Why are inter-Caribbean flights so expensive?

Limited competition, small aircraft, high fuel costs, and airport fees. Most routes are monopolized by 1-2 carriers. A 45-minute flight can cost more than flying from Miami to London.

Should I book each flight separately or as one ticket?

Book separately for flexibility but understand you'll re-check bags and go through immigration at each stop. If one flight delays, you're not protected like with a single ticket.

What happens if my flight gets cancelled?

Caribbean carriers cancel frequently due to weather and mechanical issues. Have backup accommodation booked and build buffer days into your itinerary. Travel insurance that covers missed connections is essential.

Are there any island-hopping passes available?

LIAT used to offer passes but discontinued them. Some travel agents package deals, but individual booking usually costs less. Check Caribbean Airlines for occasional multi-destination promotions.

How to Book Inter-Caribbean Flights Without Overpaying

Book inter-Caribbean flights 2-3 months ahead using regional carriers like LIAT, Caribbean Airlines, and interCaribbean Airways. Avoid Friday-Monday travel, use multi-city bookings instead of round-trips, and check both hub routes through Barbados/Trinidad and direct options.

Start with regional carriers first. Check Caribbean Airlines, LIAT, interCaribbean Airways, and SVG Air before major carriers. These airlines control most inter-island routes and often have better prices than American/JetBlue connections through Miami or San Juan.
Use multi-city booking tools. Book as separate one-way tickets or use Google Flights multi-city option instead of traditional round-trips. Caribbean routes are priced individually, not as packages, so round-trip bookings often cost more.
Target Tuesday-Thursday departures. Avoid Friday-Monday travel when prices jump 40-60%. Business travelers fly Monday/Friday, tourists fly weekends. Tuesday-Thursday flights can be half the price on popular routes like Barbados-St. Lucia.
Book 8-12 weeks ahead. Sweet spot is 2-3 months out. Earlier than 4 months and prices aren't released yet. Less than 6 weeks and you're paying premium rates. Regional carriers have limited inventory that fills quickly.
Consider hub routing. Sometimes connecting through Barbados (BGI) or Trinidad (POS) costs less than direct flights. Caribbean Airlines hubs in Port of Spain, LIAT uses Barbados. A Dominica-Grenada flight might be cheaper via Barbados.
Check ferry + flight combinations. For short hops like St. Lucia to Martinique or Dominica to Guadeloupe, flying to a nearby island then taking the ferry can save 50% or more. Ferry tickets are $60-80 vs $200-300 flights.

Why are inter-Caribbean flights so expensive?: Limited competition, small aircraft, high fuel costs, and airport fees. Most routes are monopolized by 1-2 carriers. A 45-minute flight can cost more than flying from Miami to London.
Should I book each flight separately or as one ticket?: Book separately for flexibility but understand you'll re-check bags and go through immigration at each stop. If one flight delays, you're not protected like with a single ticket.
What happens if my flight gets cancelled?: Caribbean carriers cancel frequently due to weather and mechanical issues. Have backup accommodation booked and build buffer days into your itinerary. Travel insurance that covers missed connections is essential.
Are there any island-hopping passes available?: LIAT used to offer passes but discontinued them. Some travel agents package deals, but individual booking usually costs less. Check Caribbean Airlines for occasional multi-destination promotions.