Air Travel to the Virgin Islands

Although air travel is an extremely popular way to reach both the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, the travel experience to each is quite different. Plenty of direct flights fly from the U.S. into two large airports in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The British Virgin Islands, on the other hand, have no such large airports, and can only be reached by smaller planes connecting through larger airports.

No matter which airport you're heading to, you'll find the best prices are on round-trip tickets and, though most travelers feel it's best to book well in advance, last minute deals can also be found when travelers have flexible plans. Another option for travelers looking to save on their travel is to choose off-peak times. Flights departing mid-week, or even in the off season for Caribbean travel, are often less expensive than flights during premium travel times. saturday stayovers can also be a cause for lower-cost tickets.

Remember: When you book a specially priced ticket, it may not be refundable. Altering dates and times even may incur a fee. Before you book you may also want to consider a bit of airline lingo - direct and nonstop do not mean the same thing. While a direct flight stops along the way, a nonstop flight does not.

U.S. Virgin Islands Travel

Traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands is relatively easy, as many flights from the U.S. and Europe reach this trio of islands. Many flights from the United States travel nonstop to the Virgin Islands, most specifically St. Thomas, and sometimes on to St. Croix. Travelers will land at either St. Thomas' Cyril E. King Airport near Charlotte Amalie or St. Croix's Henry E. Rohlsen Airport near Christiansted.

The following airlines have scheduled flights to the U.S. Virgin Islands:

British Virgin Islands Travel

Getting to the British Virgin Islands is not as easy as visiting their American counterparts, due to a lack of more developed airports. Direct flights often connect in San Juan or St. Thomas. Smaller planes travel from these destinations to airports on Tortola and Virgin Gorda.

Traveler's tip: The British Virgin Islands' airports are small, so arriving passengers typically cannot deplane directly to the terminal. Few airports provide shuttle service, so expect a long walk on the tarmac to the terminal to claim your luggage. If you have a physical ailment that prevents you from walking, be sure to arrange an alternate form of transportation with one of the airline attendants prior to arrival.

Visitors coming to the British Virgin Islands from specific regions are advised to consider traveling through specific islands, as these are often the easiest islands to transfer through:

• U.S., U.S. territories, and Canada: Flights leave from or connect through San Juan, Puerto Rico, or St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• Europe: Flights connect through San Juan, Antigua, or St. Maarten.

• U.K.: Flights connect through Antigua and San Juan.

• Germany: Flights connect through St. Maarten and San Juan.

• Switzerland: Flights connect through Antigua

• Holland and France: Flights connect through St. Maarten.

The following airlines travel to the British Virgin Islands:

Remember to have cash on hand to pay the $10(USD) airport departure tax when you're leaving the British Virgin Islands.

Ferries

Ferries are a relatively easy way to reach some of the more out of the way islands. Ferries leave from St. Thomas' Charlotte Amalie and travel to the nearby St. John's Cruz Bay and the more distant Fajardo in Puerto Rico. Therefore, travelers can fly to Puerto Rico and then take a ferry to their final destination within the Virgin Islands.

Travelers visiting the British Virgin Islands can take ferries from either St. Thomas or St. John to Tortola and Virgin Gorda. However, bear in mind that there is a $5(USD) sea departure tax for ferry travelers leaving the U.S. Virgin Islands. Within the British Virgin Islands, ferries travel between the islands.

Airline Safety

Americans who are unfamiliar with an airline can consult the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which ranks carriers based on service, safety, and performance. 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

In recent years airports have enhanced their security procedures as a reaction to increased terrorist activity. These changes are especially noticeable within the U.S. and, as an addition to the regular baggage screening procedures, there are now more security checks. Such checkpoints will screen both luggage and passengers, while additional security teams are stationed to search travelers who trigger detector alarms.

Carry on luggage regularions have also been tightened and, while most passengers are aware of many changes, there are a few important things you can do to help smooth the process. A full list of regulated items is available from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Web site, www.tsa.gov/public/index.jsp, or call 1-866-289-9673 in the U.S.

Another security change is the introduction of random passenger inspections, in which security personnel perform a complete search of both traveler and carry on baggage. Because of the additional security measures, passengers should plan to arrive at most airports one hour before domestic flights and two hours before international flights. In more crowded airports, add an addtional hour to these times.

There is a checklist many travelers may wish to complete to help avoid any security troubles.

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

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

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

• Pack food and beverage containers in your carry-on bag as opposed to your checked luggage because some food items may activate the bomb-detection machines.

• 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.

• Always have your government-issued photo ID on hand - this is required for security clearance. U.S. domestic flights do not require children under the age of 18 to carry a photo ID; however, the adult accompanying or checking in with them must present one.

• Remember that you will only be allowed to pass through security with a ticket for travel. 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 (Non-ticketed persons can only pass through if accompanying a child or an elderly or disabled person).

• Confirm your flight before heading to the airport.

Travelers will find airlines one of the most convenient ways to reach the U.S. Virgin Islands, and a popular way to reach the British Virgin Islands as well.