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The famous mountain peaks called the Pitons can't be missed when flying into either airport in St. Lucia. Most international jet flights will enter through Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), while shorter flights from within the Caribbean will land at George Charles Airport (SLU).
The George Charles Airport if located in the capital city of St. Lucia, Castries. Hewanorra International Airport is located in the southern town of Vieux Fort, which is approximately 40 miles south of Castries. Traveling by road from the Hewanorra airport to Castries is at least an hour and a half journey. Travel time from Castries to Soufriere is about an hour drive.
Others charter helicopter service from the Hewanorra Airport to Castries, as well as to the Jalousie Plantation, which has its own helicopter pad. St. Lucia Helicopters, Ltd. can be reached at 758-453-6950; or Paradise Helicopters at 758-450-9203.
Taxis are readily available at both airports. Groups can also hire minibuses (which accommodate 10 people). The fare from Hewanorra Airport to Castries is approximately EC$120 - EC $175 up to four persons; Castries to Rodney Bay is approximately EC$40 up to four persons. Taxis are not metered, so be sure to get a quote in advance, Most drivers are also certified island guides. For additional details regarding taxi service, click here.
Car rentals and four-wheel drive vehicles can be booked at the airport, through hotels and travel agencies. The average weekly rental rates depend on the type of car and the rental agency can range from $295(US) to $390(US). Daily rates, not including insurance are approximately $70(US). Temporary driving permits for visitors can be arranged at the airport, car rental agencies and sometimes at hotels. Click here for more rental car information and agencies.
Hewanorra International Airport can be reached at 758-454-6355 and the George Charles Airport can be reached at 758-452-1156.
Airlines
A wide range of airlines, both international and regional, connect through St. Lucia and provide services from many gateways including Antigua, Barbados, Miami, Philadelphia and Puerto Rico. Flying times to St. Lucia from Miami is 3 1/2 hours; 5 hours from Toronto; and 6 hours from Philadelphia. When traveling to St. Lucia, vacationers will find a large number of airlines with direct flights to St. Lucia from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean.
Airlines servicing St. Lucia from the U.S. and Canada include:
| Airline | Phone Number(s) |
|---|---|
| Air Canada | 888-247-2262 |
| Air Jamaica | 800-523-5585 |
| American Airlines (American Eagle) |
800-433-7300 |
| BWIA (British West Indies Airways) | 800-538-2942 |
| Continental Airlines | 800-525-0280 |
| Delta Airlines | 800-221-1212 |
| JetBlue | 800-538-2583 |
| US Airways | 800-428-4322 |
| WestJet Airlines | 800-538-5696 |
Airlines servicing St. Lucia from Europe include:
| Airline | Phone Number(s) |
|---|---|
| Air Jamaica | 800-523-5585 |
| Air France | 800-237-2747 |
| British Airways | 800-247-9297 |
| BWIA | 800-538-2942 |
| Caribbean Airlines | 800-920-4225 |
| Condor | 800-524-6975 |
| Virgin Atlantic | 844-209-7777 |
Airlines servicing St. Lucia within the Caribbean include:
| Airline | Phone Number(s) |
|---|---|
| Air Caraïbes | 877-772-1005 |
| Air Jamaica | 800-523-5585 |
| BWIA | 800-538-2942 |
| LIAT | 268-480-5601 |
| SVG Air | 800-624-1843 |
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.
Travelers unfamiliar with an airline's reputation may want to consult the U.S.'s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which 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
Before heading to the airport, confirm that your flight is on schedule. Travelers should plan to arrive at least two hours before the scheduled departure to ensure proceeding without delay through checkpoints.
Travelers can help speed their way through the security process by remembering some basic guidelines which include:
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Carry your passport in an easy-to-reach location. You will be required to show it for security clearance together with your boarding pass. Children, too, must present a passport or other approved travel documentation when entering the United States by air. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department's website on passports.
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Travelers will need proof of their ticket; E-ticket confirmation pages will suffice. It is recommended that you check with the airline for any other possible documentation required. Non-ticketed travelers are not allowed to pass through the security gate unless accompanying a child, elderly, or disabled person.
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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.
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If you have any metal surgical implants, bring a current note signed by your doctor to avoid the possibility of a further delay with an airport official.
Carry-on regulations as to what may or may not be brought onboard should be recognized. Avoid carrying items like nail clippers, 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.
Should you wish to bring food or beverages on board, you must purchase them after you have cleared security. Further, gifts should be carried unwrapped so that, should they set off any security devices, they will not be damaged in the unwrapping process.
Travelers are finding it convenient to fly into St. Lucia and are enjoying their vacations on this beautiful island.
A cruise can be a great alternative way of arriving in St. Lucia.
There are a number of ways to book your trip to St. Lucia. Be sure to find out about all of your choices before you make your decision.
The distinctive history of St. Lucia will appeal to many visitors.
