CAL offers US$69 special fares from Miami and Tampa

| 07/09/2017 | 56 Comments

(CNS) UPDATED: Cayman Airways CEO Fabian Whorms has told CNS that the airline is implementing a special hurricane fare of US$69 (before taxes) for a one-way ticket to Grand Cayman out of both Miami and Tampa. He said the airline is waiving the normal fees for travel date changes for this fare, provided travel is between 7 September and 17 September. Whorms was responding to accusations by a CNS reader that Cayman Airways Ltd (CAL) was upping its prices out of Miami as Hurricane Irma approached Florida.

Prior to the decision to implement this very low fare, one-way tickets for US$134 out of Miami and US$164 out of Tampa, which are not subject to change-fees, had already been activated, he said. These were also not subject to change fees.

Whorms noted that the CAL special fares do not include government fees and taxes, which can be as much as US$130.34 round trip. But he also pointed out that they do not have change-fee penalties and include the standard two free 55lb bags, “neither of which is being offered by AA at this time”.

There is no add-on to fly one-way to the Sister Islands with this special fare.

The anonymous CNS reader claimed that they had been quoted a price of US$438.14 for a round trip by Cayman Airways, compared to US$269, including taxes, on American Airlines.

Whorms said the special hurricane fares are currently available by booking directly with CAL via its website, call center, airport counter or ticket office, but by noon today (Thursday) they will be available through all channels, including travel agents and online travel site, Expedia.

“For comparison, AA has a lowest available fare of US$69 each way, but bag fees of US$25 (first) and US$40 (second) are additional each-way and any changes incur a US$200 change fee,” he said. “A passenger travelling one way with two bags from Miami on AA would therefore be subject to a price of US$134 on AA, and be subject to change fees.”

As announced on Tuesday, change fees are waived for passengers who wish to cancel reservations for flights between the Cayman Islands and Miami, Tampa and Havana. The waiver applies to those passengers who are holding ticketed reservations made on or before 5 September for travel between 5-12 September. Travel for changed flight segments may be rebooked for a date up to six months from the original travel dates, or within 12 months of the original purchase date, whichever is sooner. Refunds are not allowed on non-refundable tickets.

In addition, Cayman Airways has made the following changes to flight operations:

  • The following flights to/from Miami on Friday September 8, 2017 have been cancelled: KX106 and
    KX107
  • All flights between the Cayman Islands and Miami on Saturday September 9, 2017 have been
    cancelled. This includes flights KX102, KX123, KX104, KX105, KX106, and KX107
  • All flights between the Cayman Islands and Miami on Sunday September 10, 2017 have been
    cancelled. This includes flights KX102, KX103, KX104, KX105, KX106, and KX107
  • All flights to/from Tampa on Sunday September 10, 2017 have been cancelled. These flights
    include KX200 and KX201
  • All flights to/from Havana on Sunday September 10, 2017 have been cancelled. These flights
    include KX832 and KX833
  • The following flights to/from Miami on Monday September 11, 2017 have been cancelled: KX102
    and KX103

Cayman Airways said its reservations agents are in the process of contacting all affected passengers for rescheduling. All other Cayman Airways flights are expected to operate as scheduled, but the public will be updated if any further schedule changes become necessary.

Cayman Airways was responding to this comment.

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Category: Local News, Science & Nature, Weather

Comments (56)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    At least CAL tried. Yes Govt. is too slow to respond, but let’s not bash them for finally doing the right thing. I couldn’t get a flight out of Tampa for my family, but it happens during times of high demand. But maybe this can set a precedent, and moving forward we can count on CAL to do the same to protect our people.
    Would love to see a commitment from Govt. that flights will be similarly priced if there is a hurricane threat in the future.

  2. Anonymous says:

    This was a great notion, but a bit late on CAL’s part. We were notified of this as there was already a full flight of mainly University students panicking to get home on Thursday, some of which had gotten their tickets just the night before at full price. Friends who purchased tickets for Friday’s flight just around noon on Thursday at full price noted that the flight was already more than half full.

    When I called CAL on Tuesday after searching at nearby supermarkets and finding that there was no water and the shelves with non-perishables was already empty I asked if there was anything in place for the students who wanted to come home for safety, even if they would consider waiving the change fees so we could use our return flights booked for the end of the semester so we can get back safely and just book a new roundtrip when it’s safe to go back and was met with a “no”.

    The fact that this was done after Thursday’s Tampa flight was already boarded and Friday’s flight was apparently more than half full is disappointing and didn’t help most people, especially university students who were panicking to get home. I paid around $445 CI for a roundtrip in a time of emergency when i normally pay around $420 US for a roundtrip for the semester.

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  3. Anonymous says:

    CAL is just another extension of the Caymanian Lodge using CIG as if it were there own. like the government property, football club, credit cards and ETC……

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  4. Anonymous says:

    All these comments are about nothing. Only 1 flight from Miami has departed today (Sep.8) while 5pm is still on schedule. 8pm was canceled.
    May be few people have managed to take advantage of $69 fare.

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    • Anonymous says:

      My one way business class ticket this am (only seats left) was usd$421.10. Normally the upgrade is $50 one way. Go figure.

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  5. Open mind says:

    I only fly CAL and for good reason, other airlines have low fares but hidden fees , pay bags,pillows,blankets,drinks, sum even charger more for seats in forward of the plane i.e rows 10 or less,. I travel sometimes 4 times a month and each time I do I only go with CAL. The other airlines also lack service and treat ppl like there just cargo and they can’t wait to get you off! We should be proud and support our airline many seem to forget ivan and who was the only one to take us and family’s out! After the storm.

    Support our own!

    As with many issues here we are all falling short on giving the support to our own!

    Signed ,
    Open mind

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    • Anonymous says:

      The thing about the buried airport fees is that all airlines are supposed to pay them. CAL builds up large intergovernmental IOUs to CIAA that we wind up paying every year or two to the tune of $15mln a go. This is on top of the normal annual subsidies.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Ummmm and to break this down to have a better understanding of why they may be behind/delayed or whatever it maybe in paying CIAA…

        Prior to the company getting the 1 800 equipment which holds quite a bit more seats, aircraft capacity is 8 business 114 economy. So lets put into perspective for this fare:

        1 way from US $ 69.00
        Approx. taxes 30.00
        Cost per ticket. $ 99.00

        We all agree so far that the airline after paying the taxes only have the ticket fare of $69.00 per economy person. In such emergency cases I am in no doubt the seats would not be filled, therefore:

        $ 69.00
        × 114.00
        Total rev $7866.00

        Do we need to factor in the operational cost (not factoring in any fees charged by the the respective authorities should a flight have to operate for any reason outside their regular hours) to operate each flight?? Didnt think so!! ?

        I trust this would help each of you better understand what airlines such as CAL look at to better be able to serve their people and country in hope to be able to still pay their bills due at month end. But let us not forget they are owned by shareholders as such the decision/results are not necessarily that of KX management alone.

        Enclosing, after AA fares go back up in early 2018 to approx. $300.00 – 1000.00 depending on the cabin what will be said then.

        #getalife #needajob #caymancompass #classifieds

        • Open mind says:

          Thanks, and to add try buying business class on any other airline going out of here its above 950usd! CAL is always at our around 675usd and I am referring to miami as a starter*

          Am proud to fly my national airlines at least we have one on like so many other island who lost there’s or it went bust!

  6. Anonymous says:

    CAL needs much better management. We Caymanians deserve better and more flights to the most popular destinations.

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  7. Anonymous says:

    Geesh … damned if you do and damneder’ if you don’t.

    In my opinion, the criticisms of the timing of CAL’s announcement are a bit unfair.
    Locals know the fickle nature of a 5-days-a-way storm.
    Why, just 48 hours ago we were bracing for a direct hit but now it looks like we may escape with but a slight breeze and choppy wave.

    Also, to compare them to the actions of American Airlines and the other GLOBAL carriers is quite ridiculous. Those airlines have many options and alternatives by which to offset losses and reassign services.

    Anyway, I am sure those that are benefiting from these cuts are grateful and like others have already mentioned – let us never forget the saviour that was Cayman Airways after Hurricane Ivan.

    – Who

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  8. Anonymous says:

    Remember Hurricane Dean? Cayman Airways cancelled all tickets and forced people to stand in line all day to rebook – and the prices they were charging were over $1000 a ticket!!!

    I remember one lady returning home having spent all day trying to rebook tickets for herself and two young children, one newborn, they had assessed the situation and planned to leave because of the baby and had booked a couple of days before. Her tickets were cancelled that morning and she never managed to rebook, just wasted time queueing with a newborn and toddler outside for hours. Cayman Airways were forced to offer refunds for the unconscionable prices, I wonder how many people actually got a refund?

    Thank goodness Dean shifted overnight. But I remember Kurt Tibbetts, then LOGB, saying, as evening fell, something like: “Take care and I hope to see you in the morning” it was that much of a threat at the time.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Did it ever dawn on you who gives management their directive??? The Caynan Islands Government Bobo, the parent company.

      Now brainy pant, you figure the rest out!

    • Anonymous says:

      Did it ever come to you to think that maybe such directive ref fares etc are coming from somewhere else???? I mean the government is the parent company!?!?

      How about asking them suspend the local taxes and work with the various authorities in such emergency circumstances to do same moving forward?!?!?

      10 months before next season maybe this something they might want to look into should God help us get through this hurricane season along with the rest of the world.

      # justsaying #getoffofCALsarse #pathetic #getalife

      P.s. Need employment, get an email their HR department.

  9. Anonymous says:

    CAL is the only airline that cares. How we forget the so quickly how much CAL did for us after Ivan. Flights non stop for supplies, flying up to the last second by our BRAVE Caymanian pilots to get everyone possible evacuated when all the other airlines took up and ran away.
    No other airline cares about Cayman like our own does.

    Keep up the good work CAL!!!

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  10. Anonymous says:

    Fabian Whorms can’t manage this airline. That is the bottom line! He should retire and free us all. Planning flights to eastern Cuba and Roatan?????? What’s wrong with additional flights to Miami and Tampa??? A/A and Southwest scooped up what CAL doesn’t want. Instead of concentrating on more flights to more populated destinations CAL already services and that have passengers already wanting…….CAL tries to rule the Caribbean. Ever hear of volume? Go after the volume by lowering prices CAL!!!!

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    • Anonymous says:

      No idea what purpose he serves.

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      • Anonymous says:

        If you all knew anything about the “REAL” airline business you would have a clue. The CEO and all of the Executive Team works hard to do what is right not just for Cayman Airways, it’s employees but the big picture – THE COUNTRY! But as usual, everyone can run an airline. Pathetic!

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    • Anonymous says:

      Lowering prices? CAL has the lowest prices compared to any other Caribbean Island. Don’t believe me? go check Expedia.

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      • Anonymous says:

        I got an Expedia flight for $100 less on American last month than I could with Cayman Airways

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    • Anonymous says:

      Mr. Fabian is the best, but maybe he need step aside make someone like you run it!!

      Several airlines had pull out from a lot of routes including GCM because for what they were charging for transportation wasn’t enough pay the bills.

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  11. Caymanian says:

    CAL is not a price gouger. I believe what you are seeing happen is class fairs…..most airlines have types of seats and each comes with its price point. Sometimes cheaper seats sell out and you are left with more expensive ones….1st Class, Business Class, Coach and Economy….

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  12. Anonymous says:

    I love Cayman Airways… I fly home minimum once a month from Miami with them every single time ..but when Irma started to destroy everything it came in contact with is when CAL should have lowered their prices. Not 12 hours before all flights are grounded and no one can get out!!! I got to Cayman today after paying $1,200 for 3 tickets to get to safety because I had no other choice.

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  13. Anonymous says:

    Why just cancel evening flights on the 8th September and not the morning and afternoon flights, should they just go in the hurricane to be in danger an no where to go.

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  14. Anonymous says:

    CAL had to be shamed into cutting prices — wow– no breaks for people that needed to get home

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  15. Anonymous says:

    As a student I purchased my ticket on Tuesday to evacuate from FL at 254$ US. Yesterday, the fares were the same price, and today (when most people are traveling home) Cayman Airways decides to announce this?? Very disappointed in our national carrier seeing as though AA was offering a special before Cayman Airways.
    Do better.

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    • Anonymous says:

      You should expect they’d drag their feet on this decision so there won’t be as many takers. I would have expected free flights home for all evacuees returning to Cayman at the very least.

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      • Jotnar says:

        Free flights at the very least? What do you want in addition to a free flight? They pay you to fly?

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      • Anonymous says:

        Really, free!! While they do their endeavor best, take this time enlighten you incase you had mistaken the C in their name; it dedinitely does not stand for charity.

        I wonder if all other airlines put on FREE flights to evacuate their ppl. I remember w/H. Ivan when all other US carriers refused come in to help get even their own US ppl off island CAL operated until the very last to get their valued customers to safety.

        Operational costs Bobo, bills still got get paid. Local or international authorities going bill everytime CAL take off and land whether hurricane or not.

        So while they do their best with the fares, can’t be completely free!!

        #ILuvKX

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        • Anonymous says:

          Why not? Half the local population get free fights on CAL. This why they can only run on a 20M CIG subsidy every year. What a farce. I mean’t what an Air Farce.

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          • Anonymous says:

            Trust you’re local and amongst the 1/2 that wouldnt get free tickets.?

            And to make sure we’re clear here, only the “REAL” locals will be eligible not the localish ones.

            So be careful what you wish for!!!! ??

      • Anonymous says:

        All of unna are a bunch of ungrateful wretches. Give thanks that people will benefit. And guess what you spent only $254 to get to safety.

        That wasn’t an option for those poor souls across the region. Stop complaining for once and count your blessings.

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    • Anonymous says:

      2.14.. When has Cayman been known for doing the right thing on time? Always too little, too late and damage is done. With regard to CAL, pretty good effort I would say.

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  16. Anonymous says:

    They are a day late and a dollar short..Every AA flight is sold out because nobody wanted to pay the high cost of KX. KX is showing seats available but still at the high prices..

    Instead of implementing that previous stupid high fare as a hurricane special, they should have followed American’s lead and matched their fares..

    Who is in charge of their marketing? Should be fired, in my opinion…

    Reactionary!

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    • Anonymous says:

      I bet if you called they would have matched. Remember we are a small country, we cannot always take advantage of economies of scale, or doing our job, plus it was oxtail on special that day, so you cannot fault us. Especially if it came with cole slaw.

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    • Turtle says:

      You should have checked AA yesterday Cayman to Atlanta return USD3500.00

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    • 2chain says:

      Truuuuu

  17. Anonymous says:

    great…keep up good work

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  18. Anonymous says:

    I just checked- it is $304 one way for today

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    • Anonymous says:

      I just checked, and it’s $97.10 for today, tomorrow and up until the 17th September. Go CAL. They’ve always been there for us, and we should not forget them!

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      • Anonymous says:

        Especially if you’re a family member.

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      • Anonymous says:

        So true, but you know what it’s a Cayman thing; always degrading our own. Then when all other airlines bail on um or need this or that they know CAL.

        I remember having tickets out of a US gateway on another airline during hurricane season and being concerned of weather in the area, although no advisory was issued as yet contacted airline and was told until advisory issued all applicable fees applied. 😮

        But if one hear this when they called CAL, they would think management is inhumane etc. It’s industry policies and practices ppl, get with it. They are a business and governed by rules as an international airline.

        Keep up the good work CAL!! We luv you Mr. Fabian and Staff!!

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  19. Anonymous says:

    From what I heard and have seen CAL always helps out during hurricanes, and is nearly always the last airline to have planes running when everyone else has bugged out.

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  20. Anonymous says:

    C A L is good very good

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    • Anonymous says:

      Yayyyy we love CAL too!!

      Tell um fly other airlines and when they can’t get any compensation for delayed flights or schedule changes if under a nbr of hrs tell um complain to the airlines CEO etc and see what more they will get. ?

      When one buy a ticket with AA from origin to destination whether direct or via another gateway and then they have a change to schedule for technical or operational reasons and connecting gateway change or go from connecting to direct if they think it not the seem thing as when CAL schedule has to change.

      So sad and disappointing of our ppl to believe it’s okay to bash and put down our national airline for the minute regardless of what they are experiencing. Feel free fly the other airlines then, no one stopping you! ?

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