img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}Already thinking of your next sun-drenched Caribbean getaway this winter? Before you go ahead and spend hundreds of dollars on those ‘irresistible’ round-trip flights that are, in fact, not as cheap as they could be, you’ll want to hear this one out:
From November 15, Arajet, the Dominican Republic’s new budget carrier, will start ultra-affordable direct flights from Chicago to Punta Cana.
Home to postcard white-sand beaches hugged by teal seas, world-class resorts, and a lively entertainment district peppered with restaurants and nightclubs, it is one of the trendiest destinations in the Tropics, and it’s never been cheaper to get to:
At Last… Arajet Is Coming To Chicago!
You might not have come across Arajet in your flight searches before, but that’s because they’re a new airline launched in 2022, and until recently, they operated to and from select hubs across the Americas.
It has grown significantly since its launch, and by 2025, it will already serve destinations such as Miami (MIA), Newark (EWR), and even San Juan (SJU) in Puerto Rico.
Arajet isn’t exactly known for its top-notch service, comfy flying experience, and wide range of onboard amenities, but what they do excel at is their unbeatable prices. That is, if you’re flying at the lowest possible fare, with carry-on only.
From Miami, round-trip tickets average only $196 flying to Punta Cana (PUJ), and from Newark (EWR) to Santo Domingo, the culture-loaded capital of the Dominican Republic, you can expect to pay roughly $208 both ways.
Given their low-cost appeal, it was about time they finally debuted in the Midwest market:
$234 Roundtrip Fares Going To Punta Cana
From November 15, Arajet service will begin between Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Punta Cana, with base round-trip fares currently estimated at $234 (without extras).
We’re sure this might increase as time goes on, but for now, the predicted frequency is three-times-weekly flights, with the operation days as follows:
- From Punta Cana (PUJ): Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
- From Chicago O’Hare (ORD): Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
Outbound flights departing from Chicago have a listed departure of 10:27 A.M. from ORD, arriving to PUJ at 5:12 P.M. for a total flight time of 4h45.
Meanwhile, return flights from PUJ are expected to depart at 5:47 A.M. (who here’s an early bird?), touching down back in ORD at 8:57 A.M. just in time for breakfast at Berghoff Cafe in Terminal 1.
What To Expect Flying Arajet
When it comes to Arajet’s bag allowance, you should know it uses the common low-cost carrier structure:
- ‘Base’ fare: personal item only, with no free carry-on or checked luggage
- ‘Comfort’: larger carry allowance or one checked baggage, depending on route
- ‘Extra’: checked baggage, priority boarding, and add-ons you’d typically have to pay for are included
As of now, the average fares for the Comfort and Extra fares from Chicago to Punta Cana haven’t been formally disclosed, but based on Arajet’s historical pricing, we can expect Comfort to start at approximately $253 and Extra at $269.
Once again, these are estimates, and final prices depend on seat availability, seasonal demand, and other factors.
Either way, there’s no denying Arajet will be a stone in American and United’s shoes, and perhaps even Frontier’s, once they enter the Chicago market.
With American Airlines, the cheapest round-trip tickets going to Punta Cana from O’Hare are $328. With United, that’s an even pricier $348, and with Frontier, they average $328.
Prepare For Your Punta Cana Getaway
If you’re flying to Punta Cana this winter, make sure you prepare in advance with our newly-launched, free-to-use Traveler Tools.
Use our TOP Entry Requirement Checker to verify whether there are any visa or digital entry permit restrictions imposed on Americans, and the (already popular) Travel Advisory Check, to stay on the loop about security updates at your destination.
Vinicius CostaVini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
The Travel Off Path Advantage: Your Travel Toolkit
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