Night Travel POS to TAB

[GraceV]

Due to limited flights from the US, we will be arriving at 9 pm at POS. We have flights to TAB at 10:30 booked.

Is it okay to travel at night like this? We have a ride arranged at TAB to pick us up, from the person we're staying with, who is trustworthy.

Otherwise, will there be a problem? Do you think 1 1/2 hours is enough time to clear customs and get on our flight?

We really have no other option, besides staying in the airport overnight and leaving on the first morning flight, but we'll have traveled for 12 hours already and would rather not do that.

Thanks!

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Grace

This is a common problem/question. Check down through this 'Air Travel & Getting To Tobago' sub-forum and you will find various topics that cover it, with responses from people who have experience of the issues involved. The most recent appears to be http://www.mytobago.info/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=9559

In summary, 1 1/2 hours is tight. The problem is that your passage won't be checked right through to Tobago. What I mean by this is that on arrival in Trinidad, you will have to pass through immigration, collect your baggage and leave the arrivals lounge, then make you way to the departures area where you will have to check in with Caribbean Airways for the flight to Tobago. To be honest, unless your flight lands early, rather than late, and you get through within an hour, you could have a problem.

[Andy K]

I last arrived in Trinidad coming from Miami in February, just before carnival.
You can't imagine the crowd at immigration and customs, because 2 or 3 flights arrived around
the same time.
I was positivly surprised though, that the immigration department had introduced a new computerized system
for the "crowd control". They must have copied it from MIA.
Very efficient ! I was out of the jam session in about 45 minutes. I sincerely hope they will keep it up.

[GraceV]

just an update : We made it fine! In fact, we had plenty of time. TAB and POS are both small and well-run airports. They're easily navigated and the staff is very efficient.

[SueShard]

Has anyone ever travelled Gatwick to Tobago via Trinidad with caribbean airlines?

[SueShard]

I guess that will be a no then!!

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Sue

As mentioned in our Airline section (Tobago > Tobago Flights / Ferry Services > UK) the Caribbean Airlines service to/from London only started on 15th June, so with respect, the first travellers to go out on that flight are probably only now about to return.

[SueShard]

Thanks for your reply Steve, I didn't realise it was a new service, thats what happens when you don't research stuff properly!

[Steve Wooler]

Go to the bottom of the class (I need some company!)

[Andy K]

Sue,

Caribbean Airlines predecessor BWIA used to fly Trinidad - London for years. I used it once, i think in 2006.
By that time BWIA was going to Heathrow, not Gatwick.
I have recently used CAL on a trip Trinidad - Miami and on several occasions on the air bridge Trinidad - Tobago.
I can commend the service and punctuality.
You shouldn't experience any difficulties travelling on CAL.
CAL also maintains a good policy for baggage allowance, unlike other airlines. On an intercontinental flight you are
still allowed 2 bags @ 50 lbs. each per person on economy class and 2 x 70 lbs. each on business class.

[SueShard]

Thanks very much Andy, sounds very positive I think we will give them a try.