Puerto Rico is unique in the Caribbean as one of the islands most visited by air travelers. San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin (LMM) International Airport is a major interconnecting point to the Caribbean. There are many nonstop flights arriving daily from several airlines, and direct flights from large U.S. airports.
Nonstop flights from the U.S. to Puerto Rico, including flights from New York (3 hrs. 15 min.) Chicago (4 1/2 hrs), Dallas (4 1/2 hrs) Los Angeles (7 1/2 hrs), Miami (2 1/2 hrs) and Washington, DC (3 1/2 hrs) are convenient considerations when planning vacations. Some airlines, such as American, Continental, Delta, Jet Blue, and US Airways, have several daily nonstop flights and some have weekly service. Many direct flights typically connect in San Juan or St. Thomas before heading to their final Caribbean or South American destination. Be sure to remember that nonstop flights are just that, but direct flights often make a stop or two along the way.
When traveling to Puerto Rico rely on one of the following airlines, all of which have regularly scheduled flights to this U.S. territory:
Airlines serving Puerto Rico from the United States and Canada:
Air Canada
American Airlines (AA) and American Eagle
Caribbean Helicorp Inc.
Continental
Copa Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Jet Blue
North American Airlines
Spirit Airlines
United Airlines
U.S. Airways
Airlines serving Puerto Rico from Europe:
American Airlines
British Airways
Continental Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Iberia Airlines
K.L.M. Royal Dutch Airlines
United Airlines
US Airways
British Airways will begin flights to Puerto Rico from London Gatwick on 28 March 2011. The flights will depart on Monday or Friday every week.
Iberia Airlines has a non-stop flight from Madrid, Spain to San Juan, Puerto Rico. People will need to check the dates for this flight as it only is non-stop on certain days of the week.
The best airports in the United States to make a transfer if you are traveling from Europe are:
JFK – New York
MIA – Miami, Florida
BOS- Boston, Massachusetts
Via the Pacific Ocean Route:
Los Angeles Airport (LAX) has one non-stop flight per day direct to San Juan.
American Airlines has the most frequent flights into San Juan, however, they have recently cut back on many of their flights.
Please be aware of the below information regarding American Airlines and travel search engines:
“Orbitz, Expedia and its subsidiary, Hotwire no longer display or sell American Airlines fares on their websites. In doing so, some customers may be misled to believe they have fewer choices, even in situations where American’s fares are lower than other airlines, or when American offers superior schedules.
However, customers looking to compare flights or fares online should visit other travel sites such as Kayak.com or Priceline.com for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Our customers can always find our Lowest Fares Guaranteed and No Online Booking Fee at AA.com. American flights can also be purchased from a wide range of accredited travel agencies across the globe.
***Very Important***
Upon your departure from San Juan after the conference, all passengers connecting through the United States must have their checked and hand-carry luggage scanned by the US Agricultural Department. The scanning machine is outside of the terminal just before you enter the airport. YOU MUST SCAN YOUR ITEMS FIRST AND THEN PROCEED TO CHECK-IN. IF YOU DO NOT YOU WILL HAVE TO GO BACK OUTSIDE AND DO THIS PROCEDURE
