Belize Air Travel

Planes are the most popular way to reach Belize

From Air to Belize
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Belize is extremely easy to reach by plane, making flying the most popular way to reach this Central American country. International flights to Belize depart from several U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Miami, and Los Angeles. Small planes also depart from Guatemala.

For the best price, book a round trip ticket - they are generally less expensive than one-way tickets. Although it's usually best to book your ticket in advance, you can sometimes find last-minute bargains if your travel plans are flexible.

Another money-saving option is to choose off-peak flight times. For example, flights departing mid-week or in the fall, spring, and summer months are often cheaper than flights on the weekends or in the winter months. A Saturday stay-over or departure from an alternate airport can also decrease the price of your ticket. Specially priced plane tickets are typically nonrefundable. Also, you'll likely incur a fee for altering the date or time of your travel.

Many flights to Belize are non-stop. Those that aren't may stop in other U.S. airports. A word on airline lingo: A nonstop flight does not make any stops, but a direct flight makes at least one stop along the way.

Traveler's Tip: Many Belizean airports are small, so arriving passengers typically cannot deplane directly to the terminal. Few airports provide shuttle service, so expect a long walk on the tarmac to the terminal to claim your luggage. If you have a physical ailment that prevents you from walking, arrange for an alternate form of transportation with one of the airline attendants prior to arriving in Belize.

Airlines

Once you're in Belize, you can cross the country - or even into other countries - by means of local airlines. To get to Belize, though, you'll want to rely on one of the following airline companies, all of which have regularly scheduled flights to the Caribbean:

Airline Telephone Number
American Airlines 800-433-7300
501-223-2522 (in Belize)
Continental 800-525-0280
800-231-0856
501-227-8309 (in Belize)
Delta Air Lines 800-223-2365
501-225-3429 (in Belize)
Grupo TACA 501-227-7363 (in Belize)
U.S. Airways 800-428-4322
501-225-3589 (in Belize)

The following local airlines travel to and from Guatemala:

Airline Telephone Number
Caribbean Holidays 501-227-2583
Maya Island Air 800-521-1247
501-226-2435
501-226-2192
Tropic Air 800-422-3435
501-226-2012
501-226-2338

If you're unfamiliar with an airline's reputation, 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:

Regulator Telephone Number
Air Travel Service Problems 202-366-2220
Aviation Safety Hotline 800-255-1111
Aviation Consumer Protection Division 202-366-2220
Questions about FAA-monitored consumer issues 866-TELL-FAA (835-5322)
Transportation Security and Baggage Screeners Concerns 866-289-9673

Leaving Belize

Non-Belizean citizens and nationals leaving the country must pay a $35(USD) departure fee. This fee is broken down into several parts:

  • Passenger Service Fee: $15(USD)

  • Airport Development Fee: $15(USD)

  • Conservation Fee: $3.75(USD)

  • Security Fee: $1.25(USD)

The fee is payable only in U.S. currency. This charge may be included in your plane fare, so check ahead to ensure that your departure is not delayed. Non-U.S. travelers are especially encouraged to check on this so they have the appropriate U.S. currency if necessary.

Airport Security

Due to increased terrorist activity in recent years, airports have enhanced security measures, especially in the U.S. In addition to regular baggage screening procedures, airports now have additional required security checks. New checkpoints screen both carry-on luggage and passengers; added security officers are stationed at these checkpoints to personally search travelers who trigger detector alarms.

Many airports also conduct random passenger inspections in which security personnel perform a complete search of people and all of their belongings. Because of these added security stops, you should plan on arriving at the airport one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours in advance for international flights; this should give you ample time to pass through all of the security clearance points.

To reduce waiting time and ensure that you reach your gate in a timely manner, heed these airport standards and advisements:

  • Do not wear 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.

  • Bring and keep handy your government-issued photo ID - this is required for security clearance. Children under the age of 18 are not required to carry a photo ID for 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.

  • Confirm your flight before heading to the airport.

Carry-On Luggage

Airports and airlines have implemented new regulations for carry-on luggage in recent years. Certain items, such as metal scissors and razors, are not permitted on flights. For a complete list of regulated items, visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 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:

  • 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.

  • 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.

Travelers will find that flying is of the most convenient ways to reach Belize. 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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