Caribbean private charter airlines
Private Charter in the Caribbean
It's not just about the glamour...
Having that dinky little private charter plane waiting for you as you jet into Grantley Adams, VC Bird or Luis Muñoz Marin airport is a delicious prospect that can also make sense for many reasons. Firstly, it often means you can circumvent or at least fast-track through the arrivals procedures at a busy international airport. Secondly, if there have been delays – which is common if you travel in the peak of winter when snowy weather in North America and Europe often plays havoc with the airline schedules – then your charter company will already know this and have made contingency plans.
Okay, yes, the cost is invariably higher than taking scheduled flights, but if you are a large family or group, or short on time, or off to somewhere that would otherwise require an overnight stop to reach, or just want to arrive at your holiday destination not totally exhausted, or want to leave at the very last minute to maximise your sunshine time – well, then it could definitely be worth it. And let's face it, the pilots are often very handsome...
There is a second option too – the less expensive shared charter flight. These are generally arranged by upmarket hotels and tour operators keen to attract custom to small, luxury, out-of-the-way resorts. If there are enough people coming out of business class on a long-haul flight who all want to go to the remote, five-star Hotel Sunny Side-Up then it makes sense to share a flight which therefore brings down the costs. One disadvantage is that if your fellow passengers are delayed you may have to wait for them, but on the positive side travelling together may mean you will have already found a new friend/dive buddy/tennis partner long before the welcome cocktail party.
Private charters are also well worth considering for day-trips, when you want to see as much as possible in the most stressless way. Bear in mind though, that - annoying as it is – such flights are still beholden to the joys of Immigration, Customs, departure taxes, baggage handlers and the vagaries of Caribbean weather. At smaller airports without landing lights the flights must touch down by sunset, so if your pilot wants you to hurry up you definitely should.
Luggage allowances on a private charter will fluctuate according to the number of passengers on board and what they weigh, so try not to eat too much before the return flight. Bookings are best made through your travel agent or via the hotel or villa where you are heading.
