How to fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico?

[toddy]

Hi all

We are going on a Caribbean cruise departing from Puerto Rico, in late 2022.

I can’t see any direct flights from the UK. Most options appear to need to fly to a major city in Eastern USA (NYC, Miami, Washington etc)

Am I missing something obvious? Any suggestions on flights would be welcome (I’ve got a healthy balance of Avios and Virgin points)

Secondly, we would like to spend a few days on the island before the cruise, so would appreciate any hotel recommendations (as well as any ‘must see/do’ activities). The trip is for my partner’s 30th, so happy to splurge!

Thanks

• This topic was modified 55 years, 3 months ago by .

[NorthernLass]

As you say, your best bet is to get avios flights to east coast US and then an onward connection. MIA would probably be the cheapest airport to connect from, but sometimes there is also avios availability on AA from US cities (these are great value as the taxes are only about £4!) This route will also mean you shouldn’t have to re-clear US immigration in PR as I think it’s considered a domestic route.
Haven’t stayed there, but have visited a couple of times on cruises. The fort and cathedral in San Juan are worth a visit if you like history, and there is also a huge shopping mall with all the usual American bargain outlets if you like that as well! It’s quite a big island so it depends on where you want to stay, but there are rainforests and bioluminescent areas to visit.

[Optimus Prime]

You could also look at flights from Madrid on Iberia.

[NorthernLass]

I nearly suggested Madrid, however you’d then have to contend with entry rules for 2 separate countries – e.g. if Spain decided to ban tourists later in the year that would scupper the plan. I’m sticking strictly to 1-centre trips for the foreseeable future!

[toddy]

Thanks all!

Spain could be a good shout. Our local airport is MAN, so to use Avios to the US, we would probably have to go via London anyway.

Noted on the 2 centre trip!

[fran]

Just arrived recently from PR, and that’s right, there are no direct flights to the island from London. We went through Miami and returned through Madrid. Couple of points:

* I’ve been warned by friends in the US that Puerto Rico doesn’t recognize people vaccinated with AstraZeneca as “fully vaccinated”. We didn’t get AZ so can’t confirm.

* PR does indeed count as a domestic flight in the US, so you would do immigration at your first point of entrance (Miami, New York, etc.). Aim for a 3 hour+ layover, specially if going in through Miami.

Please do have some mofongo and coquito when you get there!