best Caribbean airports for a speedy travel experience?
Jan 2, 2016, 8:59 pm
#1
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Join Date: Jan 2016
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best Caribbean airports for a speedy travel experience?
Will be traveling to the Caribbean for 3 days and 2 nights, so I really need to minimize my time spent at the airport. Am open to many types of islands and have never been to the region before - really the main priority is a place where we will spend the absolute minimum time at the airport upon arrival and departure.
Can someone give me a sense of which airports get you in and out quickly, and which are likely to be a nightmare? Are there any airports where you can arrive 1 to 1.5 hours prior to departure time, or do all require something more like 2.5-3 hours advance arrival? (I am traveling from the United States, and I do have global entry status.) Thank you.
Can someone give me a sense of which airports get you in and out quickly, and which are likely to be a nightmare? Are there any airports where you can arrive 1 to 1.5 hours prior to departure time, or do all require something more like 2.5-3 hours advance arrival? (I am traveling from the United States, and I do have global entry status.) Thank you.
Jan 2, 2016, 9:06 pm
#2
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You will want to avoid U.S. pre-clearance airports like AUA then.
Even at other airports, check-in times may vary by carrier. Will you be checking any bags?
You will want to avoid U.S. pre-clearance airports like AUA then.
Even at other airports, check-in times may vary by carrier. Will you be checking any bags?
Jan 2, 2016, 9:35 pm
#3
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Not checking bags. Yes I'm wondering about Aruba - it caught my eye because it supposedly offers expedited services for global entry members, but still, would the pre-clearance add too much time? I read that it is suggested to arrive at Aruba 3 hours in advance. What is the typical time to arrive for airports that don't require pre-clearance? (Or as you mentioned, does it vary too much by carrier? Perhaps someone with a lot of experience can recommend both the best airport AND best carrier for a quick experience) Thanks!
Jan 2, 2016, 9:53 pm
#4
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Thanks. Not checking any bags. I see your point about carriers - is it possible that some very experienced travelers can recommend both the best airports and the best carriers for a quick experience?
I was wondering about Aruba. It offers global entry which should save time (or does it?) but I wondered if the pre-clearance really cuts into time that could be spent on the island rather than doing it when I get back to the U.S.
I read that it is recommended to arrive at AUA 3 hours prior. For airports that don't require pre-clearance, how far in advance must one arrive?
I was wondering about Aruba. It offers global entry which should save time (or does it?) but I wondered if the pre-clearance really cuts into time that could be spent on the island rather than doing it when I get back to the U.S.
I read that it is recommended to arrive at AUA 3 hours prior. For airports that don't require pre-clearance, how far in advance must one arrive?
Jan 2, 2016, 10:04 pm
#5
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St. Maarten (SXM) is modern and quick. The island itself offers a lot, with two cultures, Dutch on the south, French on the north, with lots of great restaurants. Driving yourself around is easy, with well maintained roads. For a quick trip, it's a good choice.
Jan 3, 2016, 1:12 am
#7
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Providenciales in Turks & Caicos is pretty quick.
Barbados is fine if you do not need a rental car nor driving permit.
SXM is quick
St. Lucia is average.
Barbados is fine if you do not need a rental car nor driving permit.
SXM is quick
St. Lucia is average.
Jan 3, 2016, 2:18 am
#8
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best Caribbean airports for a speedy travel experience?
I just come back from SDQ and it was smooth getting in and getting out. And you can get to Boca Chica beach in less than 10 mins!
Jan 3, 2016, 8:29 am
#9
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Thanks! For SXM - average time it takes to get through immigration upon arrival? And how early would I need to get to the airport prior to departure?
Would it be much better to travel Saturday - Monday rather than Friday - Sunday?
Would it be much better to travel Saturday - Monday rather than Friday - Sunday?
Jan 3, 2016, 11:09 am
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best Caribbean airports for a speedy travel experience?
Does Puerto Rico count? No immigration and the ag check is basically non-existent if you only have carry ons.