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Although the island is a part of France, there is no mistaking it's location in the Caribbean as you fly over clear blue waters to reach Martinique. While flying to the island can be more difficult than to other destinations in the Caribbean, many visitors find the connecting flight well worth the effort. Martinique's Lamentin International Airport, located near Fort-de-France, is the hub of all air traffic on the island. The airport is modern and up to date, and has taxi and rental car services available for passengers going to Fort-de-France and other resort locations on the island. Over 500,000 visitors came to the island in 2004. The airport can be reached at 596-596-42-16-00. For flight information, call 596-596-42-19-95. Entry RequirementsAll visitors to Martinique must have proof of a return or continuing ticket as well as a valid passport. Stays of up to 90 days are permitted without a visa for citizens of the United States. The newly passed Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative means that residents of the United States and other North American countries will need a valid passport to re-enter or visit the United States. There are no departure or arrival taxes for traveling to Martinique, although some charter services may have a fee. AirlinesA number of different airlines provide air travel service to Martinique, although travelers from major destinations in Europe and North America will generally need to take a major international air carrier to another destination in the Caribbean before making a connection on a smaller interisland airline to Martinique. Air France flights out of Miami and Paris are the only flights that provide direct air service to the island. Connections can be made in a number of surrounding Caribbean islands, including St. Lucia, Antigua, Dominica, Guadeloupe, and St. Martin. Air traffic passengers should research these different flight options to determine what sort of flights and connections will save the most money when booking your flight. All visitors to Martinique must show proof of a return or onward ticket, and return flights will generally be cheaper than buying one way flights. Travelers should also check out last minute deals and packages, as well as join frequent flier mile clubs as a way to save extra money.
Many air travelers from Europe and North America may not be familiar with a number of the smaller and interisland airlines that provide transportation to Martinique. This makes it difficult for passengers to select an airline that they are familiar with and trust. For airlines that you are not familiar with, consider contacting the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States (FAA) (http://www.faa.gov), who rates air carriers on various factors, from service to safety. The FAA has deemed that the Government of France is in compliance with the International Aviation Safety Assessment Program, which measures the standard of aircraft operations within a country.
Security ConcernsAirport and airline security has increased considerably in recent years in wake of worldwide terrorism concerns. Getting to your flight can now involve a greater number of security checkpoints as well as inspections of both passengers and baggage. Items that were previously considered innocuous are now prohibited. All of these security measures can mean longer delays in an airport before you are able to reach your gate. Air traffic passengers can take a number of different steps to facilitate their passage through checkpoints in order to make it to their gate quickly. Before even arriving at the airport, passengers should call airlines a few days in advance to confirm flight schedules and ticket assignments. This can be especially important on crowded charter flights. Also confirm baggage and weight restrictions with charter flights and research any extra fees that may be incurred from items such as golf clubs or bicycles. Some major airlines now even allow electronic check-in and boarding pass printing in the 24 hours prior to your flight. For travelers who have electronic tickets and have not chosen electronic check-in, many major airlines have electronic ticket kiosks where travelers can quickly check-in and print their boarding pass. Passengers flying internationally will need an official passport and boarding pass to clear security checkpoints and to travel abroad. Here are a few tips related to baggage screening and security checkpoints that will help to facilitate passenger traffic through the area:
The French and Caribbean culture of Martinique, coupled with the island's natural beauty, make the island an appealing destination for travelers flying to the Caribbean. Related Articles
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From colonization to current conditions, discover the fascinating history of Martinique.
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Sunday September 07, 2008
