Regional Caribbean Airlines

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Flying around the Caribbean

Aviation in the Caribbean owes a lot to swashbuckling characters like the Franco-Dutch pilot Rémy de Haenen, who landed the first plane on St Barths in 1945 and founded the pioneering Compagnie Aérienne des Antilles on St Martin.

Even today, flying around the islands still feels rather adventurous. The region is well supplied with airstrips where the landing or take-off can be somewhat exhilarating, while the view from the window as you buzz over golden beaches, luscious green rainforests, ash-strewn volcanoes and that mesmerisingly blue sea is one of the highlights of a trip here. A lot of the aircraft in use have that well-travelled feel, and the pilots and crew are often flamboyant characters who are proud of their job and like to dress well - if you want to take pictures of them or their plane you'd be wise to request permission first.

That said, regular travellers to the Caribbean have learnt a lot the hard way. For example, it is quite possible that your flight will leave early – so don't cut things too fine. Likewise the queues for Security, Immigration and Customs can at times be maddeningly slow, so allow time for this. Airport facilities vary widely, but in general the catering and shopping options are nothing special. Note that departure taxes may have to be paid, sometimes only in cash with the right currency – so check first.

It may also become apparent that while you have arrived your luggage has not – so always pack essentials (especially your swimsuit) in your carry-on items. Usually it will follow on, but it is vital to label everything properly and keep hold of all relevant paperwork. When boarding note that flights are often free-seating so get on early if you like a window seat. Large items of hand luggage may be transferred to the hold if space is tight, so be prepared for this.

None of this should put you off flying around the islands. Flights are generally short and improvements are steadily being made to terminal facilities. Most carriers now accept online booking and the low-cost revolution may yet take off here if pioneers like the new Barbados-based carrier REDjet succeed. The principal regional airline is Liat, serving 22 destinations from its hubs in Antigua, Barbados and Trinidad. Other key players are San Juan-based American Eagle (part of American Airlines), and Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines which merged with Air Jamaica in May 2010. Prominent local airlines include Air Caraïbes, Bahamasair, Cape Air, Mustique Airways, St Barth Commuter, SVG Air and Winair.