The 10 Best Caribbean Airports – 2015 [according to Caribbean Journal]

From Caribbean Journal

These days, getting there isn’t always half the fun. Long lines and having to practically undress at the Security checkpoint can make flying more fraught than fab. Which is why we love transiting through these Caribbean hubs, which take the drudgery out of departing with perks every passenger can appreciate. Here are is our annual Best Caribbean Airports ranking, with a new name at the top.

Sangster International, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Any airport where we can grab a piping hot Tastee patty within moments of arrival is a good one in our book. Throw in Club Mo’Bay (a tranquil, Jamaican art-filled oasis we tapped as our best airport lounge last year); a plethora of shops; diverse dining options that include a Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and a Bobsled Café; a smoking lounge and free baggage carts and you’ve got an airport where a long layover doesn’t seem that bad. Our favorite Caribbean airport for 2015.

Lynden Pindling International, Nassau, Bahamas

The $400 million the Bahamian government laid out to modernize and expand their airport was money well-spent. US-bound travelers will appreciate the convenience of pre-clearance through Immigration, and in the U.S departures terminal, the plush Graycliff Divan lounge (with comp wi-fi) and the array of shops (we like My Ocean) take the sting out of having to go home.

Princess Juliana International, St Maarten

Each year more than 2 million passengers transit through this 73-year-old Dutch-side airport, which is one of the region’s most modern. Forty-six check-in counters and 12 gates keep delays to a minimum, and free WI-FI means we can stay connected minus the dreaded roaming charges.

Cancun International, Mexico

The gateway to the Riviera Maya, CUN saw more than 17 million passengers last year. And what did they see? One of the region’s largest duty-free shopping outlets; more than 20 restaurants; and a spa for pre-flight pampering.

Aerupuerto Internacional Reina Beatrix, Aruba

What makes us happiest about this “Happy Island” hub? The convenience of pre-clearance through US Immigration and Customs, which shaves at least an hour off our arrival at MIA (which, let’s face it, isn’t somewhere you want to spend any more time than you have to).

Point a Pitre International Airport, Guadeloupe

PTP is modern, well-maintained, well-run and bright and airy with a modern French design. Plus it has excellent shopping, including a sensational duty free shop specializing in the rhums of Guadeloupe. Frankly, what’s not to love?

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The thatch-roofed, open-air design of the main terminal PUJ precludes having air-conditioning. But since there’s decent cross-ventilation and ample shopping and dining, we won’t hold it against this privately owned airport’s developers (who also established the resort town in the early 1970s). And the recently-opened terminal is a rather clever one, too.

Aeroport International Aime Cesaire, Martinique

A fine example of first-world infrastructure in the French Caribbean, FDF offers excellent food (bien sur!) and an outstanding duty-free shopping experience – including a great rum shop where travelers can pick up that last-minute bottle of rhum agricole. It even hosts art exhibits, like the one above, which celebrated the airport’s namesake, Aime Cesaire.

Aeropuerto Internacional Las Américas, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Las Americas has one of the largest runways in the region, making the capital-city airport the second-busiest airport in the country. It boasts excellent duty-free shopping and an impressive range of dining options.

For more on this story go to: http://www.caribjournal.com/2015/03/03/the-10-best-caribbean-airports-2015/