What It's Really Like Flying & Landing at the Punta Cana Airport

[@CLPRPSD]

It’s worth noting, for the viewers, that prior to arriving (up to 72 hour before) that you should fill out the online e-ticket for immigration which gives you a QR code which gets you through immigration…otherwise you cause issues with the rest of us wanting to get through quickly LOL

[@Coolist]

This is true and a great additional piece of info. I just assumed everyone would sort ahead that as they would sort their own flight. BUT, I will mention, if you do not have it completed at the airport, you can complete it there, and the people at the airlines or security will make you step outside of line to do that - it doesn't really affect others, it just adds, or takes away, another 30 minutes at the airport.

[@CLPRPSD]

@@Coolist it actually affected us. They held up the line to tell people about filling it out and had to coach them through it. It slowed things up quite a bit and people were getting testy. It’s amazing to me, how many people really do not research ahead.

[@Giannisdad]

@coolist where do you find this form you are speaking of? Thx… Heading to Punta Cana in July

[@CLPRPSD]

@@Giannisdad no more than 72 hours before you are to arrive and depart from the DR

[@Giannisdad]

@@CLPRPSD where do you find it at 72 hours prior?

[@christophermichael2138]

I started watching and following you right before my first trip to Punta Cana a few years back and although I consider myself a seasoned traveler, I check in to view your travels for pointers. One thing you may want to add is the VIP Fast Track option offered at Punta Cana Airport. $100/person ($85 if 3 or more). They meet you as you depart airplane with a sign with your name , take you inside to a small lounge for drinks and snacks and go to handle immigration and customs for you and then get your bags and then they come to get you from the lounge and walk you out to your transportation. If you tell your transportation that you are using vip they meet you at a separate entrance. You never have to deal with all of those lines or crowds

[@susanstadtlander9140]

They offer the same services in Jamaica. I found it very helpful and a relaxing way to start my vacation. They also offer a similar return service.

[@Sillyme5412]

Thx . Im looking into it

[@elvisurbina4768]

How do you book the vip fast tracking .? On arrival, ?

[@christophermichael2138]

@@elvisurbina4768 you book it once you have your flight info

[@Sillyme5412]

@@christophermichael2138 google Punta Cana vip fast tracking. its all there

[@ElvisGarciaDeJesus-bl4cf]

Punta Cana international airport is the only airport in the world that you literally feel that you are landing in the middle of a resort. The experience is unique and exotic.

[@ninaking7222]

Also, if you book the vip fast track through customs you exit at the vip doors it’s way less chaotic. Pro Tip: let your transfer service know before you arrive to pick you up at the vip doors. It’s so much easier. I always use Kelly Tours in this area of the DR. They are reliable, safe, and every transfer is private. They are also locally owned and operated unlike Amstar which is corporate. We always try to put money back into the local economy. Kelly Tours is also way cheaper than Amstar.

[@sobermidnight]

How to book vip fast track?

[@robertobrien3122]

150 dollars nty

[@iVaCay01]

Dude knows his stuff. I’m heading there again in two weeks and he gives best reviews and we going to Punta Cana at excellence.

[@markbaker55]

I'll be there in one week. LOL Meet you at Magna.

[@riccochet704]

Been there a bunch of times. That airport is chaos at the transport area. Best thing I can say is to pre-book your transfer, and, yes, private transfers are the way to go. Last time we used Viator and booked a luxury SUV, which happened to be a Escalade. Much nicer than the van's that you typically get.

[@Coolist]

That's exactly what I did - prebooked Amstar. You can do it the day up to your flight.

[@creitosfl]

Where do you pre book private transfer?

[@riccochet704]

@@creitosfl you can do it through the resort or through a private transport company like Viator.

[@TheJbeau23]

These types of videos are very helpful and interesting, specifically the first class lounges, and what to expect when you land at specific airports. They're all different and it's super useful to get a gander. Thanks!

[@glenrivara2353]

That area in the airport that you weren't sure what it was has the hotel transfer desks. We took Amstar. It's the first desk. It's dirt cheap. I hope you will be staying at Iberostar Grand Bavaro. I love that place.

[@WepaMan]

Thanks for the info and all your videos. I just booked for September at RIU Republica can't wait!

[@Coolist]

I am excited for you!

[@mentonerodominicano]

I flew out of PUJ in the summer and the bus to the plane situation was a little overkill, but I loved the high ceiling and huge terminal space, which is a lot better than the low ceilings the other Dominican airports have.

[@davidmatke248]

Thanks for showing us your travel day! I really enjoyed that. Definitely looking forward to seeing your new Punta Cana hotel reviews as well.

[@Coolist]

thanks for coming along David

[@misskerst09]

As a new Travel Agent I greatly appreciate all of your overviews!

[@codypond3731]

Really excited to see upcoming videos! Definitely top 3 travel vlogs on KZbin in my opinion.

[@Coolist]

thank you so much for that compliment - it means a lot. 🙇🏻‍♂️

[@COCOGROCOSHOW]

I think that travelers from Canada like me have a best deal in that mater . We book absolutely everything right in our travel agency in Canada . All inclusive , flight ,hotel,food,drinks , private transfer to resort where we going . Those guys have the list of people that they picking up and they don't leave until they got all of us. We carry the money just for tips and souvenirs .

[@antoniettavilleneuve498]

hey, yes, we booked everything including the transfer too. Question, do you confirm your transfer here in Canada and how do you know the name of the transfer company ?

[@GA-fz2wt]

Same here in England it's all done together. All I've got to do is turn up with my case passport boarding passes downloaded online and the entry form done before hand. It's 9 Hour flight for us. How long is it from Canada?

[@jacklawer6389]

​@@GA-fz2wt 4.25 hrs

[@davidjohnston6867]

Thank you so much for making this video! Most of the advice I saw before my trip was to grab a cab, but that is absolute chaos. I remember being swindled by all sorts of drivers as one man with a clipboard was trying to maintain order and only let certain drivers take certain passengers. I can't agree more - book a private shuttle in Punta Cana.

[@Coolist]

I didn't want to get into, but many times at text airports I've been offered very illict things by the cabbie as soon as I entered the cab. Now i'm the a car in the guy with a guy that doesn't even work for a company, with my bags in the trunk, in a foreign country, hoping that I make it to my hotel as he could potentially take me anywhere. LEARN FROM MY MISTAKERS EVERYONE.

[@bodyloverz30]

@@Coolist I highly recommend booking the Arrival/Departure VIP Experience, where they pick you up on a golf cart, to VIP customs lounge, then directly through to you car. Leaving the island, they take you through security, through immigration, to a Departure's Lounge, with food/drink. This is well worth the money 100%!

[@ElvisGarciaDeJesus-bl4cf]

My favorite airport to land, Punta Cana international airport.

[@ojb48o]

I highly recommend the VIP service in Punta Cana airport on your way in. You skip all the lines and wait in a lounge with free beers and snacks while your stuff goes through customs. Then they help you find your shuttle.

[@actinglikeseals]

The VIP service is the BEST! It’s the only way I’ve ever flown in/out of PUJ, and the only way I ever will. The rest of the airport looks ATROCIOUS 😮

[@elvisurbina4768]

How do you book this VIP service .?

[@josephmoya2105]

I enjoy your videos, as a flight attendant I appreciate you. I have been to PUJ so many times and you been on point with your reviews. great job!! You inspire me to continue to travel.

[@Michael_Billig]

More of these vlogs please!

[@Coolist]

I actually enjoyed it and will! It's been tough over the years to do airport vlogs but this reignited me.

[@Joycer2002]

Just a little more information about the Punta Cana airport...arriving from Canada the plane stops on the tarmac and you have to walk down the plane stairs to ground level where everyone boards a bus with standing room and are taken to the airport doors. If you have mobility issues you stay on the plane and someone will help you.

[@wigglz]

That area you didn't know what it was is, the area you go to verify and get your bus number to your resort if you book an all inclusive package with transportation. Generally these are large coach buses. You need to find your company you booked with and they will have your name on a list.

[@nick92065]

We have never had a problem getting through the airport because we get an early flight that gets in at noon on a Thursday. Our departing flight leaves on a Saturday at 7 PM.

[@marialexandra1976]

Can't wait to see the Videos for this trip!! Because of you, I visited Riu Republica last year and I had a great time! going back with my party friend in September!!

[@kenmills4977]

Thanks James. Looking forward to those hotel reviews.

[@Coolist]

Thank you Ken!

[@arydze2]

Looking forward to your review of Barcelo. We were there during cov. Beautiful resort but service was disappointing. Hoping that they got their act together.

[@Coolist]

Just wait...............

[@YMGarcia82]

whenever I book a resort trip to Punta Cana or even Jamaica, my travel agent 90% of the time books with Delta Vacations, they office free airport transfers to and from hotel. very seamless process and safe. highly recommend it

[@frankxd9232]

Glad to see you back. Enjoy !

[@Aggiemicro]

You are my fav hotel reviewer!! So excited you back to Punta Cana. I just get back with my hubby from Breathless, and your review was up to the point, but I took pros and cons. I got to say the beach at resort was beautiful and what you said, and we went with it. We were ecstatic to find the beach the way you describe it. Awesome sauce🙂 We tried your tip for specialty cocktails in the restaurant, and it always works haha Great reviews, and thank you for keeping it interesting!!! Have fun in Punta Cana, already miss it immensely hahaha

[@klausreistrum]

60 USD for airport transportation is very expansive. I usually go with Mike Fisher / DWJ VIP Services. Very reliable drivers and comfortable vans with wifi and water. Never had any issue. They only charge 35 USD for transportation from PUJ to all hotels in the Bávaro area.

[@PureEM1]

Glad to see your back in the Dominican! Your tour of the Punta Cana airport transports me back. Looking forward to your review of Barcelo Bavaro. My fiance and I stayed at Finest Punta Cana last year and had an excellent time - I have a couple walktheough videos posted. We've also stayed at Princess Bavaro, Majestic Mirage (Enjoyed your videos), Excellence El Carmen and the Hyatt sister properties.

[@frankxd9232]

I agree !

[@Sillyme5412]

I stayed at the Barcelo Bavaro in Nov, 2022. The food was the worst food I ever tasted. Watch out for the front desk. They tried to scam me on my check out but I caught it. The water is very nice.

[@giovannipantorno884]

Just went punta cana 1st week in May wit my friend.. amazing place I'm gonna go again

[@Coolist]

💥

[@scott6421]

It takes me about 30 minutes going there.. (been there 9 times?) But it depends on when your flight lands.. if you get a flight that lands before 1pm... you can get thru in 20-30 minutes.. if you land after that.. could be 30-45 cause more planes are landing. It all depends on how many flights lands near the same timeframe

[@Coolist]

Bro, buy lottery tickets because all my experiences were nothing as you described. I've been there for two hours at times. Several planes land at once, creating a backlog for the only two baggage stalls which use outdated manual unloading techniques. Sometimes I've been out in under and hour, but personally for me, I would never expect it 30-45 minutes. From touchdown to transport.

[@scott6421]

@@Coolist Well for 1, I don't use checked bag. so that takes longer, I use carry on.. besides, if they lose your bags.. you're kinda fuxked.. can't risk that.. lol

[@scott6421]

Go back to Riu Republica.. it's more fun than when you went last year or was it 2 years ago by now.. ??

[@HawkrulzOfficial]

It's funny, I'm leaving Punta Cana tonight after spending 7 wonderful days here and you're just arriving😂. My wife, her 3 best friends and myself stayed at the Riu Palace Bavaro. It's our first international trip and experience staying in an all inclusive. Food was excellent, beach was gorgeous and never had seaweed. The service from staff was top notch and never felt awkward interactions. Will definitely come back and do this again. 10/10 in our books

[@Coolist]

I stayed at one of those hotels in that complex 😎

[@Mysterio_who]

I went this past October, I flew air Canada and everything was arranged. once me and my partner got to the airport, I felt very overwhelmed because of how busy and so many people approach you and it is very hard to understand people with the difference in language. Anyway, me and my partner found the air borealis agent that was waiting to pick us up, there were these 2 men loading our bags into the van and he was demanding a tip, also, this man was not in an air Canada uniform so that was sketchy for me. Once I gave him a tip he gave me a weird look and I felt very uneasy even after I was on the bus

[@robertsmith20022]

Big dawg, im at dreams riviera right now as we speak. Loving it

[@heavensnt4u2love]

So looking forward to your reviews! Glad you're back in PC 😊

[@Mama_birdie_4]

Hubby and I are headed down in September. We’re staying at the Hideaway. Have you ever been to that resort?

[@gnucci3958]

Great video and can't wait for your review of this place. We stay at the Barcelo in Mexico and love it! Going again in December and then Punta Cana Barcelo in April 2024.....

[@Coolist]

Yo Nucc! Full experience video dropping in less than a week. It is now the #1 hotel in Punta Cana

[@Tubeyou72]

Yess can’t wait for this trip in pc !🙌🏻🙌🏻😬

[@Coolist]

Best hotel lineup yet. 💯

[@TropicalBenidorm]

hi love your videos we are going to rui macao on tuesday i was wondering does the punta cana airport do suitcase wrapping many airports do this now we will get ot done on our way to punta cana from madrd but comiong home does punta cana airport offer this process ????

[@JR2K80]

Let me say I use Amstar for all my transportation. And Grasti is now Vespa at Royalton Chic Cancun. The Calamari and Lasagna OMG. Thanks for the recommendation. Also got Diamond Club.

[@phrewilly8556]

Grat video James! I enjoyed the way you did the travel day. When you cruise this would be perfect when you explain how you travel to the port, board, etc. Well done sir!

[@Coolist]

this video is a start of that vlogging process. Need to reengage that craft and hone it as it has been awhile! Hope you are great PHRE!

[@phrewilly8556]

@@Coolist I am buddy! We are headed on the Carnival Luminosa out of Seattle on an Alaskan Cruise June 1st. Frist time on one of those going to Alaska!

[@jennifergramirez]

Thanks for the tip! I’m heading over there to Hyatt Zilara.

[@andysorensen1737]

Thanks for giving MSP some love! Definitely a great airport.

[@Coolist]

Way underrated

[@ilyaasslb3065]

am going Tomorrow to Punta Cana

[@jameswright7923]

Been to Dominica lots. Airport is always a hit and miss for being busy soon your arrival. Got a taxi for four people and 40 bucks us. Good deal our resort was half hour away. A lot of luggage. You can make a deal sometimes but much better than waiting for everyone to get on shuttle buss for the resort. And you a lot of times arrive way sooner than the rest of crowd going to your resort. I remember when the airport was like a huge cabana those were good times

[@tjarema78]

The video was great and good tips. We are heading down to the DR in 16 days.

[@phillykoinonia31]

Book the vip airport service. Ita 100 per person but it saved us almost 3 hours going thru customs, baggage claim and finding our car service.

[@southpark5328]

How do you get upgraded to first class often as you mentioned earlier in the video that you dont even bother booking first class. Thanks!

[@nataliamendes1717]

Was cool to see the intercontinental and the new delta lounge at MSP.

[@THE1CEO]

James go to the sanctuary cap cana and do a review.

[@Coolist]

Definitely 💯 I have something very special planned for my ultimate grand finale trip. By process of elimination, you can probably guess the line-up

[@THE1CEO]

@@Coolist thanks bro!

[@leannschulze1340]

Ahhh! Last video was the resort we wanted to go to and now your doing a video from my city!!❤❤❤

[@nicolej4079]

I love your videos Coolest!! Staying at the Mirage in a few months.

[@lorrainescott8793]

Do you know where I can get a video of the drive from Punta Cana airport to the Majestic Colonial?

[@carolamick8303]

Customs... was the BAG xray The line was for immigration, there is a difference.

[@jerseykid5319]

😂 Love ❤️ that my father is Dominican and the culture is embedded in me. Never sketchy in DR.

[@fuaris492]

Curious to see Barcelo Punta Cana, Barcelo Maya in Mexico is pretty meh unless you're in the newest section.

[@lanman5481]

Great your doing Barcelo's in DR, loved the Riviera Maya AO but due to the new smoking ban in Mexico (they had ashtrays on the beach) we wont be going back and was checking out this one but not many good reviews on them. Anxiously waiting for your review.

[@The_Scorpios_Photography]

Hey really appreciate your input and travel tips!! Been utilizing your videos for over a year now to review some of my now favorite destinations!! Safe travels and much appreciated brother!! 🙏🏼🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@jebkramer1263]

I have to say, I’m inspired by your calmness while traveling. I actually avoid going to all inclusives simply because of the travel required.

[@h3agler]

Yeah, these mega resort destinations are not for me. Too chaotic and feel trapped on large properties.

[@ellenh4984]

​@h3agler What prevents you from leaving resort and going sightseeing or organized excursions? I love all inclusive resorts, but I don't stay in all day.

[@h3agler]

@@ellenh4984 yeah, seems like a hassle. chaotic. not my vibe. I’d rather walk out of the lobby and be on the street. I don’t want to stand in some velvet rope cattle heard line for every thing I try to do from checking in to getting a cab or checking out.

[@Coolist]

Thank you. It;s just experience and repetition at this point. I've been doing this for the last 13 years. My decade before KZbin was so much crazier. It would be like if you were a mechanic or computer programmer and I watched you - I would be amazed.

[@jebkramer1263]

You make a good point. My wife loves the all-inclusives, so maybe I just need to get a few trips under my belt, so that I’ll be more comfortable with it all. Thank you for taking the time to respond. We both love your content.

[@fjs2871]

Love your videos. Going to Royalton Chic Punta Cana in December.

[@Coolist]

Absolutely PERFECT time to visit. Well done and enjoy 🏝️

[@user95_252]

Do they still issue passport stamps ?

[@michael.andrew04]

They stamped our passports when we were there last month

[@alfredolopez4092]

I been there and love it

[@paulduffy8774]

yes been there 10 times but they have price themselves out of business with me a 7da use to be 3000 now it is 6000 for me and my wife another thing the sun is the same and the food is the same so why double the price ps watch a couple of agents like yourself and they were saying there is not as many people as before well i wonder why from canada

[@LiliColaku-bn7lf]

Question regarding private transfers: if I am scheduled to arrive at this airport for 11AM and my private transfer states they'll pick me up at 11:25AM, should I ask to push the pick up back an hour +? I also got the VIP option at the airport. I don't believe 25 minutes is enough to get off plane, do the whole rigamarow and get to the private car in time and it's definitely causing me anxiety!! Thanks in advance :)

[@Wmeisel6969]

loving the videos - will you be going to the Fi est Punta Cana to do a review ?

[@prevosfr]

you need to do a stay in Samana and make a video of it.

[@jennamilo5477]

When landing in the punta Cana airport do you have to go through x ray to get ur bag checked and metal detectors?

[@kaitlyncooper2369]

What is the van service that you recommendAt the airport? I’m going on a girls trip in January and would prefer to get a private ride.

[@blackboy124345]

HEy can You give me a new update on the resorts with the best food and a casino or withour? ASAP

[@connort6140]

Hey Man, What is the best website for a last minute all inclusive trip to the carribean? We would be flying out of dfw.

[@BadMilli]

Anyone have an update on the VIP service on a Saturday around 10:30am?? Is it worth it??

[@andrewchevrier]

Maybe I was unlucky, but when we arrived, that customs line was 2hrs in stuffy, humid, heat.

[@MichaelZurawski-f6c]

Does anyone know if the hard rock airport shared transfers are worth it, or is better to get private transportation?

[@lauradubose7233]

Yeah James! Fun to travel along with you! How long was the flight from MSP to Punta Cana? I watched all your PC videos and enjoyed them all. Stay cool as always! All the best 😎

[@Coolist]

Hi Laura, Longer than you might think - if I recall, it was close to 5 hours.

[@lauradubose7233]

@@Coolist James i was just thinking about something i haven’t heard you speak a lot about (i’m fairly new to your channel so forgive me if you have posted something in the past) is do you book your stays directly with each hotel? Do you use booking sites? And do you look through them all for best prices? 😎

[@phogenicjosh2601]

Is it easy to find the Costco travel sign at the destination service counter? I believe it’s after baggage claim but unsure

[@tinawimberley4285]

Have you ever flown COPA to get to Punta Cana? Looking for feedback and reviews for this airline experience please.

[@Abby-vw9zn]

Booking a holiday to Dominican 🇩🇴 what’s the best hotel please 😅 thank you 😊 🇬🇧

[@YMGarcia82]

an hour to get thru in PUJ? its usually 20 to 30 minutes for me. but I dont check in a bag, carry on all the way

[@chelsymeiss]

Thank you for your videos, they offer immense value. Questions: Have you done the VIP fast track and lounge access offered at the PC airport? If so was it worth it? Could you get through the security and immigration lines faster? My other question is when waiting for checked baggage was it an extra long wait in your experience or regular wait times comparable to other airports. Thank you for your helpful and beautiful video content.

[@ninaking7222]

I do it every time I fly to Punta Cana which I do multiple times a year. It's well worth the money.

[@valsquyres]

Expresó, what?! Decaf? 😉 Can’t wait for next vid.

[@Coolist]

Hey VAl! How are you? I am back on the Gas ⛽️

[@valsquyres]

Doin’ great! Getting a garden in. Big glass of iced tea is the highest dosage I can stand anymore.

[@Goyanks28]

I’m from Saint Paul MN and was just in Punta Cana last week with my wife for my honeymoon. We thought of you and MSP airport is the best in the country and way better than Punta Cana.

[@Coolist]

After being in almost every major airport in the country, I always knew MSP was good, but that fact really made me realize that, yeah, it's an awesome airport. Especially with the Mall of America just minutes away.

[@Goyanks28]

@@Coolist absolutely you can just take the metro transit from the Mall of America to MSP airport. We stayed at Excellence Punta Cana and it was a big part due to your review. Appreciate your videos brother! My wife and I love them!

[@Mangos68]

Seeing like you are an expert ..can you please recommend an adults only on Bavaro beach side ..quiet and nice pools ...for 2 adults mom and daughter..please also provide safety tips etc ..melia caribe wellness or excellence or any others please

[@miguelgrullon71]

I am very surprised about the taxis because at the other airports like the one in Santiago and Santo Domingo the taxis are Mark with the airport logo and they wear uniforms.

[@ellenh4984]

I was in Punta Cana 5 times in the last 2 years. I don't find the airport more hectic than any other airport.

[@Coolist]

It's all perspective - you might have nerves of steel or have the intuition of an owl. I've flown over a million miles in the sky and stayed at over 700 hotels in the last 13 years. I think it is quite energetic and overloading on the senses relative to other airports in the Caribbean. and definitely to those domestically.

[@caseyrustin6110]

James I like the travel vlogs keep it up!

[@Coolist]

Thanks! It was get tot back back to them!

[@AndresSosa-wp8bz]

Few questions. Are you still Diamond with Delta? I remember the video when you got the Million Miler gift. What is your favorite drink with Delta? Mine is the canned Old Fashion 😬. Great video. Marcos

[@michaelgrammer5461]

What about Ubers? I’m going in January and a lot of the Ubers were saying 10-15$ for a ride to the resort from airport

[@ShanBee735]

Great video! When leaving I love the Punta Cana VIP lounge with the infinity pool above the Delta terminal l. Coolist airport ever for take off!

[@gigcleveland9740]

TBH i like security there lol bags through xray. Not like the usa which is like East Germany (TSA)

[@cynthiatravelingqueen9095]

you and your video are awesome god bless you

[@dphaub]

Thanks for the video! We will actually be flying out of MSP to Punta Cana on Delta in a few months. Question: Did you ever look into the VIP package at the airport in Punta Cana? I saw on their website that if you pay extra, someone will meet you at the jet bridge, take you to a private lounge, handle all of your immigration stuff, then take you out a private exit to your shuttle/transfer.

[@tomlivesay8407]

Thank you for this video.

[@Coolist]

🙌

[@JCMenendez]

Do you know any app where I could booking a transportation from the Punta Caña airport to hotel

[@adanabundrz7017]

Cool 😎 Thanks for sharing

[@Coolist]

Yo AA! Great to see you - thanks!

[@Jo-mg9vd]

Hi I found this video very helpful. Just one thing, how do you book a private transfer from the airport to your resort ? Is it better than taking the hotel transfer bus ?

[@jenmar9428]

Ask your hotel about private transfer and how much it costs.

[@michael.andrew04]

Better to book your private transfer in advance. Some or most hotels don’t offer transfer bus.

[@adellis24]

BTW; the Fairmont Hotel at the Vancouver Airport in Canada is widely seen as the top airport hotel on the continent as it has won top honors for most of its existence.

[@QueenCandace101]

@coolist how long was the wait through customs in Punta Cana?

[@michael.andrew04]

It took us 30-45mins

[@ajsmilda]

Is there a duty free shop in the arrival section?

[@ellenh4984]

Yes, huge area of shops.

[@gideonp9762]

This must be a few weeks old because they built a new lounge in msp