Average Airfare To Top Destinations In Our Region Is Down This Winter … Can The Territory Keep Pace?


SAN JUAN — The allure of the Caribbean and Mexico is undeniable for many Americans seeking a warm and sunny reprieve from another brutal winter.
Fortunately, airfare to some of the most popular destinations throughout the region is down this winter, according to data from Airlines Reporting Corp.
Based on round-trip air tickets purchased from U.S. travel agencies by February 1, 2017, for trips taking place between Dec. 1, 2016, and Feb. 28, 2017, ticket prices to nine of the 10 most popular destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico are down compared to this time last year.
While Guadalajara, Mexico, isn’t as popular as Cancun, the average ticket price to the region’s eighth-most booked destination has dropped off significantly since last year, falling from $507.45 in 2016 to $435.58 this year.
Average ticket prices are also down for travel to Mexico City ($529.52), San Juan, Puerto Rico ($438.58), Los Cabos ($539.79), Montego Bay, Jamaica ($556.46), Puerto Vallarta ($510.73), Nassau, Bahamas ($491.75) and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic ($529.27).
The lowest price for a March 8 flight from New York City to St. Thomas was $521 on Jet Blue, according to Expedia.
“It’s brought price and service competition back into the Mexico equation,” said Custer. “It’s also remarkable how Mexico domestic airfares have plummeted. It’s common to find intra-Mexico roundtrip fares for under $100 roundtrip.”
Nonetheless, he says the lower prices signal good news for travelers given the experiences to be had in many of the aforementioned destinations.
“These cities to a great extent define the mainstream Caribbean vacation experience as all offer signature Caribbean hotel and resort brands and the attributes, from distinctive cuisine and music to colonial history and African culture, that vacationers to the region seek.”
Of the top 10 destinations based on ARC’s ticket sale data, only Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, has seen an increase this winter compared to last, with the average price jumping about $10 to $600.95.
1 Comment
Hey Southwest,
The United States Virgin Islands needs you pronto to reduce the airline fares at Cyril King and Rolsen Airports…….
So, that tourism flourishes as overnight guests stay at their designated hotels filled to the brim at maximum capacity. ……