How to find cheap inter-island Caribbean flights

Book inter-island Caribbean flights directly with regional airlines like LIAT 2020, interCaribbean Airways, and Winair, or use Caribbean-specific booking sites like FlyCaribbeanJet.com. Avoid major booking engines which often miss the best regional routes and add unnecessary fees.

  1. Start with regional airline websites. Check LIAT 2020 (flyliat.com), interCaribbean Airways, Caribbean Airlines, Winair, and SVG Air directly. These carriers handle 80% of inter-island routes and often have web-only deals not available elsewhere.
  2. Use Caribbean-specific booking engines. Try FlyCaribbeanJet.com and CheapCaribbean.com flight search. These specialize in regional routes and aggregate smaller airlines that don't appear on Expedia or Kayak.
  3. Book one-way tickets separately. Round-trip inter-island tickets are often more expensive than two one-ways. Book each direction individually, especially if visiting multiple islands.
  4. Check ferry + flight combinations. For routes like St. Lucia to Dominica or Grenada to St. Vincent, a ferry to an intermediate island plus short flight can cost half the price of direct flights.
  5. Book 2-4 weeks ahead. Inter-island flights don't follow typical airline pricing. Best prices appear 2-4 weeks before departure, not months in advance. Last-minute deals are rare due to limited capacity.
  6. Fly Tuesday through Thursday. Weekend flights cater to cruise passengers and cost 30-50% more. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are cheapest, with Thursday close behind.
Why don't inter-island flights show up on major booking sites?
Many Caribbean regional airlines don't participate in global distribution systems used by Expedia, Kayak, and similar sites. They sell directly or through Caribbean-specific platforms to avoid commission fees.
Are connecting flights through hub airports cheaper?
Sometimes. Connecting through San Juan, Barbados, or Miami can be cheaper for longer routes, but factor in overnight hotel costs if connections don't align. Direct regional flights are usually more convenient despite higher prices.
What happens if my inter-island flight gets cancelled?
Weather cancellations are common. Regional airlines typically rebook you on the next available flight at no charge, but this might be 1-2 days later. Always build buffer days into your itinerary and carry travel insurance.
Can I use airline miles for inter-island Caribbean flights?
Limited options. Caribbean Airlines partners with American Airlines, but most regional carriers aren't part of major alliance programs. Cash bookings are usually your only option.