Flight Review: Arajet Boeing 737 MAX 8 Extra – MIA-PUJ

I wanted to take the inaugural flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) and even had tickets. Life got in the way and I had to cancel that flight. I booked it in the Extra fare class and was able to change it without a penalty. That led to yesterday and it being a good time for a long weekend away (and Valentine’s Day). We flew from Miami International Airport (MIA) on one Arajets Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. If you were curious about what it’s like to fly this low-cost carrier from the Dominican Republic, I’m here to tell you all about it.

Anthony’s Take: Arajet got the job done. We sat in the bulkhead seats with the middle blocked. We were in Row 2 on the D-E-F side (there is no Row 1). Seat E was blocked and this row appeared to have more legroom than Row 1 across from us (seats A-B-C). This is no-frills flying. There is no Wi-Fi, no power outlets, no entertainment, and limited food and drinks. The flight attendants were friendly and the flight was short enough that this did not really matter. I’d fly Arajet again (I will be on the way home). Just go into it not expecting all of the bells and whistles. We found the front row plenty comfortable for a 2.5-hour flight.

Booking

I booked directly with Arajet and selected an Extra fare class ticket. I paid around $178 each for a one-way fare and $50 more for each seat up front. As mentioned, I had an Arajet credit from another flight I had to cancel and that covered this flight. The aircraft has seats in a 3-3 configuration, but those in the first two rows have the middle seat blocked.

Boarding

Check-in was not easy. It would not change to English for check-in and I had to do it in Spanish. It was also difficult to get boarding passes. It would only add one to my Apple Wallet and print the other. I finally got it to print both. We arrived at the gate before the boarding time and waited for the crew. The agent checked documents and helped with with the information that needs to be filled out for entry into the Dominican Republic. Boarding began with those needing extra assistance, children, and then a numbered boarding process. Those who purchase “Extra” fares get priority boarding.

Gate agents were checking bag sizes and that passengers had paid for a carry-on.

We were on the way a few moments into boarding, but had to wait a few minutes on the jet bridge as the flight attendants got ready.

The aircraft are around four years old and in relatively good condition.

Seats

We were in the Row 2 (which is actually the first row on the one side).

I liked being able to stretch out.

A button on the side of the seat controlled the recline.

The passenger service unit provided individual lights and air vents.

There are no screens onboard and the seatback pockets (wall pocket on the bulkhead) held a safety information card and menu.

Food

The menu includes cookies, chips, and other snacks as well as more substantial items like sandwiches and mac and cheese. None of the Fresh Food was available except for the noodles and mac and cheese. Beverages included water, soft drinks, beer, rum, and wine.

We ordered some chips, nuts, a white wine, and a fruit punch.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is not offered on Arajet flights.

Lavatory

The lavatory was a standard airplane bathroom with a sink and toilet. There was almost no soap and both the tissues and paper towels were out.

Service

Everyone we encountered was friendly. The gate agents were helpful and attentive. The cabin crew also seemed to enjoy what they were doing and were available throughout the flight.

Overall Impression: This was a fine flight for getting between Miami and the Dominican Republic. It was much cheaper than what American was charging for the same route. Arajet is a good choice if you know what to expect. The airline just needs to work out some of the bugs around check-in.