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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. Nonstop service can be arranged from Toronto, London, and San Juan. Direct flights can be arranged from major airports including New York (4 hours), Miami (3hours), Toronto (4 hours), and Puerto Rico (1 hour). 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.
Taxis are available at the airport as well as throughout Antigua. Bus service can be obtained from hotels, or contact Lawrence of Antigua at 717-389-6181. Many international rental car agencies are abundant; click here for details. Charter flights or boats can be arranged for travel to Barbuda other Caribbean islands.
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:
| Airline | Phone Number | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | 888-247-2262 268-462-1147 in Antigua |
Nonstop service from Toronto |
| American Airlines | 800-433-7300 268-462-0950 in Antigua |
Daily nonstop flights from hub in San Juan, Puerto Rico via New York and Miami |
| Caribbean Airlines | 800-920-4225 | Flights from New York, Toronto, London, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami |
| Continental Airlines | 800-231-0856 268-462-5355 in Antigua |
Flights from Miami and Newark |
| Delta Airlines | 800-221-1212 | Flights from Atlanta |
| US Airways | 800-428-4322 268-480-5700 in Antigua |
Flights from Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Baltimore |
From the UK and Europe:
| Airline | Phone Number | Service |
|---|---|---|
| British Airways | 0870-850-9-850 in the U.K. 268-462-0876 in Antigua |
Flights from London Gatwick |
| Caribbean Airlines | [44] (0) 870 774 7336 | Flights from London |
| Virgin Atlantic | 0870-380-2007 in the U.K. 800-744-7477 in the Caribbean |
Flights from London Gatwick Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays |
| Condor Airlines | 49 180 5 707202 in Germany | Flights from Frankfurt, Germany |
| Livingston Energy Flight | 39 02 39192552 | Flights from Milan, Italy |
Within the Caribbean:
| Airline | Phone Number | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Air St. Kitts/Nevis | 268-465-8571 | Charter service from the Caribbean and South America |
| Carib Aviation | 268-462-3147 268-462-3452 |
Charter service with 5, 7, and 19 passenger planes to islands in the Eastern Caribbean |
| Caribbean Star Airlines | 866-864-6272 268-480-2561 in Antigua |
Service to most nearby islands |
| LIAT | 868-624-4727 888-844-LIAT (5428) |
Flights throughout the Caribbean |
| Montserratt Airways | 646-491-3434 | Service to nearby islands |
| Caribbean Airlines | 868 625 7200 in Trinidad 800 744 2225 in Antigua, Barbados, and Jamaica 011 599 546 7660/7661 in Sint Maarten 868 660 7200 in Tabago |
Flights throughout the Caribbean |
Although many airlines provide service to Antigua, finding the type of flight you want with an airline you are familiar with may not always be possible. Travelers can research airline reputations by consulting the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States (FAA), which ranks airlines based on performance, safety, and service. Contact the FAA at: Federal Aviation Administration 800 Independence Ave, SW Washington, DC 20591,http://www.faa.gov
You can also phone the FAA regarding specific issues:
| Regulator | Telephone Number |
|---|---|
| Aviation Consumer Protection Division and Air Travel Service Problems | 202-366-2220 |
| FAA Consumer Hotline | 866-835-5322 |
| Transportation Security Administration (for security and baggage screeners concerns) |
866-289-9673 |
Airports
Passengers and baggage are 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:
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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.
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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.
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Passengers with E-tickets may use electronic kiosks to quickly print tickets. People without tickets will not be allowed through security checkpoints.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Be prepared to remove video camcorders and laptops from their cases for security officials to inspect.
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Doctor's notes for metal surgical implants will help avoid long meetings with airport officials.
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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.
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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.
If you're searching for a fun way to reach Antigua, don't forget about your cruise options
There are a number of ways to book your trip to Antigua. Be sure to find out about all of your choices before you make your decision.
Get more out of your vacation by taking the time to brush up on the history of Antigua.
