Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I mean, I like Aruba too but there are lots of nonstops to Caribbean places that would be better for a long weekend. Aruba is far, even on a nonstop.

I love Aruba and agree. Much too far for a long weekend. I feel like even with direct flights we lose almost a day each way. Bahamas, USVI, PR, etc. are much better options for a long weekend.

Yup! Add in Turks and Caicos. Toes in sand by noon.

Anonymous wrote:Are you stuck with SW and are you committed to BWI?

United goes direct from IAD and it's a 4 hour trip.

I don’t think this is daily though.

Anonymous wrote:I mean, I like Aruba too but there are lots of nonstops to Caribbean places that would be better for a long weekend. Aruba is far, even on a nonstop.

I love Aruba and agree. Much too far for a long weekend. I feel like even with direct flights we lose almost a day each way. Bahamas, USVI, PR, etc. are much better options for a long weekend.

We did it last year and took the direct one way and stopped in Florida the other way. It’s actually a really easy stop over — adds very little time. I also prefer directs but this actually wasn’t bad. You do customs in Aruba so no need to worry about it on the Florida end with making your connection.

Are you stuck with SW and are you committed to BWI?

United goes direct from IAD and it's a 4 hour trip.

I mean, I like Aruba too but there are lots of nonstops to Caribbean places that would be better for a long weekend. Aruba is far, even on a nonstop.

I hate that there aren't non stop flights on non weekend days. I want better options for long weekends.

We got one for spring break from BWI. We leave on a Sunday. Couldn’t find one for the way back though, I agree it’s annoying.

Pre-covid, Southwest had daily nonstops to Aruba. I wish they'd bring them back. We went every year for 6 years straight because it was so easy. Now it is limited to weekends like United and the cost has doubled.

Jet Blue or American have way better deals and times to the Caribbean IME. I like SW, but not for Caribbean.

Direct flights are usually only Friday, Saturday, Sunday to Aruba. I just booked a direct Sunday to Sunday in the Summer out of IAD on United. It was actually cheaper than Southwest.

Southwest has cut way back on their nonstop flights to the Caribbean from the DC area, plus they've limited some locations to weekends only. Makes it really tough. Really, all the airlines have. It's become very hard not to connect somewhere.

Bahamas or Puerto Rico

Anonymous wrote: I don’t know if it’s because I waited too long to start looking at flights for a mid-June getaway, but Southwest isn’t giving me a lot of options. I’d be flying out of BWI. Alternative ideas for the Caribbean or Central America? Family of four, 1 in elementary school and a toddler. Thanks!

Looks like the Southwest nonstops from BWI to AUA only run on Saturdays and Sundays.

I don’t know if it’s because I waited too long to start looking at flights for a mid-June getaway, but Southwest isn’t giving me a lot of options. I’d be flying out of BWI. Alternative ideas for the Caribbean or Central America? Family of four, 1 in elementary school and a toddler. Thanks!