Jamaica's visitors find airline travel to be quick and easy

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The most popular way to reach Jamaica, usually said to be because of the speed and convenience, is via airplane. Jamaica is a regional hub, and has direct service from many countries. A flight from New York to Montego Bay or Kingston takes approximately four hours, while flights from London and Paris take roughly seven hours.

Round-trip tickets are the easiest way to save money on flights, as they're usually much less expensive than one-way flights. Booking well in advance helps both ensure your seating and save money, though sometimes last-minute bargains are well worth the wait, especially for travelers with flexible plans. You may also choose off-peak times to fly in order to save money. Traveling in the off-season will help you find lower prices, and mid-week flights are generally a lower cost as well. Staying over Saturday is another option for lowering the ticket price. Remember that if you find a special rate on your fare, you may be buying a nonrefundable ticket. Fees are often included for altering your ticket after your purchase.

Note that the airports at Montego Bay and Kingston are the two largest, but numerous other Jamaican airports are quite small. Travelers who need to make small hops across the island to reach the airports in Negril and other areas may not be able to deplane directly to the terminal. Travelers with ailments that cause them trouble walking may want to make special arrangements with the staff at the airline prior to their arrival at their final destination in Jamaica.

Airlines

Once you're on Jamaica, you can hop around the island by way of the many smaller airports and airlines. To get to Jamaica, though, rely on one of the airlines below, all of which have regularly scheduled flights to Jamaica from hubs in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Airlines offering local Caribbean service:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can give you a little more information about airlines with which you're unfamiliar. Safety, service, and performance are ranked by the FAA for carriers. Contact the FAA at 800 Independence Ave., SW, Washington D.C., 20591 or online at http://www.faa.gov. You can also phone the FAA regarding specific issues:

Airport Security

Travelers going abroad will want to keep in mind that many airports, especially in the U.S., have tightened their security measures. Baggage screening procedures and additional security checks have been implemented. Airports are conducting random inspections as well. Travelers should keep this in mind and plan to arrive at the airport one hour before their flight for domestic flights, and two hours in advance for international flights; earlier still for high-traffic airports.

Following these other suggestions can help to reduce your waiting time:

• Avoid wearing metal objects such as steel-toed boots, heavy jewelry or bulky belt buckles, which can set off the checkpoint detectors.

• Metal surgical implants may also set off detectors, bring a note from a doctor to avoid hang ups due to increased security precautions.

• Travelers should keep their government-issued photo ID and passport on hand at all times.

• Remember that only ticketed passengers are now allowed to pass through the security checkpoint and to the gate. Bring along your ticket or e-ticket confirmation.

• Check on your flight before leaving for the airport to confirm that it is on schedule.

Carry-On Luggage

Carry-on luggage regulations have gone through changes as well. Avoid carrying metal scissors, nail clippers, and razors, among other items; onto planes as such items may be confiscated. The most complete list of regulated items is listed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Find this on its website at http://www.tsa.gov/public/index.jsp or call 1-866-289-9673 in the U.S.

Other carry-on requirements are as follows:

• Each passenger is allowed one carry-on bag and one private item. The "private item" can include a briefcase, purse, or laptop case. A laptop case is only a personal item if it contains a laptop.

• Food and beverages may not be brought through security. Any food you want to bring on the plane must be bought in their airport.

• Travelers will want to avoid wrapping presents before carrying them on a plane. Should they set off the detector, officials will be forced to unwrap, and may damage, the present.

Arrivals

Upon arrival in Jamaica you'll need to clear customs. You should also consider exchanging your money for Jamaican dollars, although American dollars are widely accepted. Travelers are encouraged to use airport exchange services to pick up a little bit of Jamaican cash at a better exchange rate than is offered by most hotels. The airport at Montego Bay offers currency exchange.

Once you arrive in Jamaica make sure to hang on to your luggage. Though the problem can be worse at Kingston Airport, theft is everywhere, making it a good idea to keep a close eye on your luggage.

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