Airlines sure have been a friendly bunch lately.

It’s like we’re supposed to forget doors flying off, worldwide tech outages, and measuring bags to the nearest nth of a millimeter.

Frontier, Spirit, and Southwest all announced major changes to their business models with the first 2 leading the way setting forth new flexible policies in the often scrutinized ‘budget travel’ sector.

Yet, for well over twenty years, one family-owned, passenger-friendly airline has been flying under the radar, so to speak.

Their latest additions are nonstop flights to the Bahamas’ top destinations, and best of all, there are no change or cancellation fees.

Welcome To Western Air

You may be aware of Caribbean Airlines or BahamasAir, but have you heard of little-known Western Air?

This tiny, San Andros island-based airline has been taking to the skies for over two decades.

It is owned and operated by a family.

Western Air airplane

While every other flight is a roll of the dice, you may actually know your pilot by name by flying Western.

Flights are chartered across the Caribbean and both Central and South America, but flights between Florida and the Bahamas are offered publicly as if booking any other airline.

We’ve all heard of tragic stories that may make us hesitant to fly an airline we don’t know, but rest assured, gaining access to America’s skies is no easy feat.

Western Air is safe and offers a fleet of familiar names like Embraer and Saab – unlike that one brand that seems to have Max’d out their good fortune.

Best of all, flights are very affordable and flexible if you need to make an unexpected change.

Alterations can be made up to 5 hours before take-off, and international tickets are valid for up to 6 months.

Vivid blue waters of The Bahamas

New Affordable Routes To The Bahamas – Including Holidays!

The only U.S. city Western Air serves is Fort Lauderdale, which is just a quick hop across the pond directly into paradise.

This airline is not codeshared with any partners, so connecting flights are not an option as a package deal.

Of course, you could fly into Fort Lauderdale and purchase a separate flight with Western Air.

Sometimes, this can be risky, but since Western Air is ultra-customer-friendly, last-minute changes are of little concern.

Paradise Island Beach - Bahamas

Western Air previously launched inter-island flights based out of Nassau for the ultimate Bahamian adventure!

Those who become fans of the airline will appreciate a unique offer – every 11th roundtrip is free!

So, for those interested in saying so long to traditional airlines, the first new route being launched is from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Freeport, Grand Bahama (FPO).

No need to worry about limited flights either, as this new route will be served daily. Flights are still as low as $160 in August, extending through winter, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s!

Additionally, Fort Lauderdale already serves Nassau, typically the most popular gateway into the country and home to the world-famous Atlantis Bahamas resort on Paradise Island.

Nassau offers more of a city vibe surrounded by stunning scenery while Freeport is much smaller and more laid-back for uninterrupted blissful beach time lounging, swimming, or snorkeling.

Of course, one of the best ways to enjoy the full Caribbean experience is by booking a nice stay.

Freeport has you covered here if Atlantis is a bit overwhelming.

These are the top 5 Freeport resorts in 2024, according to TripAdvisor:

  1. Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham – An All-Inclusive Resort
  2. Lighthouse Pointe At Grand Lucayan Resort
  3. Pelican Bay Hotel
  4. Ocean Reef Yacht Club & Resort
  5. Grand Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort

Endless Island Hopping: Western Air’s Impressive Bahamas Network

Summer is a great time to visit the Caribbean, and possibly even better during fall as many destinations cool down.

Vacationers are always in search of sun and sand no matter the season, and what better place than The Bahamas?

While many tourists park their butts on a beach chair tethered to the resort grounds, Western Air offers numerous flights across this gorgeous island nation should you want to venture beyond your dreamy beach resort.

Whether you’re swimming with pigs or avoiding crowds, the Bahamas has never been easier to explore, with flights as short as 12 minutes, like Nassau—San Andros, for example.

This is Western Air’s complete Bahamas network:

  • Bimini
  • Cat Island
  • North Eleuthera (home to a pink sand beach!)
  • Freeport
  • Exuma (tours to swim with pigs!)
  • Marsh Harbour
  • Nassau
  • San Andros
  • South Andros

Credit: Source link