Air travel to Antigua allows you to leave your worries behind

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Antigua, one of the British Leeward Islands, is known for the 365 white beaches that make up its coast. That alone makes Antigua a place to fly to any day of the year. Airlines offer direct and nonstop flights to its one major airport.

Antigua's V.C. Bird Airport, on the northern coast of Antigua near St. John's, is the primary hub for international and Caribbean entry into Antigua or Barbuda. Airlines provide service primarily from North America and Europe and passengers arrive and depart from a modern terminal building.

Taxis meet arriving flights for transportation around Antigua, while charter flights or boats can be arranged for travel to Barbuda or other Caribbean islands. Nonstop service can be arranged from Toronto, London, and San Juan. Direct flights can be arranged from major eastern coast airports including New York, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Miami. Flight times range from one and a half hours from San Juan, three and a half hours from New York, four and a half hours from Toronto, and eight hours from London. Travelers flying to Antigua from destinations outside of North America or the U.K. may need to connect in one of these cities.

Research your options before booking your flight in order to get better deals. Round trip tickets usually represent significant savings for those travelers looking to fly two ways. Consider the times of the week and the duration of your stay as well. Often, weekend stays can also help a traveler save. Flying during the Caribbean off-season can also save passengers up to 50 percent on their airline tickets. Being flexible in your travel dates, booking far in advance, joining frequent flier mile clubs, or searching out last minute deals can also help you to reduce your fare while traveling. Consult internet vendors and individual airlines to find the best deals.

While many airports in the Caribbean are just beginning to modernize to accommodate passenger traffic, V.C. Bird International Airport, with a terminal building constructed in 1981, boasts one of the nicest facilities in the region. The airport is able to receive planes varying from charter to jumbo jets. Passengers must carry their bags significant distances in some airports in the region, so those who are island hopping should call ahead to their various destinations if they believe they will need assistance. Travelers can reach V.C. Bird International Airport at 268-462-4672.

Airlines

Flying into V.C. Bird Airport from locations in the United States, Canada, and Europe is easy, with both non-stop and connecting flights servicing the island. Those traveling from Europe may also find chartered tours for their visit to Antigua and the Caribbean. Those traveling from Australia and New Zealand will need to connect in a United States hub before proceeding to Antigua. Be aware that international visitors staying longer than twenty-four hours must pay a departure tax of $20(USD).

From the U.S. and Canada:

From the UK and Europe:

Within the Caribbean: 

http://www.faa.gov

You can also phone the FAA regarding specific issues:

Airports

Increased security in airports has changed the way that passengers must prepare and arrive to their flights. Passengers and baggage are now subject to increased inspections and now go through more checkpoints before finally reaching the aircraft. While airport security officials have streamlined these procedures, passengers should expect to allow themselves more time to reach their flight. Passengers can take steps to make the airport screening and boarding process quick and painless:

• Confirm flight schedules and ticket assignments with your airline in advance. Passengers flying chartered inter-island jets in the Caribbean should always confirm flights and research restrictions on bag numbers and weights.

• Carry your boarding pass and passport in a safe, easy to reach location. Airport security officials with ask to see both at various terminal checkpoints.

• Passengers with E-tickets may use electronic kiosks to quickly print tickets. People without tickets will not be allowed through security checkpoints.

• Avoid wearing heavy or bulky metal objects such as belt buckles, jewelry or steel-toed boots that could set off metal detectors. Keep in mind that jackets and shoes must often be removed and put through metal detectors as well. Place change, jewelry and other valuable items in your carry-on baggage.

• Avoid bringing prohibited items such as lighters, matches or razors with you. Restrictions on carryon luggage have increased in recent years. Visit the Transportation Security Information Web site or call 866-289-9673 for a list of permitted and prohibited items and to find answers to other concerns.

• Passengers are limited to one carryon bag and one"personal item." Personal items range from purses and briefcases to laptop cases that must contain a laptop.

• Be prepared to remove video camcorders and laptops from their cases for security officials to inspect.

• Doctor's notes for metal surgical implants will help avoid long meetings with airport officials.

• Many airlines allow passengers to bring food and beverages aboard; however they must be purchased at the airline after passengers have gone through the security check.

• Presents should be carried unwrapped, as they may be inspected and unwrapped by airport security officials.

Despite the increase in security concerns most travelers find flying to Antigua to be the quickest, most convenient way to reach their sunny destination.

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