Visitors to Puerto Rico find plenty of flights and top notch service

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Puerto Rico is unique in the Caribbean as one of the islands most visited by air travelers. San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín (LMM) International Airport is an American Airlines hub, and has plenty of nonstop flights arriving daily from this and other airlines, usually on direct flights from Miami and other large U.S. airports. This makes air travel the most popular way to reach Puerto Rico.

Booking travel can be expensive, but there are a few ways travelers have found to cut costs. Booking round-trip tickets will lower the price of tickets, as will traveling at off times and over weekends. However, if your schedule is flexible, there are plenty of offers for the last minute vacationer.

Traveler's Tip: Although it may be included in your airfare, there is a $5(USD) departure tax from San Juan. Check with your airline ahead of time to make sure you don't delay your trip.

Most flights from the United States are nonstop to Puerto Rico; direct flights typically connect in San Juan or St. Thomas before heading to their final destination. A word on airline lingo: Nonstop flights are just that, but direct flights often make a stop or two along the way.

Airlines

Once you're in Puerto Rico, travelers may island hop using any of the many small local lines. To get to Puerto Rico, though, rely on one of the airline companies below, all of which have regularly scheduled flights to this U.S. territory:

Airlines servicing Puerto Rico from the United States and Canada:

Airlines servicing Puerto Rico from Europe:

Airlines servicing Puerto Rico from Central and South America and the Caribbean:

Airlines offering charter flights in and around Puerto Rico:

U.S. travelers who are unfamiliar with an airline's reputation can consult the 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 online at www.faa.gov. You can also phone the FAA regarding specific issues:

Airport Security

Enhanced security measures at airports around the world, though especially in the U.S., after an increase in terrorist activity mean that travelers are subject to additional security checks and baggage screening procedures. Some airports conduct random passenger inspections as well.

Due to these changes, it's suggested that travelers arrive earlier than in the past at the airport. For U.S. domestic flights it's best to arrive an hour early, and for U.S. international flights it's best to arrive two hours early, however, at some high-traffic airports travelers may want to arrive earlier than these suggested guidelines.

• Confirm your flight before leaving for the airport.

• Bring and keep handy a government-issued photo ID - this is required for security clearance. Children (travelers under the age of 18) are not required to carry a photo ID for U.S. domestic flights; however, the adult accompanying or checking in with them must present one.

• Remember that you will only be allowed to pass through security with a ticket for travel. (Non-ticketed persons can only pass through if accompanying a child or an elderly or disabled person). An official confirmation page for an e-ticket will suffice. Make sure you have your ticket or e-ticket confirmation page and your ID before you get to the airport.

• Avoid wearing metal objects such as steel-toed boots, heavy jewelry, or bulky belt buckles, since these items could set off the checkpoint detectors.

• 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

Carry-on luggage regulations have also been tightened, and items like metal scissors and razors, as well as nail clippers, are no longer allowed onto flights. For the full listing travelers may contact the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) via website at www.tsa.gov/public/index.jsp or call 1-866-289-9673 in the U.S. Other carry-on rules are as follows:

• If you plan to bring food or beverages with you, pack them in your carry-on bag as opposed to your checked luggage because some food items may activate the bomb-detection machines.

• Do not take any wrapped presents with you. If the package sets off a detector, security officials will be forced to unwrap, and may damage, the present.

• The carry-on limit per passenger is one carry-on bag plus one private item such as a briefcase, laptop case, or purse. A laptop case will not be considered a personal item unless it contains a laptop.

Island Hopping

Since Puerto Rico is one of the larger Caribbean islands, there are plenty of ways to get across it. Flying across the island is sometimes popular with travelers. There are smaller airlines with service from one part of Puerto Rico to another, and companies that offer charter services, as well. Of course, island-hopping jets can also take vacationers from one Caribbean island to another.

Domestic flights depart from the main International Airport as well as the Fernando L. Rivas Dominici Airport, located on Isla Grande near Miramar and San Juan. Flights out of LMM International go to Aguadilla, Fajardo, Mayagüez, and Ponce. Tourists looking to reach Vieques and Culebra will have to leave from Dominici Airport. No matter where you're going, remember to pay the departure tax. Some airlines may include this with the cost of your ticket, so be sure to ask your travel agent to avoid paying twice.

Travelers to Puerto Rico will find flying one of the most convenient ways to reach the island. With consistent schedules and plenty of flight options, it's easy to see why this is the most popular way to arrive.

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