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

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. Vacationers 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

To get to Jamaica, 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.

800-627-8462

Once you're on Jamaica, you can hop around the island by way of the many smaller airports and airlines. Airlines offering local Caribbean service:

800-422-9626

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.

Airport Security

Baggage screening procedures and additional security checks have been implemented at airports around the world, including random inspections.  It has been recommended by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that travelers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight. 

Following these 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.  Remove keys, loose change, cell phones, personal data assistants and other metal objects from your pockets.  Plastic bins are provided so that these items, together with shoes, coats and jackets are x-rayed.

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

• Travelers should keep their passport and boarding pass on hand at all times.

• Remember that only ticketed passengers are allowed to pass through the security checkpoint and to the gate.  Non-ticketed people accompanying a child or an elderly or disabled person should check with the airline for proper documentation required.

• 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

Regulations for carry on luggage, including weight and size limitations should be reviewed with the specific airlines. Certain items, such as scissors, nail clippers, and razors, are prohibited and 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 computer in its case.

• Food and beverages may not be brought through security. Should you wish to bring food or beverages on board, you must purchase it once you have cleared the security checkpoint.

• Travelers should avoid carrying on wrapped presents as officials may unwrap them should they need further examination. Consider bringing wrapping paper with you, so that upon reaching your destination, gifts may then be wrapped.  You may also choose to send gifts directly to your destination.

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 obtain some Jamaican cash at a better exchange rate than is offered by most hotels.

Once you arrive in Jamaica be sure to keep your luggage with you at all times. 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.

Enjoy vacationing in beautiful Jamaica.

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