Dear Source:
The $25.00 that American Airlines is charging for checking a second bag (and other carriers will probably do likewise) will in most cases wipe out the incentive for tourists to purchase duty-free liquor, which of course will result in a negative affect on the V.I. economy.
What is also indicative of high fuel costs, American Airlines has discontinued a number of flights to St. Thomas during the high season. For example, the non-stop Boston schedule has been reduced from three or four days a week to only one. If travelers elected to utilize the less convenient and longer travel time required to connect through Puerto Rico, there has been no increase in the SJU/STT American Eagle capacity to absorb the extra load which could cause a number of tourists to seek other destinations such as Mexico and the Dominican Republic which offer value-priced all inclusive charter packages to a wide array of upscale resorts. Time-share and condominium owners have no choice but to accept the added inconvenience, but other vacationers do have a choice . . . and of course cruise ships also are an option.
Richard Stahl
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