When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Montego Bay?
December to April is considered the peak season in Jamaica. The tropical climate is at its driest then, and the island comes alive for both its carnival season, which begins in January, and its Bob Marley celebrations in February. The rainy season from May to November is the cheapest time to fly to Montego Bay, although return flights in July and August can still be pricey because of school holidays.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Montego Bay?
Booking around four months in advance is ideal for finding cheap flights to Montego Bay. Direct flights are available from the UK, but it’s worth using Netflights to check for indirect flights too, as you may be able to save money on flights with connections. Last-minute deals are sometimes available on return flights during the peak season. Try using Netflights’ flexible dates option, which allows you to see which day of the week has the cheapest fares.
Flying to Montego Bay Jamaica Sangster International Airport MBJ
Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ) is the largest of Jamaica’s two international airports. Located three miles (just under five km) east of the city on the island’s northwest coast, MBJ serves around 4 million passengers a year. Many of the major UK airports have flights to Montego Bay, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester and Newcastle. Although almost all the airports offer indirect services, London Gatwick operates direct flights to Montego Bay with Virgin Atlantic. Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, Air France, American Airlines, KLM and British Airways fly to Montego Bay with one or more stops. The stopovers are often in cities such as Paris, New York and Toronto.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
MBJ is a single terminal airport with shops, restaurants and currency exchange services all located in the main building. Duty-free shopping is available in the departures area. You can book a place at the airport’s premium Club MoBay lounge, located at Gate 9, which offers more facilities, including Wi-Fi, showers, cable TV and a children’s play area. MBJ also features artwork by local artists and school children in its arrivals and departures corridors.
Getting to the City from Montego Bay Jamaica Sangster International Airport MBJ
To get to the city from the airport, you’ll need to either hire a car or take a taxi. You’ll find car hire companies located in the ground transportation arrivals hall when you exit customs. Two taxi companies operate from the airport to Montego Bay: JUTA Taxis and JCAL Taxi. You can either book a car from their shared, authorised taxi desk just outside the customs exit when you arrive or reserve a taxi in advance on their websites.
Why Visit Montego Bay?
Nicknamed MoBay by the locals, Montego Bay is a popular destination for British tourists in search of sunshine, relaxation and good vibes. The city is surrounded by the sandy beaches of Jamaica’s northern coast, the most famous being Doctor’s Cave Beach, where you can rent a snorkel or go scuba diving in the clear waters. Chill out afterwards with a drink at the beach bar or one of the many cafes along the nearby ‘Hip Strip’, Gloucester Avenue.
Montego Bay is also home to many historic great houses and sugar plantation mansions. The oldest is Bellefield, where you can take a guided tour of the great house and the estate, while Rose Hall offers a spooky night-time tour that focuses on the legend of one of its previous inhabitants. Finally, explore the rich habitats and wildlife of the region at the 40-acre Animal Farm and Nature Reserve, where you can hand-feed exotic birds or fly through the rainforest on zip wires with the Chukka Caribbean canopy tour.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
Visit your GP at least six weeks before your departure date to check whether you need any vaccinations before your Jamaica holiday. The official local currency is the Jamaican dollar, or J, but the US dollar is often accepted, especially in tourist areas. British nationals don’t need a visa to enter Jamaica, and visitors are usually granted entry for a maximum of 90 days upon arrival. Arrival and departure taxes are normally included in the cost of your airfare, but it’s worth verifying that before you fly.
