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Despite the popularity of air travel, only a handful of major airlines offer regular service to Grantley Adams International Airport. While these flights may be somewhat harder to find, the appeal of flying to Barbados in undeniable and a little patience when making arrangements can have big rewards once you reach the island.
Vacationers searching for the best price should look into purchasing a round-trip ticket, as they are generally less expensive than one-way tickets. Last minute bargains are sometimes available for those with flexible travel plans, but booking your ticket well in advance will also help to save money.
Another option for the budget-conscious traveler is to pick somewhat unusual flight times. Flights departing mid-week, for example, or those in the fall, spring, and summer months are often more affordable than flights on the weekends or in the winter months. Other small factors that can affect the price of your ticket can be as simple as a Saturday stay-over or departure from an alternate airport. Be aware, though, that specially priced or bargain fares are typically nonrefundable. Also, you are likely to incur a fee if you need to change the date or time of your travel.
Take care not to forget about the airport departure tax, payable only in local currency. In Barbados the fee is $25(BBD), but may be included in the quoted price of some tickets. To avoid paying twice, contact your airline or travel agent to find out whether or not this fee has already been assessed.
Most flights from the United States are nonstop to Barbados, but keep in mind this tip on airline lingo: A nonstop flight does not make any stops, but a direct flight makes at least one stop along the way.
Traveler's tip: Most Caribbean airports are small, so arriving passengers cannot typically 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 preventing you from walking, be sure to arrange an alternate form of transportation with one of the airline attendants prior to arriving in Barbados.
Flight Times
The following chart gives approximate flight times to Barbados from many cities around the world:
| Departure Location |
Flight Time (in hours) |
| Brussels | 9 |
| Caracas | 2.5 |
| Frankfurt | 9 |
| London | 8 |
| Miami. | 3.6 |
| Montreal | 5 |
| New York | 4.3 |
| San Juan | 1.5 |
| Toronto | 5 |
Airlines
Upon arriving, you can indulge the urge to island hop by taking advantage of any one of a number of small Caribbean airlines. In order to get to Barbados, however, you'll need to choose from one of the following major airlines, all of which have regularly scheduled flights to the Caribbean from hubs as indicated.
Airlines servicing the Caribbean from the United States:
| Airline | Telephone Number |
| Air Jamaica | 800-523-5585 |
| American Airlines | 800-433-7300 |
| British West Indies Airways (BWIA) | 800-538-2942 |
| Delta Airlines | 800-221-1212 |
| U.S. Airways | 800-428-4322 |
Airlines servicing the Caribbean from Canada and Europe:
| Airline | Telephone Number |
| Air Canada | 800-776-3000 (U.S.) 800-363-54 (Canada) |
| British Airways | 800-247-9297 |
| British West Indies Airways (BWIA) | 800-538-29 |
Airlines offering connections between major flights and local Caribbean regional service:
| Airline | Telephone Number |
| Air Jamaica | 800-523-5585 |
| Air Martinique | 809-448-2181 |
| British West Indies Airways (BWIA) | 800-538-2942 |
| Caribbean Star Airlines | 800-744-STAR (in the Caribbean) |
| Leeward Island Air Transportation (LIAT) | 888-844-5428 (in the Caribbean) 868-624-472 |
If you're unfamiliar with the reputation of a particular airline, consult the United States 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 find them online 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 in recent years in order to help deal with increased terrorist activity. Particularly in the United States, travelers will find that additional security checks are required, in addition to the standard baggage screening procedures. Checkpoints now screen both passengers and their carry-on luggage and added security officers are often 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 of their belongings. Because of these added security stops, you should plan on arriving at the airport one hour in advance for domestic air travel and no less than two hours for international flights so you have ample time to pass through all of the security clearance points.
To reduce waiting time and ensure you reach your gate in a timely manner, heed these air travel standards and warnings:
Avoid wearing items that might set off metal detectors such as steel-toed boots, heavy jewelry, or bulky belt buckles.
If you have any metal surgical implants, bring a note from your doctor to avoid a long meeting with an airport official.
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, an accompanying adult must present one.
- Before going to the airport, call ahead to confirm your flight.
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.
Carry-On Luggage
In recent years, new regulations have been passed by airlines regarding more stringent monitoring of carry-on luggage. Use caution when packing for your Barbados vacation, and try to plan wisely. If you will not need a certain item aboard the plane, try to pack it in your checked luggage. Remember that potentional hazards such as metal scissors and razors are not permitted on flights. If you have a question about what is acceptable or a complete list of controlled items, visit the official Web site of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at www.tsa.gov/public/index.jsp or call 1-866-289-9673 in the United States. Other good factors to bear in mind include:
Each passenger is limited to one carry-on bag plus one private item such as a briefcase, laptop case or purse. An empty laptop case will not be considered a personal item, however.
Any food and beverage you are transporting should be packed in your carry-on bag. Some food items may activate the bomb-detection machines when left in checked luggage.
Avoid taking wrapped gifts with you, as they could be unwrapped or damaged if the package sets off a detector.
Travelers to Barbados will find airlines one of the most convenient ways to reach the island. With reliable flight options and consistent schedules, it's easy to see why air travel is the most popular way to arrive.
Vacationers interested in cruising will find Barbados to be an excellent port of call.
Learn more about the options available to you when purchasing your vacation.
Visitors who know about the history of Barbados will find their trip incredibly rewarding.