Budget startup carrier Arajet unveils nonstop flights from New York to Dominican Republic
Dominican airline Arajet announced that it will launch flights to the New York area in June, revealing new details of the startup carrier’s plans to expand its nascent presence in the United States.
The low-cost airline will start flying between Santo Domingo’s Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on June 16, Arajet told The Points Guy. The airline had already announced its intention to fly the route but had not provided a start date.
Fares on the new route will start at $127 one-way from Newark to Santo Domingo and $135 one-way in the other direction.
A new hub in the Caribbean? Startup budget carrier Arajet sets first US routes amid ambitious expansion plan
“Arajet is committed to making air travel accessible and affordable for the Dominican community and American tourists alike, and New York is a key market to strengthen our U.S. presence,” Victor Pacheco, the CEO and founder of Arajet, said in a statement shared with TPG, adding that the new flights will help “establish Arajet as a new competitive carrier for U.S. travelers booking vacations and getaways as well as visiting home and family.”
Arajet, which was founded in 2022, operates a fleet of 10 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
Beyond Arajet, several airlines already operate direct flights between the New York area and Santo Domingo, including United Airlines from EWR and both JetBlue and Delta Air Lines from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Where Arajet flies
The Newark route marks a further U.S. expansion for the airline even before its debut in the country. That comes April 11, when Arajet's first-ever U.S. flights begin with service between Santo Domingo and Miami International Airport (MIA). Flights from Santo Domingo to San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in Puerto Rico will follow on June 4. Then on June 13, the carrier plans to launch flights between MIA and Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) near one of the Dominican Republic's popular areas for beach resorts.
In total, the carrier flies to more than 20 destinations across the Caribbean, Latin America and beyond, including flights to Argentina, Brazil, Aruba and Costa Rica. The airline also flies to two cities in Canada: Montreal and Toronto.
Newark isn’t the end of Arajet's expansion plans. The carrier told TPG it plans to add more routes, but wouldn't offer details.
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Flying experience
Arajet operates as a budget carrier, with three fare bundles passengers can choose from: the Smart Plan, which includes a personal item but does not include a carry-on or checked bag in the ticket fare; the Comfort Plan, which includes one checked bag, seat selection and the option to change your flight; and the Extra Plan, which includes both a carry-on and checked bag, seat selection, priority boarding and up to three flight changes.
Baggage fees start at $39.99 per leg for a carry-on bag and $24.99 per leg for the first checked bag when purchased during booking. Those prices jump to $100 per leg for a carry-on bag and $80 per leg for a checked bag when purchased at the airport.
Related reading:
- Best all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic
- The best all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana for every type of traveler
- Budget airline survival guide: Avoid fees and enjoy your flight
- 6 ways to improve your low-cost flight experience
- Best ways to book flights to the Caribbean using points and miles
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.