Flying offers travelers a fast and convenient method of travel to Grenada

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A number of airlines provide service to Grenada from cities around the world. Point Salines International Airport receives most flights, but you may continue on to Carriacou aboard a ferry or in a smaller plane on a short flight to Lauriston Airport in Hillsborough. Travelers who wish to visit Petite Martinique must take a ferry to the island.

Located in southwest Grenada and close to popular resort and tourist areas in Grand Anse and St. George's, Point Salines International Airport can accommodate most large passenger jets traveling from destinations around the globe. The airport is open from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.. Here, travelers can arrange rental cars or taxis to their final destinations on the island. The airport terminal offers restaurants, duty-free shopping, and a first-class lounge. Point Salines International Airport can be reached at 473-444-4101. Travelers must present a passport and proof of a return or continuing ticket in order to enter the country (citizens of the United Kingdom and Canada may be able to use other official photo documentation; citizens of the United States must travel with a passport beginning Dec. 31, 2005).

Travelers who wish to bring animals into the country must obtain an import permit and recent health documents, and they must contact the Government Veterinary Officer prior to travel. The departure tax to leave Grenada is $50(EC) for travelers older than 12; $25(EC) for travelers from 5 to 12; and free for travelers younger than 5.

Travelers continuing to Carriacou by plane will need to take a smaller aircraft to the landing strip at Lauriston Airport near Hillsborough. The airport has a small terminal building with a departure area and ticket counter. SVG Air provides daily service aboard its small planes from Grenada and St. Vincent.

Both direct and nonstop flights to Point Salines International Airport are available from destinations in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. Nonstop flights will fly without stopping to Grenada from a departure point, while direct flights may include stops in American or Caribbean hubs. Travelers coming from Europe and locations outside of North America may need to stop at a hub to reach the island. Several interisland airlines provide service to Grenada from Caribbean destinations such as Trinidad, Antigua, Barbados, and St. Lucia.

Before selecting a flight, travelers should keep in mind that there are a number of ways to get the best deal on airfare. A return or continuing ticket is required to enter Grenada, and round-trip airfares are usually more cost-efficient than one-way tickets. Flights in the slower summer months may cost up to 50 percent less than tourist-season flights, but travelers may also consider including weekend stays or travel during certain days in order to reduce the price of their flight. Booking travel far in advance can help to save money, but travelers may also be able to find last-minute deals released by airlines trying to fill empty seats. Frequent-flier mile clubs can be another way of saving money while earning travel points that can be put toward future flights and air travel benefits.

Airlines

Travel Information

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has deemed that aircraft operations in Grenada are not in compliance with the standards of the International Aviation Safety Assessments Program that is intended to measure the level and standard of aircraft operations and service in a country. This does not affect the quality or safety of service you'll receive from your airline. However, travelers who must fly with an unfamiliar air carrier to Grenada may wish to consult the FAA for information regarding that airline. The FAA and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can answer questions concerning baggage, safety, and airlines.

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  800 Indepedence Ave, SW
  Washington, D.C. 20591
  http://www.faa.gov
  FAA Consumer Hotline - 866-835-5322

• Aviation Consumer Protection Division and Air Travel Service Problems
  202-366-2220

• Transportation Security Administration
  http://www.tsa.gov/public
  866-289-967

Airport Security

As most travelers know, security measures in airports have increased significantly in recent years. Travelers making their way through international airports in North America and Europe must pass through a greater number of more stringent security checkpoints before boarding their aircraft. While these measures might seem like a nuisance, they are designed to keep air travelers safe. You can facilitate your journey through various checkpoints by following these guidelines:

• Flight numbers, times, and reservations should be confirmed two to three days prior to a flight.

• Travelers should plan on arriving to the airport two hours in advance for international flights.

• Electronic kiosks are available for passengers with electronic tickets to quickly check in and print their boarding passes.

• International air travel passengers should always carry an official passport and boarding pass in a secure but accessible location. These items will need to produced at several occasions prior to boarding a flight

• Items such as razors, lighters, and matches are not permitted onboard an aircraft or past security checkpoints. For the most up-to-date information on prohibited items and for other security concerns, travelers should visit the Web site of the TSA (http://www.tsa.gov/public).

• When moving through the carry-on baggage screening area, travelers should remove bulky metallic items such as steel boots, belt buckles, and jewelry. Passengers must always remove jackets and coats and may also often be asked to remove shoes and hats. Computers and camcorders must be removed from their cases before they are placed on the security conveyor belt. These items may be closely inspected. Travelers should place valuables such as jewelry, change, cell phones, PDAs, and other items in secure pockets of their carry-on luggage when moving through the screening area.

• Airlines may have different rules on the number and weight of checked bags. Bikes and golf clubs may incur fees. Travelers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item, which may include a purse, briefcase, or laptop computer case.

• Gifts in all baggage should remain unwrapped because they may be inspected airport security officers

• Some foods in checked baggage may set off bomb-detection devices. Food that passengers are carrying must be sent through the X-ray security machine

• Travelers with pacemakers or metal surgical implants should notify airport security officials. Private screenings or pat-downs can be arranged with such passengers.

Despite the increase of security in airports around the world, flying remains one of the most popular ways to reach your destination. Beaches, resorts, and relaxation are not far away when you step off of the plane in Point Salines International Airport in Grenada.

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