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With the expansive Atlantic Ocean separating travelers from the Caribbean Sea, most people opt to use air travel to reach Anguilla. Although flying is convenient and quick, foreign travelers are required to first fly to a neighboring Caribbean island before heading to Anguilla.
The main airport in Anguilla is the Wallblake Airport, located in the center of the island and south of The Valley. The airport receives many interisland flights daily from locations such as San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Antigua, and St. Kitts. No flights travel directly or non-stop to Anguilla from regions outside of the Caribbean. Travelers in the United States will typically take American Airlines to San Juan before taking a short one-hour flight to Anguilla. Travelers from Europe and other destinations around the world must connect in the United States or take a direct flight to a neighboring island. Wallblake Airport can be reached at 264-497-2719. The airport departure tax is $20(USD).
All foreign travelers to Anguilla must have a passport that is valid for at least six months. Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (effective December 31, 2005), all United States citizens must have a passport in order to re-enter the country when returning from the Caribbean. In addition to passports, all travelers must show proof of a continuing or return ticket before being allowed to enter Anguilla.
Although flying to the Caribbean can be expensive, there are several ways to save money on flights. Since there are no non-stop flights from foreign destinations to Anguilla, travelers should search for a number of connecting islands and flights in order to get the best deal. Flying during the slow tourist season in the Caribbean can save travelers up to 50 percent on airfare and hotels. Airlines also sometimes release last minute deals. Return tickets can be less expensive than two one-way tickets. Advance booking, reward programs, and frequent flier mile clubs are other ways to benefit and save on your travels.
Many travelers may be unfamiliar with some of the airlines that provide service to Anguilla. It's best to research an airline before booking a flight. The Federal Aviation Administration of the United States provides rankings and safety reputations for air carriers. The contact information for the FAA is:
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Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
800 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, D.C. 20591
http://www.faa.gov
FAA Consumer Hotline: 866-835-5322
Aviation Consumer Protection Division: 202-366-2220
The FAA has ruled that the Government of Anguilla is not in compliance with International Aviation Safety Assessment Program. This program does not judge individual air carriers, but does examine a country's standards of aircraft operations.
Airlines
| Airline | Contact Information | Flies From |
| American Airlines (American Eagle) |
800-433-7300
http://www.aa.com |
American Airlines flies primarily to San Juan, Puerto Rico. American Eagle flies twice daily non-stop from San Juan, and also flies from St. Thomas |
| Caribbean Star |
268-480-2561 http://www.flycaribbeanstar.com |
From Antigua and St. Kitts |
| LIAT | 868-624-4727 888-844-5428 (only in the Caribbean) http://www.liatairline.com |
From San Juan, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts, and St. Maarten |
| TransAnguilla | 264-497-8690 | From St. Thomas; Also charters flights to islands in the Caribbean. |
| Windward Islands Airways (WinAir) |
264-497-2748 http://www.fly-winair.com |
From St. Thomas daily and from St. Maarten several times a day |
Airport and Airline Safety and Security
As a result of safety concerns resulting from the spread of terrorism in recent years, airports and airlines have increased their security measures. Luggage checks and searches have become more thorough, and travelers must move through several check points when taking their flight to the Caribbean. Although increased security has caused delays and heavier airport traffic, security officials have streamlined the process as much as possible, and air travelers realize that the measures have been implemented for their own safety. Travelers can contact the Transportation Security Administration (http://www.tsa.gov) (TSA) at 866-289-9673 with questions concerning baggage screening and security concerns, as well as for a full list of prohibited items.
In light of this increased security, air traffic passengers can take several measures to ensure that they get to their flight quickly and without complications. The first important step is confirming your flight. Call their airline a few days in advance to confirm the flight times, flight number, and ticket assignments. Arrive at the airport two hours before your flight is scheduled to depart in case of delays or unseen complications at the ticketing counter or security checkpoints. The popularity of electronic tickets has prompted the spread of electronic ticket kiosks where passengers can quickly print their boarding passes. In order to move through all of the checkpoints, travelers should have a valid government issued photo ID (passport) and a boarding pass.
Once past ticketing, travelers are likely to experience the most delays as they wait to move through the primary passenger screening area that allows entrance to the airport terminals. Items such as razors, lighters, and matches are not allowed through these checkpoints. Consult the TSA (http://www.tsa.gov) for a complete list of restricted items.
Prepare to move through the security checkpoint by removing any bulky metallic items such as belt buckles, steel boots, and jewelry. Additionally, remove all jackets, coats, and blazers. Passengers may also be required to remove shoes and hats. Computers and camcorders must be taken out of their cases in order to be sent through the baggage screening machine, and they may be closely inspected. Personal valuables, such as cell phones, PDA's, and jewelry should be placed securely in carry-on bags when moving through the security checkpoint. Travelers with pacemakers or metal surgical implants should speak with airport security officials in order to make arrangements for security screening. Airlines generally allow one carry-on item and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop computer. Airlines have different rules for checked baggage and may charge fees for items such as golf clubs. Travelers should contact their airline with questions about traveling with pets and items such as bicycles.
Although travelers must take a connecting flight to travel to Anguilla, flying remains the quickest and most convenient way to reach this beautiful island.
If you live by the motto that getting there is half the fun, a cruise to Anguilla may be perfect for you.
There are a number of ways to book your trip to Anguilla. Be sure to find out about all of your choices before you make your decision.
The distinctive history of Anguilla will appeal to many visitors.