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St. Lucia is a secluded, little tropical paradise in the Caribbean, but it also is home to two different airports. Most travelers flying on direct flights from non-Caribbean nations will enter through Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), while Caribbean travelers will fly into George F. L. Charles (formerly, Vigie) Airport (SLU).
Though it may seem strange some travelers find it most convenient to fly into the George Charles Airport via a smaller, Caribbean plane than to make the hour and a half taxi journey from Hewanorra Airport on the southern coast of St. Lucia to the capital city, Castries, where the George Charles Airport is located. Others charter helicopter service from the Hewanorra Airport to the Jalousie Hilton, which has its own helicopter pad.
There's another route some travelers find preferable. Visitors may decide to fly to Martinique, then take the available ferry to Castries. Depart from Fort-de-France, Martinique and spend some time on L'Express des Iles ferry to Castries.
When booking travel, remember a few tips to ensure that you're getting the best value. Remember that, when travelers intend to fly two ways, round trip tickets can help them save significantly. Further, weekend stays can lower rates. Travel during off-peak flight times are another important way to save a little bit on your journey to St. Lucia.
A Word to the Wise: Nonstop travel doesn't stop, but direct flights will. Many flights do stop on the way to St. Lucia, but this can sometimes benefit travelers who wish to fly into the George Charles Airport in Castries.
Another item to watch for is airport size. While some Caribbean airports are large, state-of-the-art affairs catering to millions of passengers, others are just beginning to grow to fit tourism's needs. Smaller airports will often require travelers to carry luggage from the landing site to the terminal, so travelers with special needs should call ahead to arrange help as necessary. Hewanorra International Airport can be reached at 758-454-6355 and the George Charles Airport can be reached at 758-452-1156.
Airlines
When traveling to St. Lucia, vacationers will find a large number of airlines with direct flights to St. Lucia from the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and even the UK.
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It's suggested that travelers from Australia and New Zealand, as well as others from around the world, fly in to the U.S. to find a connecting flight. Some UK travelers will also find chartered flights available as part of tour packages. However, as St. Lucia's tourism industry continues to expand, vacationers may find more and more routes to this island paradise.
When traveling it's best to know the airline you've chosen. Travelers unfamiliar with an airline's reputation may want to consult the U.S.'s 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 via the internet 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 | 800-322-7873 |
| Transportation Security and Baggage Screeners Concerns | 866-289-9673 |
Security and Luggage
Recent terror attacks have caused a tightening of many travel-related security items. For this reason all travelers and luggage are undergoing more thorough inspections, especially in the U.S.
New checkpoints featuring security guards help to protect the airlines from problems, but this can slow travelers down. This means travelers should plan to arrive for U.S. domestic flights one hour before the scheduled departure, and for international flights two hours before departure - earlier at some of the larger airports.
There are a few things travelers can do to help speed their way through the security process:
Before heading to the airport, confirm that your flight is on schedule.
Carry your government-issued photo ID in an easy-to-reach location. You will be required to show it for security clearance. Children under the age of 18 do not need an ID for domestic flights, but their accompanying adult must present one.
Non-ticketed travelers are not allowed to pass through the security gate unless accompanying a child, elderly, or disabled person. Travelers will need proof of their ticket. E-ticket confirmation pages will suffice.
Avoid wearing metal objects such as steel-toed boots, heavy jewelry or bulky belt buckles as these items could set off the metal detectors at security checkpoints.
If you have any metal surgical implants, bring a note from your doctor to avoid a long meeting with an airport official.
Carry-on luggage regulations have also been tightened in recent years, and travelers should be aware of what they may or may not bring onto a plane. U.S. travelers should avoid carrying items like metal scissors and razors. Visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website at www.tsa.gov/public/index.jsp or call 866-289-9673 for a complete list of the regulated items.
Carry-on items are now limited to one bag per passenger and one"personal item." Such personal items include purses, briefcases, and laptop cases, but the laptop case must contain a laptop.
Traveling with food and beverages is easier when you carry them on. These items can actually set off bomb detection devices while being scanned as checked baggage. Further, gifts should be carried unwrapped so that, should they set off any security devices, they will not be damaged in the unwrapping process. When visiting St. Lucia, travelers are finding it more an more convenient to fly.
Cruises allow travelers to personalize every aspect of their arrival in St. Lucia.
Learn more about the options available to you when purchasing your vacation.
Before you leave for your vacation in St. Lucia, brush up on a little bit of the local history.