Turks and Caicos Guide » Getting There » Air Travel

Travelers fly to the Turks and Caicos Islands according to airlines' set schedules

Worth the Wait
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Air travel is the most popular and convenient way to reach the Turks and Caicos. When planning your flights, book a round-trip ticket for the best deal and don't rule out last-minute purchase if your plans are flexible. The most affordable tickets are usually offered on the fly.

If money's really tight, consider traveling during the off-peak, mid-week flight hours or even during the off season in the fall, spring, and summer months. A Saturday stay-over or departure from an alternate airport can also diminish the price of your ticket.

Almost all flights to the Turks and Caicos are from the United States, though some carriers offer the occasional flights from the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Caribbean. All flights enter at Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and can continue from there to other islands and airports.

Traveler's tip: Most Caribbean airports are small, especially those off the beaten path like PLS and other airports in the Turks and Caicos, so arriving passengers cannot typically deplane directly to the terminal. Few airports provide shuttle service, so expect to walk on the tarmac to the terminal to claim your luggage. Travelers with difficulty walking should arrange an alternate form of transportation with an airline attendant prior to arriving.

Airlines

Once you're in the Turks and Caicos, you can island hop using one of the many small local airlines. For your initial arrival, however, rely on one of these airline companies, which have regularly scheduled flights to the Turks and Caicos from hubs as indicated:

Airline Telephone Number Departure Location
Air Canada 888-247-2262
800-361-8071		 Toronto
Air Jamaica 800-523-5585 Montego Bay, Jamaica
American Airlines 800-433-7300 Miami
New York (JFK)
Boston
Bahamasair 800-222-4262 Nassau, Bahamas
British Airways U.K.: 0845-77-999-7
International: 44-191-490-7901		 London (Heathrow)
Delta Air Lines 800-221-1212 Atlanta
TCI SkyKing Ltd. 649-941-5464 Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Cap Haitien, Haiti
U.S. Airways 800-352-8747 Charlotte, N.C
Philadelphia

The above airlines offer regularly scheduled flights. Other airlines offer flights, too, but with more limited schedules, so travelers may find it most convenient to schedule arrival and return flights through different airlines. It is also best to keep in mind that there is a departure tax of $35(USD) for all visitors over the age of 2.

Travelers unfamiliar with an airline's reputation may consult the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA ranks carriers based on safety, service, and performance. Contact the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave., SW; Washington D.C., 20591 or via the Internet at www.faa.gov. You can also phone the FAA regarding specific issues:

Regulator Telephone Number
Air Travel Service Problems 202-366-2220
Aviation Safety Hotline 800-255-1111
Aviation Consumer Protection Division 202-366-2220
Questions about FAA-monitored consumer issues 866-TELL-FAA (835-5322)
Transportation Security and Baggage Screeners Concerns 866-289-9673

Airport Security

Airports have enhanced security measures because of increased terrorist activity in recent years, especially in the United States. Because travelers to the Turks and Caicos will need to pass through the United States before arriving at their final destination, they should be prepared for more thorough baggage screening procedures and additional required security checks. New checkpoints screen both carry-on luggage and passengers; added security officers are stationed at these checkpoints to personally search travelers who trigger the detector alarm as they pass through.

Many airports also conduct random passenger inspections that require a complete search of the person and all their belongings. Because of these added security stops, plan to arrive at the airport one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours for international flights so you have ample time to pass through all security clearance points.

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

  • Confirm your flight before leaving for the airport.

  • Avoid wearing metal objects such as steel-toed boots, heavy jewelry, or bulky belt buckles because these items could set off the checkpoint detectors.

  • If you have 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, 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.

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

Carry-On Luggage

Airports and airlines have implemented new regulations for carry-on luggage in recent years. Certain 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) Web site at www.tsa.gov/public/index.jsp or call 1-866-289-9673 in the United States. Other carry-on rules are as follows:

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

  • 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.

Travelers visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands will find airlines one of the most convenient ways to reach the islands. With consistent schedules and plenty of flight options, it's easy to see why this is the most popular way to arrive.

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