Flights to the Turks & Caicos

All international flights to the Turks and Caicos Islands arrive at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS), with the exception of a Miami—South Caicos (XSC) flight via American Airlines.

The Turks and Caicos welcomes direct flights from nine countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, and Antigua.

For arrivals from other destinations, travelers typically connect through a major United States east coast city, such as Miami, New York, or Charlotte.

Direct flights are offered from 16 North American cities, including Washington DC, New York, Houston, Miami, Toronto, and Montreal.

Flights to neighboring Caribbean countries have historically been expensive due to limited demand, yet prices have fallen in recent years and additional routes have been added. Frequent flights are now offered to the Bahamas, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Barbados.

Transatlantic Flights to Providenciales

British Airways operates the only transatlantic flight to Providenciales. The airline offers a Thursday and Sunday service from London Heathrow (LHR), which has a one-hour layover in Nassau, the Bahamas.

Virgin Atlantic no longer flies to Providenciales.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government runway expansion project for the Providenciales International Airport was completed in 2012 in a bid to attract new transatlantic flights from the United Kingdom and Europe to its tarmac.

Connecting to the Family Islands

Nearly all international flights arrive on Providenciales. The exception is South Caicos, which welcomes a twice-weekly international flight from Miami via American Airlines.

If you’re flying into Providenciales and staying on one of the outer islands, you will need to take a domestic flight or ferry for the final connection to your island destination. Domestic flights and ferries typically allow for one carry-on bag and one checked baggage in their fares. For additional baggage, fees apply.

North and Middle Caicos

The passenger ferry service (30 minutes) is the only daily service if you’re staying on the islands of North and Middle Caicos, and is the main means of transport for visitors. It operates between Providenciales and North Caicos several times per day.

If you prefer to fly, local airline Caicos Express Airways provides twice-daily flights to North Caicos on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Arranging a charter flight with a local airline is also an option, though the cost may be prohibitive for small groups.

Middle Caicos is connected to North Caicos by road, so it's typically necessary to rent a car if you plan to visit.

South Caicos

For those who aren't flying direct to South Caicos via Miami, both domestic flights (15–20 minutes) and a ferry service (90 minutes or more) are available. There isn’t much of a cost difference between the two options, so flying may be the better choice for those carrying less luggage.

Grand Turk and Salt Cay

To get to Grand Turk and Salt Cay, your only commercial travel option is a domestic flight, which is subsidized by the Government. There are several flights between Providenciales and Grand Turk daily. The schedule to and from Salt Cay is more limited.

Searching for Flights to Turks and Caicos

Only the Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and South Caicos Airport (XSC) have regular direct international flights. Use the airport code PLS when searching for flights to Turks and Caicos (no need to select nearby airports), and XSC if you're staying on South Caicos. Grand Turk JAGS McCartney International Airport (GDT) is a designated international airport, but there are no scheduled passenger flights. Salt Cay Airport (SLX) is domestic flights only.

Aircraft, Seats & Airline Classes

American Airlines uses a range of aircraft, though their planes are typically an Airbus A319 or Boeing 737. Power sockets and features vary by aircraft. Many American flights only have Economy and Business Class (and not their new Premium Economy and First Class). JetBlue typically uses an Airbus A321 for flights to the east coast in the United States.

British Airways on the London–Providenciales route uses a three-class Boeing 777 aircraft.

Most flights feature business class, and the American Airlines and British Airways flights also include first class.

How to Get the Best Deals on Airfare

Other than watching for specials and promotions from the airlines, there are a few other ways to get cheap flights and save on your trip price.

The top method is to book your vacation and flights to Turks and Caicos when there’s less demand and more availability. Like many tourism destinations, the Turks and Caicos experiences normal fluctuations in visitor arrivals. Winter is the high season, and late summer and autumn is the low season. You’ll typically save a significant amount on accommodation, flights, and your car rental if you book outside of the peak tourism times. See Best Times to Visit Turks and Caicos.

Another way to find flight deals is to connect through and make the final leg of the journey from the smaller US cities where lower airport costs reduce the airfare.

It’s possible to find deals on both your flight and hotel or resort with vacation packages. If what’s included in the deal is what you’re looking for, they may make sense. Keep in mind that with a bit of online research, you may be able to match or do better by booking separately.

Fixed Fees

There is approximately $85 worth of Turks and Caicos charges applied to flights to the Turks and Caicos, which includes security fees and airport redevelopment fees. These fees are included in your ticket price.

Entry Requirements

Visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands are required to present a valid passport and proof of onward travel (such as a return ticket) to enter the country. Failure to present such documents may result in refusal of entry by an immigration agent.

The Turks and Caicos Government typically grants visitors the ability to stay in the country for 90 days—your initial departure date must fall within this window to be granted entry.

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and European Union residents can visit Turks and Caicos without a visa. For information on entry requirements, see Passports and Visas.

Onward Transportation From the Airport

Complimentary airport shuttles are rare on Providenciales, though a few resorts provide them for guests. Taxis are available right outside the arrivals hall and service popular tourist areas such as Grace Bay, Long Bay, and Chalk Sound.

It's recommended that visitors consider renting a car for their stay. A rental car allows you to explore the many great sights and beaches at your own pace, and can save you money on costly taxi fares.

On South Caicos, the large luxury resorts include complimentary airport transfer from the South Caicos Airport (XSC) as part of your stay.

Useful Links

Best Times to Visit

Customs Allowances

Passports, Visas & Entry