1. Overview
This article provides essential tips and strategies for finding the best airfares to the Caribbean. By being flexible, exploring various travel options, and taking advantage of off-season rates, travelers can significantly reduce their travel costs.
2. Buying Packages
Traditionally, the Caribbean has always been a more cost-friendly destination for travelers who opt for air-land package deals as compared to those traveling independently. It’s not uncommon to find hotel deals that include airfare cheaper than the published prices for airfare alone on airline websites. Airlines, hotels, travel agencies, and various destinations also offer package deals that can save you considerable money on Caribbean travel.
3. Flying with Budget Airlines
San Juan is served by ATA Airlines and JetBlue; JetBlue also offers routes to Puerto Rico’s regional Aguadilla and Ponce airports, as well as Nassau in the Bahamas, plus flights to Bermuda and other destinations. Another discount carrier worth checking out is Spirit Airlines, which serves Grand Cayman, Turks and Caicos, Kingston, Montego Bay in Jamaica, Nassau in the Bahamas, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Thanks to its merger with AirTran, Southwest Airlines is beginning to establish a presence in the Caribbean, with flights to Nassau, San Juan, Punta Cana, Montego Bay, Bermuda, and Key West. Indeed, Southwest is quickly becoming a major carrier to the Caribbean.
4. Arranging Travel via San Juan
Puerto Rico’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport has long been the region’s primary transportation hub, served not only by major U.S. carriers but also by numerous regional carriers.
In some cases, it may be more economical to book a cheap flight with a discount carrier to San Juan and then arrange to fly on a “puddle jumper” to one of the region’s lesser-known islands than to fly directly or on both legs with a major U.S. carrier. Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and St. Maarten also serve as regional travel hubs that may offer cheaper flight combinations.
5. Checking Out Charters
Charter airlines serve destinations like Aruba and Bermuda, and sometimes offer advantageous deals on airfare, even if travelers are not part of a group.
6. Traveling Off Season
The best airfare deals to the Caribbean can usually be found in the off-peak season—roughly mid-April to mid-December. In many instances, Caribbean destinations will provide “air credits” of up to $500 to help entice travelers during these months.
7. Go Where Prices Are Low
The French Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe have made a notable impact in the U.S. tourism market by forming a unique partnership with Norwegian Airlines. Some one-way airfares have been priced below $100. This demonstrates how travel costs can influence your destination choice and present opportunities to explore islands you may not have previously considered.
8. Caribbean Trip and Vacation Planning
As is the case with most air travel, it’s advisable to plan ahead to guarantee yourself a seat. Non-stop flights generally come at a higher fare, while trips with multiple stops tend to be more affordable. Keep an eye out for special airline promotions, and stay informed about upcoming packages and specials from various resorts that may include travel or airfare expenses.
