Arajet is a low-cost airline based at Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. On Monday, Simple Flying had the opportunity to travel from Mexico City to Santo Domingo with Arajet aboard its flight DM4341. We traveled aboard the airline’s Boeing 737 MAX 8, registration HI1026. This is our travelogue.
What to expect at Arajet?
The Dominican low-cost carrier wants to set up a hub in Santo Domingo. Arajet began operations in September 2022. Similar to Viva at Medellín International Airport (MDE), Arajet opens many international routes at low fares, taking advantage of SDQ’s advantageous geographic location. As of December, the airline will fly to 18 destinations across America. On Tuesday, Simple Flying was on board the opening of the airline’s 18th route to Bogota, Colombia.
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Arajet’s Boeing 737 MAX 8s have the capacity to carry 185 passengers in a two-class configuration. The first two rows have a 2-2 configuration. From row three and beyond, the layout is 3-3. We traveled in 3A and it was fabulous. The third row seat pitch is tremendous and we highly recommend it. Seat pitch in the other rows is nothing out of the ordinary.
Photo: Daniel Martínez Garbuno | Easy flying.
The airline has an order for up to 35 Boeing 737 MAX 8s (with Ryanair’s 8-200 variant). Once those planes arrive, we can expect higher seat densities, potentially impacting our beloved row three.
On board we find a standard low-cost airline service with snacks and drinks for purchase, including an interesting alcohol menu. Arajet accepts payments in currency (US dollars or Dominican pesos) and credit card payments. Despite this, the credit card service was not available during our flight.
Photo: Daniel Martínez Garbuno | Easy flying.
Boarding Arajet’s flight DM4341
We flew from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) in Mexico City. This is our travelogue from this hub. Arajet is one of the few airlines operating international flights from this recently opened hub. The others are Copa Airlines, Conviasa and Viva Aerobus which fly to Panama City, Caracas and Havana respectively.
The boarding process was quick and easy, especially as the flight had a load factor of around 30%. Arajet opened its flights to Mexico City in September and is still struggling to become a well-known brand among Mexican travelers. The Santo Domingo to Mexico City service is much busier than the Mexico City to Santo Domingo service.
The overall service from the Arajet crew was impeccable. They were kind, heartwarming and friendly to everyone on board. The pilots were in constant communication with the passengers, reminding us of the possibility to purchase snacks and drinks.
The flight took off on time and lasted about four hours and five minutes. We had a remote stand (budget airlines aren’t always happy to pay for passenger boarding bridges), but we’re not complaining. As journalists and avgeeks, it’s always exciting to have the opportunity to exit a plane remotely instead of using a jet bridge because of the opportunity to take great photos.
what would be better
The main criticism would be that unless you are carrying US dollars or Dominican pesos, it is impossible to purchase snacks and drinks on board, which passengers are unaware of. Apart from that, the service at both airports and on board was excellent. Disembarking at Santo Domingo airport and going through passport control and customs was a seamless experience. We were out of the airport in ten minutes which is remarkable.
We also had an interview with the company’s CEO and met with many senior members of the airline. Yesterday we published a report on it, which you can read here: Exclusive: Big Plans for Dominican Republic’s New Flag Bearer, Arajet.
Would you like to travel on board Arajet? Which routes and destinations that the company currently offers are the most exciting for you? Let us know in the comments below.
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