Can't take credit for this because our beloved Ratman's Wife found it. Note that from San Juan to Virgin Gorda, "Pricing will begin at $128 one-way, plus taxes and fees." If this really becomes a viable route for Tradwinds, it's a game-changer.
Revisiting this issue because the article from June about Tradewind's new service was reprised yesterday (https://www.caribjournal.com/2023/0...m_term=0_ea4e1e4090-2a33a2d1ab-190149032), so just for fun, I did a search on both Cape Air and Tradewind's sites for a round trip fare from SJU to VIJ leaving on Monday, November 27 and returning on Monday, December 4; neither airline is "giving it away" as they say, but the fare comparisons showed Tradewind's to be much better for travelers.
I'll try to upload screenshots, but Cape Air's fares were ~ $600 each way (for the non-refundable) whereas Tradewind's were ~ $400 each way, with one outbound fare from SJU to VIJ being $442.
Agreed, and not to be dismissive of your post but for most of us, 35 to 40 minutes is such a limited time increment that we can endure just about anything (as long as we don't end up having to swim for it). But when one considers a nicer plane and a lower fare, there's a lot to like about Tradewind entering the market.
Tradewind Airlines' Inaugural Flight to Virgin Gorda is Today!
PR from the company: Today marks the first day of Tradewind's new scheduled flights to Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands (VIJ) from San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)!
Flights to Virgin Gorda operate Thursdays to Mondays through April 8th, 2024. Arrive from San Juan in just 35 minutes, eliminating any unnecessary travel time.
Tradewind guests connecting through San Juan can relax and enjoy complimentary WiFi, snacks, and refreshments in our private lounge. Once ready for boarding, guests are escorted through security screening and directly to the awaiting aircraft.
Our schedule allows for convenient connections with virtually all major airlines from the United States. Tradewind has ticketing and baggage transfer agreements with American Airlines and United Airlines, where you can book your flight to Virgin Gorda directly with the airline for a smooth transfer between flights.
All flights are flown in the Tradewind-operated fleet of Pilatus PC-12 aircraft with two pilots, air-conditioning, and a pressurized cabin. Enjoy complimentary snacks and refreshments, including wine and beer during your flight. Upon landing in Virgin Gorda, guests have quick and easy access to the most exclusive properties in the British Virgin Islands.
Not to ask a stupid question, but it looks like they will have scheduled service to Virgin Gorda, but not to Tortola. Wouldn't it make more sense to have flights either to Tortola also or just Tortola?
There are more upscale properties on VG, and poorer access. This provides a viable option for people who will pay to arrive sooner. The direct ferries from St. Thomas only run once a week (AFAIK) and a water taxi from St. Thomas is a rough ride, and expensive for only one or two people. The Miami direct flight to EIS and a ferry are pretty good, but if you can take a direct flight to San Juan and connect on Tradewinds, that is a good option.
Carol, not a stupid question at all, and of course (and as is her bent), Mrs. Ratman nailed it on the reply. I'd just add that also militating in favor of bypassing Tortola is that there's already plenty of arlift into that island, whereas as we all know, Cape Air has had a stranglehold on VG for some time now. Tradewind is picking the proverbial low hanging frut by entering that market, and avoiding having to compete with other carriers that service Tortola with larger aircraft, and paying the larger landing fees.
Also, I don't recall if it was this thread or another when we are all discussing the likelihood of ticket prices declining, but in any event, the pilot shortage issue arose and most of us were not optimistic about that. American Airlines' recent decision to offer a $175K signing bonus via its regional carrier, PSA, seeking to poach FEDEX and UPS freight pilots confirms that it's an issue that will loom large for the foreseeable future. I think we are in for a long slog of high prices for tix, and thus even a small bit of competition such as Tradewind is offering from SJU to VIJ is a good thing.
Scroll up about 9 or 10 messages for a sampling that I took in August, and a quick check today indicates that they are fairly accurate, although there's a range of $392 - $692 for two flights available on Thursday the 30th of this month, but Friday's prices among its three flights offered range from $292 - $392, which I think is quite good for that day of the week.
For some that may be worth it..but I just spent less than $600 round trip from SFO to STT on AA. I hope it works out for some but that's a lot of $$ for a short hop.Thanks Fitzhughlaw and Ratman's Wife for all the info..
Malcolm, that works for you. For us there wouldn't be any savings after a hotel, taxi, ferry and luggage charges, and taxi to Trellis Bay.
As soon as they announced the Miami flights, we got very cheap miles flights, which for the first time will put us on Tortola by 2:30 and across the water and home before dark.
Flights from STT to Taddy Bay would be another good option.
I reached out to Speedy's last month about their direct service and they told me there was nothing planned in the short term but they hoped to resume in 2024. You could not pay me to get on any smaller aircraft so I am praying they restart this soon.
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