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Trinidad and Tobago are located at the end of the chain of Caribbean islands, and flying is convenient to both these tropical vacation spots. Each island has its own airport. Trinidad's Piarco International Airport is located approximately 16 miles from the capital, Port of Spain. Tobago's Crown Point Airport is the smaller of the two and is located approximately 7 miles from its capital, Scarborough.
Flights from all over the world, including the United Sates, Canada, the United Kingdom, South America, and other Caribbean islands fly regularly to Trinidad and Tobago. Facilities at both airports include banks, restaurants, duty free shops and other specialty stores. Piarco International Airport is the largest and most modern airport in the Caribbean, with twenty four hour security surveillance systems using 100 cameras throughout.
Caribbean Airlines airbridge offers several daily flights between the two airports which only takes approximately twenty five minutes.
For the best deal on airfare, consider flying during the summer, which is the Caribbean's low season. It also helps to be flexible about when you are traveling. Leaving and returning during the middle of the week will result in a more inexpensive ticket than flying on the weekend. Book a round-trip ticket versus a one-way flight, which is usually more expensive.
Rental cars and taxis are available at both Piarco and Crown Point airports. Bus service regularly runs to and from Tobago's Crown Point airport. Click here for more information about buses. Many hotels offer shuttle service.
Several airlines from around the world serve the Trinidad airport, including the following:
| Airline | Contact Info |
|---|---|
| Air Transat | 800-388-5836 |
| American Airlines | 800-433-7300 868-664-4661 |
| British Airways |
800-247-9297 868-624-1543 |
| Caribbean Airlines | 868-625-7200 |
| Condor | 800-524-6975 |
| Continental |
800-525-0280 800-461-2744 800-231-0856 |
| Copa Airlines | 800-359-2672 |
| Delta Airlines | 800-221-1212 |
| LIAT | 868-462-0700 868-623-1837 |
| Martinair Airlines |
800-627-8462 866-274-8810 |
| Spirit Airlines | 800-772-7117 |
| Surinam Airways | 868-625-0102 (in Trinidad) |
| Virgin Atlantic | 800-744-7477 |
When choosing an airline, you should be sure of its reputation. Travelers can contact the Federal Aviation Administration at 800 Independence Ave., SW; Washington D.C., 20591 or online at www.faa.gov. There are also several FAA phone numbers for issues concerning flights.
| FAA Regulator | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Air travel service problems | 202-366-2220 |
| Aviation Safety Hotline | 800-255-1111 |
| Aviation Consumer Protection Division | 202-366-2220 |
| FAA-monitored consumer issues | 800-322-7873 |
| Transportation Security and Baggage Screeners Concerns | 866-289-9673 |
Airport Security
Airlines and airports have increased security measures worldwide, in addition to the standard baggage screening procedures. Be prepared for random security inspections of bags and personal belongings.
Before leaving for the airport, make sure you have your passport and ticket or e-ticket confirmation page readily available. It is a good practice to call the airline in advance to confirm that your flight is scheduled to depart on time.
In order to reduce waiting time and ensure that you reach your gate in a timely manner, consider the following tips to expedite inspection and/or screening:
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Metal objects will set off detector devices, so passengers should avoid wearing metal items, such as steel-toed boots, heavy jewelry, and large belt buckles.
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Bring a note from your doctor if you have metal surgical implants to avoid any possible delays.
- Remember, only ticketed passengers are allowed to pass through security. Check with the airline if you are assisting an elderly person or child for additional regulations.
In addition to removing your shoes, jackets and other outer-wear, loose change, keys cellular phones and other personal devices will need to be placed in the bin the airport provides for x-ray screening.
Carry-on Luggage
Regulations for carry-on luggage are enforced. Each passenger is limited to one carry-on bag plus one private item such as a purse, tote or briefcase. Sharp metal objects such as scissors and razors are not permitted aboard the plane. For any questions regarding regulated items, contact the Transportation Security Administration online at www.tsa.gov/index/jsp or by phone at 866-289-9673 in the United States.
Some other carry-on luggage regulations include:
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Liquids, aerosols and gel toiletries are only allowed in 3.4 ounce bottles, or less, in a one quart or smaller sized clear, plastic zip type bag. These items will also need to be placed separately in the provided bin for screening.
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Once you have cleared security, food and beverages may be purchased to bring on board.
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Wrapped gifts are subject to inspection and will be unwrapped if they set off a security device. Passengers should consider shipping such items in advance to their destination.
The convenience of air travel makes catching a flight to both Trinidad and Tobago a popular way to get to your island vacation.