009). 2 737s and 1 A340. The A340 flys from Suriname to Amsterdam. The 737s fly from Suriname to several south american countrys and Caribbean islands and Miami. I do not know who does the maintenance on the planes. My concern here would be the maintenance on 2 planes that seem to be in the air all the time and what would happen if the plane you are scheduled on is delayed or has a problem and cant fly. They have no backup planes.

[TomFrederick]

>>> "They have no backup planes."
----- Ditto. When Air Aruba was flying they had the same problem.
It was always a great direct flight from BWI but you never knew when you were going to be delayed or they put you on another airline.

[JohnJT]

There was one year when we learned of a low cost flight to Aruba via Bogota, Columbia. Low cost, infrequent flights...to Columbia, then back to Aruba.

Not sure how seriously we considered it, but my wife said "no way, no how".

If Surinam Airways gets a little more organized, more flights...maybe yes.

BTW, we DID take Air Aruba two times in the early-mid 1990's when things were going smoothly. One time was to Aruba directly; one time was to Bonaire via Aruba. Those were the "good old days" when an upstart airline tried harder and provided above average service.

If volume goes down for whatever reason, I guess the operation collapses.

As we get older, we have become more cautious, less adventurous.