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Bermuda's legendary Triangle does not deter visitors from taking advantage of air travel

Flying High

Bermuda Air Travel

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Bermuda's location close to the United States makes it extremely easy to reach by air from the U.S. and Canada. European visitors will also have an easier time getting to this island than to other Caribbean locations. This makes air travel one of the most popular ways to reach the island.

Most people enjoy saving a bit of money, especially on high-cost vacation items like airfare. There are plenty of ways to shave a few bucks off the cost: Whether you find a last minute deal or book months in advance, travelers can find incredible deals. A word of warning: Last minute deals can be worth the wait, but may only be available to travelers with flexible plans. Round trip tickets are, of course, better priced than one-way fares.

Other travelers plan their trip for off-peak times. Traveling in the low season means saving money on everything in the islands, so fall, spring, and summer provide great deals. Mid-week flights are often great deals, but a Saturday stay can be another key to keeping prices lower. Don't forget, however, that specially priced tickets are usually subject to special rules, such as fees for altering them, or being nonrefundable.

Airline language can often be confusing - don't let it get the best of you. A direct flight may go directly to the island, but it will stop at least once along the way. Only nonstop flights don't stop on their way to Bermuda. Most U.S. - Bermuda flights are nonstop.

Airlines

Only a few airlines service Bermuda on a regular basis:
Airline Telephone Number
Air Canada 800-776-300-040 (U.S.)
800-363-54 (Canada) 
American Airlines/American Eagle 800-433-7300
British Airways 800-247-9297
Continental 800-525-0280
Delta Air Lines
800-221-1212
U.S. Airways 800-428-4322

Travelers unfamiliar with an airline's reputation may wish to find out a bit more with the help of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA ranks carriers based on service, safety, and performance. Contact the FAA at 800 Independence Ave., SW, Washington D.C., 20591 or online. 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-monitered consumer issues
866-TELL-FAA (835-5322)
Transportation Security and Baggage Screeners Concerns
866-289-9673

 

Carry-On Luggage

Airports and airlines have implemented new regulations for carry-on luggage more recently. Items such as metal scissors and razors are no longer permitted on flights. For a complete list of regulated items, visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website or call 1-866-289-9673 in the U.S. Other carry-on rules are as follows:

  • Do not wrap presents you plan to carry with you. If the package sets off a detector, security officials will be forced to unwrap, and may damage, the present.

  • If you plan to bring food or beverages with you, pack them in your carry-on bag. If packed in your checked luggage some food items may activate the bomb-detection machines.

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

Airport Security

Due to increased terrorist activity in recent years, airports have enhanced security measures, especially in the U.S. Regular baggage screening procedures have been enhanced and airports now have 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 detector alarms.

Random passenger inspections are another mainstay of the new security inspections: Personnel perform a complete search of a person and their belongings. These added security stops mean that travelers should plan to arrive early for their flight. One hour in advance of domestic flights and two hours in advance of domestic flights is the rule of thumb, though travelers at busy airports, such as New York's JFK, should add another hour to their estimate. This should give travelers ample time to pass through all of the security checkpoints.

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

  • Confirm your flight before heading to the airport.

  • Bring and keep on-hand your government-issued photo ID. This is required for security clearance. Children under the age of 18 are not required to carry a photo ID for domestic flights; 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. (Non-ticketed persons can only pass through if accompanying a child or an 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.

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

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

Travelers will find flying one of the most convenient ways to reach Bermuda. 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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