what is the most $$ you have ever paid for airfare for Aruba

[andrea j.]

Hopefully we have all gotten bargains on airfare to Aruba.
Sometimes the cheap flights are few and far between.

So, here's the poll

what is the most that you have spent on your airticket to Aruba
(and i mean coach not first/business class)

[Jewell]

Sorry but we're useless for this poll... we've used Expedia & Orbitz for all three of our trips. However, we plan on booking separately for our next trip, so we'll have to get back to you! Sorry!!

[carolrd]

I usually pay about $600 for a non stop flight on Continental out of Newark. 2 years ago a friend decided to go at the last minute and paid $1,000 for a COACH seat. ouch!!!

[DiviAruba]

Paid over $900. the first time we went for Christmas / New Year's. We booked in June of the year we went. I now know better.

[Elaine S]

My ticket for Feb. '06 was $905 direct out of Philly - the most I've ever paid. Unfortunately, I always need to book early since the flight fills up almost at the 330th day. US Air has told me to continually look online and should the flight go down, they'd give me credit for another trip. We'll see if that's true!

[elisabeth_nj]

In our 5 trips we paid...422, 622 (waited too long), 352, 303, 452. We usually fly out of Philly on USAir. Newark always is higher and nondirect (well not all)!

[Corrine]

The most we paid per person was $840 out of JFK.

Once, when hubby's boss treated us at the last minute, he paid $1,065 per person for President's Week.

[ArubaAmy]

Out of our past 11 trips the most we've ever paid was $550 (including taxes) flying out of Minneapolis.

[oldguy]

This year (2 weeks from now YEAH) we paid $550 from Philadelphia. On the other hand my daughter is going with us and she pain 430 from Chicago... BTW we used Sidestep and they gave us the best price.

[Jerseygirl]

I booked late March out of Newark, direct, non-stop for August, for $771 a piece. We invited a friend's kid 3 days later. The mom bought the tic and it had gone up to $884. I was doing a check about 5 weeks or so ago, it had gone up to $1800 something. I was shocked I thought I was seeing things. Maybe I was, but I just checked now and there are not even tickets available anymore for my day, time, etc. Weird...I had to remind Paul how much money I saved us (haha) by booking early (er) and justify all that time on the PC investigating this trip. LOL. I'm gonna have to fly to Chicago first I think from now on...

[Jerseygirl]

Better yet, Phili sounds even better...

[kevin d]

Always in the neighborhood of $600 pp from Wash/Dulles, and always money well spent. I would even say that the $1000 spent on the last minute tix was well spent - the plane lands, and you forget about the money.

[ScubaDad49]

We have found that you really have to shop. Pittsburgh airfare have been terrible in the past, but are getting better now that US Air is having finacial problems and the low cost carriers are moving in.

Twice we drove to Baltimore and once to Philadelphia to save $150 per person times 4. Never paid more than $550.

The last couple of years we have found very good pricing on USA 3000 and Apple Vacations. Actually, now they are one in the same.

[Corrine]

Originally Posted by kevin d

Always in the neighborhood of $600 pp from Wash/Dulles, and always money well spent. I would even say that the $1000 spent on the last minute tix was well spent - the plane lands, and you forget about the money.

Especially when it's your hubby's bosses's money!

[carolrd]

Originally Posted by Corrine

Once, when hubby's boss treated us at the last minute, he paid $1,065 per person for President's Week.

Any openings????

[Corrine]

Originally Posted by carolrd

Any openings????

Unfortunately that was 2 years ago, and he hasn't offered since!

[aquarius]

Usually in the vicinity of $625 from Newark or JFK. Like the non-stops so I rather pay the little extra. Usually book months in advance because of the ridiculous airfares. I remember when I used to pay around $450-500 for a non-stop out of JFK, but that was about 10 years ago.

My timeshare, Paradise Beach Villas (anyone else a member there?) is trying to work with the Timeshare Assoc. of Aruba to entice Jet Blue to service the island. Now that would be good. Also Song is starting in July of this year.

Marie

[Corrine]

Originally Posted by aquarius

Usually in the vicinity of $625 from Newark or JFK. Like the non-stops so I rather pay the little extra. Usually book months in advance because of the ridiculous airfares. I remember when I used to pay around $450-500 for a non-stop out of JFK, but that was about 10 years ago.

My timeshare, Paradise Beach Villas (anyone else a member there?) is trying to work with the Timeshare Assoc. of Aruba to entice Jet Blue to service the island. Now that would be good. Also Song is starting in July of this year.

Marie

Marie - I have 2 flights booked with Song out of JFK! This fall was only $530 a ticket. Can't wait to try them.

[aquarius]

Corrine - that's great to know. More competition with the more reasonable carriers is good. I flew Song to Florida once and it was very good.

[ScubaBOS]

In one or two years we paid $705.00 for our tickets, but it's usually been less.

[remilk]

I have never paid for a flight to Aruba. I have always used airline miles!

[captmorgnsgrl]

First time we paid $850.00 second time $700.00, this last time $0 we used our airmiles.

[mr carmen gaeta]

550.00 here

[Elaine S]

I paid $900 for this coming February. It went down to $800 so I called USAir and they're issuing me a $100 voucher!

[CTGuy]

Just "Paid" 60,000 FF Miles on Delta for a 1st Class Round Trip Ticket form Hartford,CT (one stop - Atlanta).

I lucked out. The FF ticket I got is usually 120,000 FF Miles!

[Kent]

Went for our 12th trip last month. The most we have ever paid is $50. Thats the taxes on our FFM. Sorry guys. You just have to spend some dough on your cc to get free air miles.

[Elaine S]

Originally Posted by Kent

Went for our 12th trip last month. The most we have ever paid is $50. Thats the taxes on our FFM. Sorry guys. You just have to spend some dough on your cc to get free air miles.

That's easier said then done! I have more then enough award miles, and USAir gave me a very tough time! First there were no seats for miles, and then perhaps there would be a return seat, but I'd have to "pay" 30,000 for one way. (the full cost of round trip) After trying to get through to USair for two days, today mysteriously there's a seat available TO Aruba, but I have to call back on April 8th to make my return because I'm more than 330 days out! Well... at least I got a confirmation # for one way. The jury's still out on getting home! By the way, I leave February 2nd, 2008, and at this time the fare is $1,112.00! Ridiculous! Hopefully, I can use miles for this trip, and get a different credit card!

[Kent]

Elaine, When you use miles for Feb, you have to check out the exact day that you can book. You have to call very early in the morning before other people grab them. They only have so many FF seats. I get up about 4 the first morning that they take reservations. You are right. You have to book a 1 way and then they usually hold it for 2 weeks and then you have to book your return. I just call them and say this is the date I need to come home. Which will be the first day to call for this date. Then I mark my calander and go for it. Hope this helps you. We are set to be there Jan 25 thru Feb 15. Kent

[elisabeth_nj]

I used FF miles for the first time last year. We orig. cancelled our May trip and I rented out our unit...but then decided we needed to get away! I called USAir and got the days I wanted with no problem (out of Philly). Left on a Saturday and came home the folloiwng Monday! This was end of March for 10 days! Maybe I got lucky! I've never used any since.

[Elaine S]

Kent ~ I did call when I was supposed to... 330 days out for my trip at 12:01 AM. Busy, busy, busy ... When I finally was able to get through, I was told all award seats were gone! After trying to get through to US Air for three days, I finally was successful yesterday. A seat for the day I originally wanted?? No problem! Got my confirmation #, and now on to the next leg... Aruba home. Three different USAir agents gave me three different days when the return trip seats will be loaded into their computer.. I'm obviously going to call on the earliest day I was given, and work my way from there.

Now ~ when I originally called there were NO seats. It's so frustrating that I'm sure many people give up and say the hell with it, I'll pay. With me it was the principle, and I wasn't going down without a fight!! lol

I'll keep you informed.... Oh, I'll be there from February 2nd to March 1st so maybe we'll run into eachother!!

[Corrine]

Originally Posted by Elaine S

Kent ~ I did call when I was supposed to... 330 days out for my trip at 12:01 AM. Busy, busy, busy ... When I finally was able to get through, I was told all award seats were gone! After trying to get through to US Air for three days, I finally was successful yesterday. A seat for the day I originally wanted?? No problem! Got my confirmation #, and now on to the next leg... Aruba home. Three different USAir agents gave me three different days when the return trip seats will be loaded into their computer.. I'm obviously going to call on the earliest day I was given, and work my way from there.

Now ~ when I originally called there were NO seats. It's so frustrating that I'm sure many people give up and say the hell with it, I'll pay. With me it was the principle, and I wasn't going down without a fight!! lol

I'll keep you informed.... Oh, I'll be there from February 2nd to March 1st so maybe we'll run into eachother!!

You're not alone, Elaine! I get the same headaches from Delta. I think they do want you to give up!

[Kent]

We always fly AA and when I call, I always get right thru.
Elaine, Where do you stay when you are there. We are always at the Marriott. Kent

[Elaine S]

Kent ~ I have my weeks at Aruba Beach Club.

Next year I may very well go with AA even if they have no direct from Philly. US Air better get their act together or they're going to have a real problem. Point in fact ~ USAir for February 2008... $1,112 round trip ~
AA... $687!! There's most definitely something wrong with that!!

Originally Posted by Kent

We always fly AA and when I call, I always get right thru.
Elaine, Where do you stay when you are there. We are always at the Marriott. Kent

[suzeQ]

We paid $1800 for two from Reno, Houston, to Aruba. Continental Airlines. It was the only one that had the shortest route. Staying at LaCabana Villas. Suze

[coolchickie76]

Last June we paid 350 r/t from boston and this year for july I got it for 433 r/t nonstop from jfk! not bad but my friend booked it a week later and paid 515. then the other day I checked and it was 415! crazy how they jump around so much!!!!

[Arubalisa]

My grandmother just paid $1290 per person for us from Atlanta to Aruba over the Christmas holidays. There were not many seats left on our flights, so there was not much sense in holding out for sales. Was the same for the rest of the family non-stop from MIA at $1065 on American and EWR via Continental which at $885 was ALMOST a bargain. We were actually happy we did not wait longer and just booked now since we feared not being able to get a seat at all. Fares last year for about the same set of dates going to San Juan from Atlanta was about the same, maybe a little less, so suppose it does not matter where you go.

[bhoffdhoff]

The first time we went to Aruba, in 2001, I waited too long to get my ticket. I had no clue it would be so expensive. We paid $1500 for tickets from Detroit, Chicago, Miami, Aruba. The first leg (Detroit, Chicago) was first class. We had no choice. We've gone every year since then. The cheapest was about $500.

[sunscreen]

Originally Posted by bhoffdhoff

The first time we went to Aruba, in 2001, I waited too long to get my ticket. I had no clue it would be so expensive. We paid $1500 for tickets from Detroit, Chicago, Miami, Aruba. The first leg (Detroit, Chicago) was first class. We had no choice. We've gone every year since then. The cheapest was about $500.

From Los Angeles - $575 - no more than $690 (pur 2 months in advance), BUT PATIENCE IS REQUIRED AS WELL AS TARGETING A REALISTIC PRICE THAT FITS YOUR BUDGET. We also compared the Jet Blue special from JFK, but getting to NY and looking at the total was more than direct from L.A. (we fly American and have gone different routes, D.C., Puerto Rico, etc.)

[ARUBA777]

the most was $575.00 each from jfk, the cheapest was $375.00 also
from jfk

[bt0510]

In March '07, paid $402 direct from JFK on AA. Bought those tickets in June '06(ish).
For December '07, paid $347 direct from LGA on Continental. Bought those a few weeks ago.

[slpesq]

I am shocked at the prices you Easterners have been paying. We always have to change planes once (either Atlanta or Miami) and fly red-eye. There is no non-stop from Vegas. But we have never spent more than $600 per person. And this is for travel in the January high season.

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by slpesq

I am shocked at the prices you Easterners have been paying. We always have to change planes once (either Atlanta or Miami) and fly red-eye.

If you think you are shocked, try living in Atlanta . Delta for June wants $809.70 ATL - AUA and the price has gone up $15 since yesterday. Oh, and did I mention, that is flying md-week. Someone on another forum just booked mid-week May, Delta through ATL and paid $433. No competition = expensive and ridiculous airfares.

[dwippies]

several years ago i tried to figure a better route at a cheaper price for aa from baltimore. so we decided we would fly out of philly which is a direct flight. planned to drive up there and visit murray's sisters then hop the plane the next day. it was several hundred dollars cheaper for us to fly from baltimore to philly to aua than it was to skip the baltimore flight and only take the philly flight. no logic involved in that.

Originally Posted by Arubalisa

If you think you are shocked, try living in Atlanta . Delta for June wants $809.70 ATL - AUA and the price has gone up $15 since yesterday. Oh, and did I mention, that is flying md-week. Someone on another forum just booked mid-week May, Delta through ATL and paid $433. No competition = expensive and ridiculous airfares.

[pgsoder]

On Sunday I bought my round-trip ticket on Delta.com from Atlanta to Aruba for Feb. 24th to Mar. 2nd for $508.00. Twenty (20) minutes later I checked the fare again and it was $696.80 for the same flights. I decided to grab it at the $508 as I knew it wouldn't last. It is the same flight times that we have also booked for our Dec. trip to Aruba that we paid $534.00 each for. You have to check every hour as their prices change that often. A Delta representative told me that.

[EHampite]

We paid $398 non-stop out of Boston on AA in January 2007. We booked our Feb 2008 trip out of Hartford as it is closer to us than Boston and paid $548, connecting through San Juan. Because of the schedule changes AA made to that flight involving long layovers, they switched us to the non-stop out of Boston. That flight is now selling for $693.

[tancerka]

Originally Posted by Arubalisa

If you think you are shocked, try living in Atlanta . Delta for June wants $809.70 ATL - AUA and the price has gone up $15 since yesterday. Oh, and did I mention, that is flying md-week. Someone on another forum just booked mid-week May, Delta through ATL and paid $433. No competition = expensive and ridiculous airfares.

Try this website for cheaper airfare --flycheapabroad.com----good luck

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by tancerka

Try this website for cheaper airfare --flycheapabroad.com----good luck

Thanks, we ended up booking mid-October for a non-stop Delta flight in June at a fare of $435. Don't get me going on the fares for Christmas though

[arubasurfclubcanada]

over $900 from Toronto, direct 4hrs 45 min

[Starr]

$1500.00 and change, Toronto Xmas 07

[dwippies]

my daughter and her friend were planning to join us in aruba this may. for some reason they are backing out. could it be the price of tickets? they live in dakar, senegal. over the last week the prices have varied from $2200 to $3400 each. they thought they had it locked in at $2200 but they had only reserved the seat and it seems they couldn't reserve the price until it was paid for. two hours later when they both got the ok to travel from their jobs the price was back to $3400 again. they are very upset. $6800 for airfare? they tried every point they could think of and can't find a way to do it.