Caribbean Travel

LATimes.com : "Headed to Florida or the Caribbean? As Tropical Storm Fay rakes the region, you may be able to change your flight without paying penalties. And if you’re cruising, expect port changes and delays. Check often with your airline or cruise line." However note that many islands of the caribbean have not been affected nor have been in the path of tropical storm fay...for example,Barbados,St.Lucia,Antigua,Trinidad and Tobago,Anguilla,Grenada....and the list goes on...although it is the hurricane season it does not mean that you will be at risk for your stay on many of the islands...

Affordable Caribbean trip rates ajc.com : "Jamaican destinations, priced right for even the tightest budget traveler. Round-trip rates of $207 are valid on trips finished on or before Sept. 30. What's more is this great offer does not require an advance notice of travel, so go tomorrow if space is available. Also, the rate is valid seven days a week. "

Advocate : "According to Gonsalves, the issue of the increased cost of air travel and the fashioning of a sound air transport policy, are matters on which the regions people expect satisfactory answers and effective resolution. It cannot be right nor reasonable to expect the tax payers of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to continue to subsidise the regional air travel of other member states, he stated. It is in my view an act of irresponsibility, for any government to stand askance from regional solutions to the practical issues of intra-regional air travel. More over, it is entirely contrary to the letter and spirit of the regional integration movement, for some governments to act subversively of the enterprise known as LIAT. "

Trinidad News, : "An increase in airfares on regional carrier Liat by US$20 for return trips in most islands has recently crossed over into the airline's service to Barbados. Airline chief executive Mark Darby said: 'Both Liat and Caribbean Star Airlines were losing millions of dollars in a competitive environment where fare levels were unsustainable.' "

The Nation Newspaper FARE PLAY : "ISLAND-HOPPERS are being promised the much-needed reduction in fares they have been asking for over the last couple of months. Minister of Tourism Noel Lynch said yesterday travellers could expect ticket prices to drop over the next four to six weeks, though he was unable to say by how much. He cautioned that if the decrease was not beneficial to the island's commerce and tourism, then the debate on high airfares would have to focus on subsidisation of airline seats over a period. "

bmi 50% off flights to the Caribbean with bmi : "Airline bmi is offering passengers the chance to jet off to the Caribbean islands of Antigua and Barbados, with its lowest ever fares. For one week only bmi has, for the very first time, slashed its fares on its Caribbean routes by over 50% in all three cabins – economy, premium economy and the business. (Please note that travel periods apply). Flying direct from Manchester to Antigua once a week and Barbados twice a week, holiday makers looking to escape the UK rain can take off for the Caribbean in economy for a guaranteed price of £299 return including taxes."

The Nation Newspaper St Lucia defends position on LIAT flight charges : "CASTRIES, St Lucia – St Lucia has reiterated its decision to seek an alternative to the high cost of airfares charged by the regional airline LIAT, insisting that while it is fair for Caribbean governments to support the airline it must not be done at the expense of the island's tourism industry. 'In addition the airline has introduced some draconian policies, such as asking the public to pay penalty fees for changing flights,' said Tourism Minister Allen Chastanet. "

Radiojamaica.com : "At least one regional leader is asserting that fluctuating regional taxes on airline tickets is one of the factors contributing to high airfares. St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, said the taxes should be considered in the regional debate on the high cost of air travel in the aftermath of the LIAT/Caribbean Star commercial alliance. "

The Nation Newspaper High air fares a concern for AAA : "Welch said that in April last year the AAA booked a 50-seat charter from Barbados to Guadeloupe for US$10 000 (BDS$20 000). This year, the same charter to Martinique, which is not as far north, to take a connecting flight to the Turks and Caiços Islands cost US$22 800 ($45 600). 'That is an increase of 128 per cent. Last year when there was competition, I was able to go to Caribbean Star and get a competitive rate. The cost of travel has gone up, but not to that extent. Someone has to do something about it.' "

Caribbean this season costs less, still thrilling - The Boston Globe : "As the weather warms up across the United States, the Caribbean begins to offer its hottest deals, reminding travelers that even in summer the weather is pleasant on the islands and that all the amenities are still there. It's just that the crowds are smaller and the prices are lower."

The Nation Newspaper Heads should examine LIAT fare structure needs : "Is it reasonable for one person to pay $500 from Barbados to St Vincent and the other person $280 on the same flight? Walrond stated that she travelled to Antigua and paid Barbados $834.70 which she considered unreasonable. Her taxes amounted to US$75. LIAT responded by saying if she was travelling in May, her fare for the same journey would have been $467.20, a saving of $367.50. LIAT continued that if you book early, your fare would be cheaper. From experience, let's say, if you had booked with LIAT today to travel on the 13th of the month, you would have to purchase your ticket in 24-hours to get the cheaper rate. You know as well as I do everybody cannot afford to pay that early. "

: "“Fares in some cases have almost doubled since 2006 and daily we are receiving email from perspective visitors who are concerned about this change at this time,” said Mr. Ambrose."

RadioJamaica.com : "A call has been made for governments across the region to cut back on the escalating cost of air travel or face the inevitable decline of tourism in the Caribbean. "

BBCCaribbean.com Government charges inflate ticket prices : "The chief executive officer of LIAT and Caribbean Star has pointed to government taxes as one of the reasons why travellers are paying more for their airline tickets."

New Air Service Between Nevis and Montserrat : "Air Montserrat is offering private, 18-minute charter flights between the islands starting at $140 round-trip. "