Living and working remotely in the Pacific Northwest with the office in Grenada, I would consider myself an expert at travelling to Grenada. I travelling back and forth from Seattle, Washington to Grenada about 3-4 times per year. I also travel to Annapolis and Miami for the boat shows, and usually once or twice a year to a different location for our Adventure Sailing trips, like Tahiti, Belize, Sicily and Athens. I’m not bragging, I am just proving my expertise.
I constantly watch flight deals and if anyone says “hey, you want to go to (insert destination here)” you can assume I am already looking into it. My point is, I love to travel and help others travel as well.
Traveling back and forth to Grenada is something I have become very familiar with. Here are some of the best tips, tricks and ideas for your adventure to Grenada:
Direct round trip flights to Grenada
The Grenada airport (Maurice Bishop International, GND) is a major airport that has regular service every day of the week. Before COVID there were a lot more options available. More airlines are resuming their service to Grenada every day.
Air Canada operates direct flights from Toronto (YYZ) on Sundays and Tuesdays.
JetBlue and American Airlines offers non stop flights from New York (JFK) and Miami (MIA) everyday of the week.
On Saturdays, there is JetBlue direct service from Boston (BOS) and on American you can fly direct from Charlotte (CLT).
Book two round trip flights
If you are like me and don’t live near one of the major hubs mentioned above, I recommend looking into booking two different round trip flights.
For example, when I fly to Grenada I can book a round trip flights from SEA to JFK on Delta (where I have some points!) and then round trip JFK to GND. I like this option since I would have some options to my layover. If I booked roundtrip SEA to GND there is usually an overnight layover in Dallas or Charlotte, plus another connecting flight!
Overnight layovers
Flights out of Grenada are all later in the afternoon. You will likely have an overnight layover on your way home but it can get complicated with delays, long immigration lines and exhaustion from travel.
I like overnight layovers in Miami and JFK because they have hotels attached. This makes for a much easier travel day. MIA has Miami International Hotel which is a little outdated but offers complimentary breakfast at the restaurant. JFK has the TWA Hotel which is not cheap, but a really unique stay. Located in the JetBlue terminal, there is a heated, outdoor rooftop pool, complimentary gym access, large cozy rooms and multiple dining options. If you get a chance to have an overnight layover in JFK, I highly recommend the splurge!
Landing in Grenada
If you are like me and don’t like standing in line (who does?) then I recommend picking your arrival flight seat in the back of the plane. Why would anyone do that? Upon landing, the plane will deplane from the front and the back. So if you’re not in First Class or closer to the front, the best place to be is in the back! You will get a quick spot in the immigration line.
Do not forget to bring a pen with you so you can have your paperwork finished before getting in line. Include your phone number somewhere on the form as they will ask you to do that while you are waiting in line. There are a few new electronic systems in use but they are usually offered to local residents first.
When you exit the airport, Grenada Tourism Authority can direct you to the next available taxi to bring you to your accommodations. You can also arrange a taxi with our friends at Easy Taxi and Tours ([email protected]) for a more personal experience.
Departing Grenada
Maurice Bishop Airport is pretty small and located close to the city. Don’t expect super long check in lines or immigration. Inside the airport there are a few shops and restaurants. I recommend heading upstairs where it’s a little quieter and if you can, get a day pass to the lounge. It’s not your typical lounge but it’s air conditioned!
Mobile Passport
As much as I travel, you would think I would have all the fancy perks (Global Entry, TSA precheck) but I don’t. Instead I use Mobile Passport. You move through the same lines as Global Entry at immigration, avoiding the long lines. You will beat your luggage to the carousel but it’s better than waiting in the longest lines ever. It’s a simple app you download, enter your info and then save it for entry.
