Flights to Antigua
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More suggestions for finding cheap flights to Antigua
Although a good choice of both scheduled and charter flights to Antigua is still available from both London Gatwick (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, XL) and Manchester (BMI), there are no other direct flights to Antigua from the UK.
British West Indian airlines (BWIA) used to offer flights to Antigua from London Heathrow, Manchester and Glasgow, although following their rebranding as Caribbean Airlines, they have repositioned themselves very much as a regional carrier, and no longer offer long-haul flights between the Caribbean and the UK.
British Airways’ offer feeder flights into Gatwick from a number of UK regional airports, including Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
BMI’s Antigua flights from Manchester are also fed by shuttle feeders from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
As with other Caribbean islands like Barbados and St Lucia, the UK is the only country to offer regular scheduled flights to Antigua, so you are unlikely to find much luck with connections via popular European hubs such as Paris or Amsterdam, unless you're prepared to change twice, and connect through an airport that is popular with French or Dutch holidaymakers, such as St Martin or Martinique.
Onward connections between different Caribbean islands are usually run by local airlines, so you’re unlikely to find through bookings with either the major online consolidators or direct with European airlines. You might still find flight connections via the USA - for example with American Airlines or Continental, although both these airlines are cutting back on their Caribbean services as the ‘credit crunch’ takes its toll. Also, we would not recommend going via the USA you can possibly avoid it - travelling through American airports is enough hassle as it is (you have to clear US customs and immigration even if you are just transferring between different flights), but the routing is also much longer than it is to fly direct between the UK and the Caribbean.
Many people arriving on flights to Antigua from the UK will have resort transfers provided by their travel agent. If you do not have resort transfer prearranged, then there are plenty of local taxis available directly outside the airport terminal.
Public transport is available throughout the island in the form of fairly informal minibus routes which fan out from the capital St John's. Hiring a car on Antigua can often be a lot more hassle than it is worth - none of the major hire car companies are represented, and you will have to pay for a local driving licence. You might well find it more convenient to find a decent cabby at the airport to hire as a driver throughout your stay.
Mini Guide to Antigua
Regular scheduled and charter flights from Britain make Antigua an ideal introduction to the delights of the Caribbean, and well developed transport links with other islands also make it a good base for island hopping.
Compared to many of its Leeward Island cousins, Antigua is dry and arid and although there is a rainy season between September and November, the showers are usually short. The most popular time to visit is during the winter months from late December to mid-April, when temperatures are bearable and it is generally dry. It can get prohibitively hot during the summer months, especially if you have young children.
Antigua’s main attraction is English Harbour, a picturesque bay that has become a magnet for sailors in recent years. Here Nelson’s Dockyard, the former centre of English naval power in the region during the colonial years, has been restored and is one of the most fascinating historical sites in the West Indies. The Georgian fort ruins on Shirley Heights, which overlook the bay, have become a popular spot for weekend jump-ups (parties), with pounding sound systems and steel bands.
Antigua is the home of cricket legend Sir Viv Richards, one of the most exciting batsmen of all time, and cricket fans should try to catch a game at the Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG) in the capital, St John’s. Brian Lara scored his record breaking 375 at this regular test match venue in 1994.
Antigua Flight News
- BMI launch Caribbean flights sale - 12/06/2008
- Changes on Virgin Atlantic Caribbean flights - 18/11/2005
Other flights and travel news stories:
- Easyjet in hot water over misleading ad - 02/07/2008
- BA set to buy French business airline - 02/07/2008
- Aviation tax reform plans may be dropped - 02/07/2008
Flights to Antigua and Barbuda - Other Cities
Can't find any good value flights to Antigua? Read our general guide about finding flights to Antigua and Barbuda, or try one of the other cities in Antigua and Barbuda mentioned below:
Other useful Antigua travel websites
- Antigua (ANU) Airport Transfers - Find airport transfers with Transfers.net
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