Bahamas air travel is a breeze for pilots and passengers.

Flying is the most popular way to reach The Bahamas and, with 62 airports, The Bahamas is certainly easy to reach by plane. Though only 33 of these have paved runways, small island-hopping jets fly from one island to the next with ease. Large international and private flights come in through Nassau International Airport and Freeport International Airport.

Travelers looking for the best price should book round-trip tickets, which are usually less expensive than one-way tickets. Of course, booking well in advance is also a good idea, though travelers with flexible schedules may find great last-minute deals. Traveler's Tip: Remember, direct flights make at least one stop along the way, while a nonstop flight does not.

When you plan to travel is also an important aspect of your trip, but can also save some money. Flights departing during the fall, spring, and summer are usually less expensive than winter flights because winter is the most popular time to fly to the tropics, and mid-week flights are less expensive than weekend fares. Saturday stay-overs usually decrease the ticket price as well. But remember, specially-priced tickets are often non-refundable, and altering a flight may incur special fees.

Bahamas Air Travel

Travelers coming into The Bahamas and heading to the Out Islands tend to avoid Nassau International Airport when possible. It is known for its bustling, overcrowded terminals, inconvenience, and unreliable connecting flights. However, travelers heading for Nassau should plan to land there.

Flights from Miami to Nassau can take as little as 35 minutes. Flights take two hours from Atlanta, two and a half hours from New York, and approximately three hours from Toronto. Taxis meet each incoming flight at the major airports; staff at small airports can call for taxis to make sure your arrival goes smoothly.

Traveler's Tip: Don't forget to have the $15(USD) departure tax on hand when you leave The Bahamas. If you're leaving from Freeport, the departure tax is $18(USD).

Island-Hopping

The abundance of airports and ease of island-hopping in The Bahamas give travelers easy access to a plethora of places to explore. Bahamasair is the main inter-island air carrier of The Bahamas, but smaller carriers based out of Nassau offer charter services to the Out Islands. Many hotels and resorts also offer their own charter services. Travelers can go to http://www.airflightcharters.com/ to find out more information on charter flights on the island.

Airlines

Once you're in The Bahamas, you can island-hop by way of one of the many small local airlines. To get to The Bahamas, though, you'll want to rely on one of these airline companies, all of which have regularly scheduled flights to The Bahamas, most often from Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale International Airport.

Airlines offering connections between major flights and local Caribbean service include the following:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ranks carriers based on safety, service, and performance, so travelers unfamiliar with an airline's reputation can do a little research. Contact the FAA at 800 Independence Ave., SW, Washington D.C., 20591 or online at www.faa.gov. You can also phone the FAA regarding specific issues:

Airport Security

Travelers, especially those flying through or from the U.S., will find enhanced security measures spurred on by the increased terrorist activity in recent years. Regular baggage screening procedures have been enhanced with additional security checks and officers. Additional security stops, however, can add time to the amount travelers spend in airports before boarding, and vacationers should plan to arrive at least one hour in advance of domestic flights and two hours in advance of international flights in the U.S.

To reduce waiting time and ensure that you reach your gate in a timely manner, heed these airport standards and advisements:

• Bring and keep handy your government-issued photo ID - this is required for security clearance. Children under the age of 18 are not required to carry a photo ID for domestic flights; however, the adult accompanying or checking in with them must present one.

• Do not wear metal objects such as steel-toed boots, heavy jewelry, or bulky belt buckles, since these items could set off the checkpoint detectors.

• If you have any metal surgical implants, bring a note from your doctor to avoid a long meeting with an airport official.

• Remember that you will only be allowed to pass through security with a ticket for travel. (Non-ticketed persons can only pass through if accompanying a child or an elderly or disabled person). An official confirmation page for an e-ticket will suffice. Make sure you have your ticket or e-ticket confirmation page and your ID before you get to the airport.

• Confirm your flight before heading to the airport.

Carry-On Luggage

Carry-on luggage has also been subject to new regulations, and items such as metal scissors and razors, are not permitted on flights. For a complete list of regulated items, visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website at www.tsa.gov/public/index.jsp or call 1-866-289-9673 in the U.S. Other carry-on rules are as follows:

• If you plan to bring food or beverages with you, pack them in your carry-on bag as opposed to your checked luggage because some food items may activate the bomb-detection machines.

• The carry-on limit per passenger is one carry-on bag plus one private item such as a briefcase, laptop case, or purse. A laptop case will not be considered a personal item unless it contains a laptop.

• Do not take wrapped presents with you. If the package sets off a detector, security officials will be forced to unwrap, and may damage, the present.

Private Planes

The Bahamas opens its skies to intrepid travelers who want to fly in on their own wings. Still, pilots looking to land in The Bahamas must follow certain guidelines.

Pilots leaving the United States for The Bahamas must file an International Flight Plan and activate it on Miami Radio, frequencies 122.2, 122.4, or 126.7, before leaving Florida. All passengers are required to have a Coast Guard approved life jacket. To land in The Bahamas, close your flight plan on Nassau Radio, frequencies 124.2 or 128.0, and land at an official Airport of Entry (AOE) to clear Customs and Immigration. If you are unable to close your flight plan in the air you may call 800-WXBRIEF or 242-377-7116. Also, if possible, have Gen Decs and Cruising Permit and Immigration cards ready to speed the Customs process. If you have questions about these procedures, check with the Aviation Specialist with The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism at 800-32-SPORT (800-327-7678).

Departing from The Bahamas must be done from an AOE and you must complete a Gen Dec and turn in a copy of your Immigration card. You must file an International Flight Plan at 800-WXBRIEF and advise U.S. Customs of your flight, then activate your flight plan with either Nassau Radio or Freeport Radio. If these are unavailable, activate with Miami Radio on 126.7 or 122.4, or from Bimini on 122.1, and listen on VOR 116.7. While in the air, you must receive a discrete transponder code from FSS 126.7 Miami Radio 15 minutes before entering the ADIZ. Close your flight plan with Miami Radio, or with the Customs office at 800-WXBRIEF if Miami Radio is unavailable. Land at an official AOE, go directly to Customs. Prepare your U.S. Arrival Report and Customs Declaration cards ahead of time if possible to speed up the Customs process.
Private pilots entering The Bahamas will need the following:

• Three copies of the C7A Bahamas Customs form;

• One Bahamas Immigration card per person; and

• Proof of citizenship with one of these document combinations: passport; birth certificate and drivers license; or Pilots License and photo ID.

Remember that everyone onboard needs proof of citizenship and must meet all other necessary entry requirements.
Private pilots leaving The Bahamas will need a copy of The Bahamas Customs General Declaration Outward Form (C7). They will also need to do the following:

• Turn in The Bahamas Immigration card copy;

• File a flight plan; and

• Pay the Government Departure Tax of $15(USD) for travelers over the age of six years.

Private pilots should keep these other requirements in mind:

• Single engine private planes under 6,000 lbs. on a non-commercial trip will be given no Landing Fee at any government-owned airport.

• Private aircrafts visiting The Bahamas for recreational purposes, and with pilots who declare that they will gain no remuneration for the flight, will not pay an Overtime Customs and Immigration Fee.

• Private pilots traveling through The Bahamas for pleasure do not need a Transire (C38) because a C7A will suffice.

• Government airports will not charge a Tie Down Fee.

• Private pilots are expected to file a flight plan, activated prior to entry and closed after landing. Pilots must file a new flight plan to leave the islands.

Private airports may charge some of the fees that government airports waive. Please be aware of which airport you are flying into and what fees apply. You must land at an official AOE when entering The Bahamas.

Also remember that fuel is not available on every island, but a nearby fueling station is never more than 20 minutes away by air. Fuel prices average $2.60(USD) per gallon. Only Nassau and Freeport have lighted runways for night flights. All other airports require arrivals and departures between sunrise and sunset.

With consistent schedules and plenty of flight options, it's easy to see why Bahamas air travel is a breeze.

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