Air Travel Advice, North Fl., U.S.; to S.D., D.R.

Can anyone offer any air travel advice from North Florida, U.S. to Santo Domingo, D.R. this summer for first time traveler? Fares seem to be high. Travel agency found a cheaper fare leaving Orlando to S. D., but the Orlando airport is 6 hrs. away. Jacksonville is closer but the fare is $200 more. Hoping to use the larger planes if possible and get as direct flight as possible. Will be staying with a very nice Dominican family, so no hotel advice needed. Any special advice on how to handle luggage would also be appreciated? Any tips about a families daily life in Santo Domingo welcomed, curious as to how different than American if much at all. The Domincans I've met are very mell mannered, educated, respectful, and fun to be with, such a pleasure. Thanks so much for any help.
Joyce

Darn I hate it when I hit the wrong button!!!!

Joyce I don't think you will find much better. I've been to SD but always out of Miami. I have looked many times and except for airline specials thats about the going rate.

I think your family will find it very relaxing in DR as compared to the states. Its more casual as well. If they are into high tech entertainment, that maybe lacking depending on the financial well being of the family you are staying with.

James

Joyce, you don't say where you are located, but at 6 hrs from Orlando you are either in the Florida panhandle or Georgia. If this is the case, fly out of Atlanta. There are charters from ATL to Puerto Plata and Punta Cana. Friends flew last summer and the fare was only about $250 RT each. Then take the bus to Santo Domingo.

Try www.lowestfare.com from Orlando (mco) Santo domingo SDQ. There is no much that you can do from there.

Good luck! I went to the DR for the first time about a year ago. Round trip fare was $400, the last trip was $589!!! What really ****es me off is the fact that I know of people that have flown from Detroit or NYC for $400 (or less), while us here in Florida (much closer, wouldn't you think?) have to pay much more. I've heard that another airline is going to start flying to SD from Orlando, so maybe this will help to break American Airlines domination of the DR (from FL at least). Let us know if you learn any new tricks. Has anyone tried skyauction or priceline?

James,

Thanks for the response. Do you have a favorite airline out of Miami? People keep suggesting American Airlines, they do seem to have a lower fare compared to some others I have seen. Do you choose the larger planes?
I think it would be more comfortable, since this will be the first time for riding an airplane period. Actually, it is an imediate family member that will be going, not myself, I'm just helping with arrangements.
Joyce

Andy, thanks for replying. Yes, Atlanta is about the same distance as Orlando from us. I don't now anything about what a charter flight is unfortunately, never traveled before. But I will take it into consideration. About the bus ride to S.D., how far, or long and cost? Thanks, Joyce

Yes, $400 is the cheapest fare out of Orlando, quoted by the travel agency at current. Jacksonville is around $600.
Anywhere else, don't ask, it's high! It is frustrating, because others from the D. R. that are over here, have been traveling with fares of around $350, but 1 person in particular got his RT ticket in D. R., but they usualy use American Airlines they say. Can't find anything around that price over here sadly. How did you like your stay in D.R. and your Airline?
Joyce

Thanks Glovani, I had looked there previously, and will keep them in mind. Joyce