FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LPIA Outlines Summer Holiday Operations Plan, Shares Useful Travel Tips for Passengers
NASSAU, BAHAMAS July 6, 2022— In an effort to mitigate the impact of growing traffic on operations during what is anticipated to be a busy summer travel season, key stakeholders at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) have put in place plans to ensure that passengers are efficiently processed through the airport.
Summer projections for passenger arrivals and departures at LPIA are showing continued and steady recovery from the pandemic. Preliminary passenger numbers recorded for June 2022 are 285,244 arriving and departing passengers, representing around 76% of pre-pandemic passengers for the same period in 2019. NAD anticipates that July and August, which are traditionally very busy travel months for Bahamians, will yield similar strong recovery particularly with the lifting of certain travel restrictions for the United States and The Bahamas.
“During this busy summer travel period we wish to assure the travelling public that firstly, their safety is our paramount concern. Our overall objective is to make certain that a high level of efficiency prevails in the terminals coupled with excellent customer service resulting in a positive experience for our passengers,” said Vernice Walkine, President and Chief Executive Officer, Nassau Airport Development Company Ltd.
“The airport stakeholders are continuously working together to maximize the efficiency of operations and mitigate any potential challenges within our facilities,” she continued.
LPIA is offering the following tips to local passengers planning to travel this summer.
This summer will be busy at LPIA and there are some key things local travelers should know and consider whether they are travelling to the United States, other international destinations or domestically within The Bahamas:
- When travelling to the US, particularly on peak days and times ensure you are at the airport 3 to 3.5 hours ahead of your scheduled flight departure time. For Domestic travel please arrive 5 hours ahead of time.
- If possible, avoid travel to the US on busy days like Saturday and Sunday this summer. Pick a slower day to begin and end your vacation or business trip. Also, if possible, travel during off peak times and look for flights either before 9:00am or after 2:00pm.
- Ensure you are clear on testing and entry requirements while travelling:
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- United States and Bahamas COVID-19 testing requirements have changed. Vaccinated travellers entering the United States and returning to the Bahamas will no longer be required to submit to pre-travel COVID-19 tests to enter either country. Instead, valid proof of vaccination must be presented before boarding a flight to the United Stated or The Bahamas.
- All Unvaccinated travellers aged 2 and older will be required to obtain a Rapid Antigen Test or RT PCR test taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to travel and present the negative test results at check-in before return to The Bahamas.
- IMPORTANT: You mustbe fully vaccinated to travel to the United States by plane if you are not a U.S. citizen, not a U.S. national or lawful permanent resident, or if you are traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa and 18 years or older. Children under the age of 18 years do not have to be vaccinated to enter the United Stated by plane.
- Children under age 2 are exempt from any testing requirement. COVID-19 testing is no longer required for inter-island travel whether you are vaccinated or not.
- Be Ready for Security Screening: Passengers should have their passport and boarding pass available to enter the security screening process. Passengers will be required to remove jackets, belts, shoes, electronic items and empty pockets. To make this process quick and efficient, please dress comfortably in clothing and shoes that can easily be removed and keep your electronic items handy. Please be reminded that allowable liquids in carry on luggage are limited to travel sized items no more than 3.4oz. All carry-on liquids should hold in a one-quart sized zip lock bag.
- As LPIA is a US Pre-Clearance facility, each passenger will undergo inspection by a United States Customs & Border Protection Officer prior to leaving Nassau. Family members living in the same household can be inspected together. Bahamians need a valid passport and police record or US VISA for travel. Please check your travel documents well ahead of your trip to ensure that they are still valid and did not expire over the course of the pandemic.
- Once these formalities are done, you may proceed to your airline gate or enjoy the shopping and dining amenities available in the U.S. Departures Lounge. All gates are within a three-minute walk from anywhere in the US or Domestic/International Departure Lounge.
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