This is a bit of a miscellany of observations following another trip to Zoetry Agua in Punta Cana (our 4th visit since 2020). It was our first long-haul since we oldies started tottering around on walking sticks, and generated some interesting experiences!

26 Nov 24
BA2527, 0725 JER-LGW, A320, Seats 1A/C

JER airport usually works well, and this was no exception. Fast track to Security [which didn’t matter as it was so quiet] and plenty of room in the Lounge. Boarding was Gate 10, and we had already been flagged at Check-in for Pre-boarding [Group 00 as I call it]. On board we found it was one of those G-GAT* A320s where 1A/C are completely exposed: at least we had plenty of leg room!




“Breakfast” was the pared down nothingness of a sausage bun or nothing! No cutlery, no fruit bowl … and napkins handed out as a seeming afterthought. Quite appalling!




LGW arrival was to Gate 2, entailing a long walk round the pier to eventually reach Domestic Arrivals. That did not suit these old totterers! And having arrived Landside, it was straight upstairs to Departures. Phew!

Security [Premium Gatwick] was fine as usual, and off to the FLounge. The new furniture has been installed, and has lower backs. As a result your head can be very close to someone else’s in the next bay. Not great, especially when that person is yakking away to his friends!

BA2205, 1310 LGW-PUJ, B777, Seats 4A/B

Another long trek to Gate 17, but at least the moving walkways were working!



Gate staff checked BPs, Passports and the DR Immigration form. And then wait near the door to the airbridge. Pre-boarding announced and worked well, and we squeezed into the old Club World seats and remembered how uncomfortable and inconvenient they are! Sticks and carry-ons safely showed above us.




We both skipped the main course, as usual. Soup + Starter, Pud + Cheese is quite enough!

PUJ Arrival. One good thing about 4A/B is that you get to be first off! And there on the airbridge we found a large collection of Wheelchairs and Porters, seeking clients. OK, we’ll go for it! Two young operators of these devices, driving at some speed along corridors and down ramps to the Border, where they gave our passports and entry document to the Agent. A quick look at the computer, 2 stamps and … away again!

At high speed I suddenly realised we were passing Duty Free … “STOP!” A quick transaction for 400 Marlboro (£67.98 on my Starling forex free debit card) and onward, James … next stop Reclaim, which is quite a long way away. And there we wait. And wait. And eventually we have a case! Onwards to Customs, where our 2 charioteers are waved straight past … and outside to Ground Transfers.

BA Holidays uses Amstar, and they are very efficient and reliable in our experience. Their desks are in the middle of this LONG row of Transfer and Rental Agents.


Ground Transfers and Taxis

Being official employees of the Airport (Special Services) they executed a neat bit of queue-jumping, were told which vehicle we were in, and … away again into the parking lot where our mini-van awaited. Phew! Quick and efficient [except for Reclaim) and after their efforts I later felt rather guilty about only tipping them $2 each.

After a quick cigarette (Lady T has given up after her cancer diagnosis) we were on our way for the c. 1 hour drive to Zoetry.