Island Birds FAQ’s
Private Charter FAQs
YOU HAVE QUESTIONS. WE HAVE ANSWERS.
Everything You Want to Know Before You Fly
Flying private in the Caribbean is simpler than most travelers expect.
Here are straightforward answers about routes, airports, commercial flight
connections, baggage, customs, families, pets, schedules and flying with Island Birds.
Routes & Getting There
Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Anegada and the major Caribbean gateways.
Connections & Your Schedule
Commercial arrivals, delays, early arrivals, San Juan and private FBO transfers.
Baggage & Aircraft
What fits, what flies best and what to know before you pack.
Customs & Travel Documents
Passports, immigration, entry portals and private charter handling.
Families & Pets
Children, private groups and bringing the four-legged members of the family.
Booking & Experiences
Quotes, last-minute flights, Anegada day trips and aerial tours.
Getting Where You Actually Want to Go
Direct private charter can eliminate many of the scheduled airline connections,
ferry transfers and overnight stops that make Caribbean travel complicated.
1. What is the best way to fly from San Juan to Virgin Gorda?
Island Birds offers direct private air charter from
San Juan to Virgin Gorda.
You can land directly at Virgin Gorda Airport (VIJ) without continuing through Tortola
and then transferring by taxi and ferry.
2. Can I fly directly from San Juan to Tortola?
Yes. Island Birds operates private charter flights from
San Juan to Tortola,
landing at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island (EIS).
Your aircraft is reserved for your party and coordinated around your travel schedule.
3. How can I fly from San Juan to Anegada?
Island Birds flies directly from
San Juan to Anegada.
Flying directly lets you reach Anegada without first flying to another BVI island
and continuing by ferry.
4. What is the best way to fly from St. Thomas to Virgin Gorda?
Island Birds offers direct private charter from
St. Thomas to Virgin Gorda.
You fly directly to Virgin Gorda Airport instead of arranging a separate ferry transfer.
5. How do I get from St. Thomas to Tortola by air?
Island Birds offers private charter flights from
St. Thomas to Tortola,
landing at Beef Island Airport (EIS). Your flight is scheduled around your party,
rather than around a published airline timetable.
6. Is there a direct flight from St. Thomas to Anegada?
Yes. Island Birds operates direct private charter from
St. Thomas to Anegada.
It is an easy way to avoid routing through another island before continuing to Anegada.
7. What is the fastest way to get from St. Maarten to Virgin Gorda?
A direct private charter avoids the extra connections that can turn a short Caribbean
trip into most of a travel day. Island Birds flies
St. Maarten to Virgin Gorda
on demand.
8. Can I fly directly from St. Maarten to Tortola?
Yes. Island Birds operates private charter flights from
St. Maarten to Tortola,
landing at Beef Island Airport (EIS).
9. Are there private flights from St. Maarten to Anegada?
Yes. Island Birds offers direct private charter from
St. Maarten to Anegada,
allowing you to fly straight to the island without building your trip around ferry connections.
10. What is the best way to fly from Antigua to Virgin Gorda?
Island Birds offers direct private charter from
Antigua to Virgin Gorda.
Flying directly can eliminate multi-leg airline connections and ferry transfers.
11. Can I fly directly from Antigua to Tortola?
Yes. Island Birds offers private charter from
Antigua to Tortola,
landing at Beef Island Airport (EIS) on your schedule.
12. Is there a private flight from Antigua to Anegada?
Yes. Island Birds offers direct private charter from
Antigua to Anegada.
It is one of the most direct ways to reach Anegada from farther down the Caribbean.
13. Do you offer flights from Tortola to Anegada?
Yes. Island Birds operates private charter flights between Beef Island Airport (EIS)
and Anegada Airport (NGD). The short flight gets you directly to Anegada without the ferry journey.
14. Can I fly directly to Virgin Gorda or do I have to take a ferry?
You can fly directly to Virgin Gorda. Island Birds is approved to operate into
Virgin Gorda Airport (VIJ), allowing passengers to land on the island where they are actually staying.
15. Is there a private charter that flies directly to Anegada?
Yes. Island Birds specializes in direct private charter to Anegada Airport (NGD)
from several Caribbean gateways and from within the British Virgin Islands.
16. Which airline flies directly to smaller BVI islands such as Virgin Gorda and Anegada?
Island Birds specializes in private air charter to Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Tortola,
along with destinations throughout the Caribbean. We have been flying Caribbean charter
passengers since 2000.
17. What is the best way to avoid ferry transfers in the British Virgin Islands?
When your destination has an airport that Island Birds can serve directly,
a private charter can allow you to land on the island instead of flying somewhere else
and continuing by taxi and ferry.
18. How do I fly from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the BVI without taking a ferry?
Island Birds offers direct private charter from St. Thomas and other approved airports
to Virgin Gorda, Tortola and Anegada. That lets you complete the USVI-to-BVI portion
of your trip by air.
19. Is Virgin Gorda Airport really a dirt runway?
Yes. Virgin Gorda Airport (VIJ) has a short unpaved runway.
Island Birds is approved to operate there and has decades of experience flying
passengers directly into Virgin Gorda.
20. Can Island Birds fly beyond the British Virgin Islands?
Yes. Island Birds provides private air charter throughout the Caribbean.
See our
Caribbean destinations
or contact us with the origin and destination you have in mind.
Your Flight Works Around You
One of the biggest advantages of private charter is that your Caribbean connection
does not have to behave like another scheduled airline flight.
21. Will Island Birds wait if my commercial airline flight is delayed?
Yes. If your commercial arrival is running late, we coordinate your private charter
around the updated arrival time rather than simply leaving because a published departure time arrived.
22. What happens if my commercial flight arrives early?
If you arrive early and the aircraft, crew and airport arrangements are ready,
we can often depart earlier too. That flexibility is one of the advantages of flying on demand.
23. Can I choose my private charter departure time?
Yes. Island Birds is an on-demand private charter operator.
Your departure is coordinated around your itinerary rather than a fixed public airline schedule.
24. Is the aircraft reserved only for my party?
Yes. When you book a private charter with Island Birds, the aircraft is reserved for your party.
You are not waiting for unrelated passengers to arrive before your flight can leave.
25. Can Island Birds coordinate a same-day connection from San Juan to Virgin Gorda?
Yes. Island Birds regularly coordinates private charter departures with commercial arrivals
into San Juan so passengers can continue to Virgin Gorda the same day.
26. Can I connect from San Juan to Tortola or Anegada the same day?
Yes. Island Birds can coordinate onward private charter from San Juan to Tortola,
Anegada and other Caribbean destinations around your arriving flight.
27. Where do I meet Island Birds when I arrive in San Juan?
When connecting through San Juan, our team coordinates your ground transfer and departure arrangements.
Island Birds passengers can be driven directly to our private FBO in our VIP van
and then straight out to the awaiting aircraft.
For detailed San Juan instructions, see our
Airport Information.
28. What is the difference between San Juan International Airport and Isla Grande Airport?
San Juan has more than one airport option for private aviation.
The best departure point depends on how you are arriving in Puerto Rico and your itinerary.
See our
Isla Grande option
and
San Juan airport information
for details.
29. Do private charter passengers have to go through the normal airline terminal and TSA lines?
Private charter departures are handled differently from ordinary scheduled-airline departures.
At larger airports Island Birds uses private aviation facilities and ground handling,
allowing passengers to avoid much of the normal commercial terminal process.
30. Can I book a last-minute private charter?
Yes. Island Birds regularly accommodates last-minute travelers when aircraft and crew
availability allow. Contact us as soon as you know what you need and we will tell you what is possible.
31. How far in advance should I book my charter?
Booking as early as your travel plans allow gives you the greatest flexibility,
especially during busy Caribbean travel periods. We also handle short-notice requests
whenever availability allows.
32. Can my departure time change after I book?
Private charter gives us far more flexibility than a scheduled airline.
If your plans change, contact Island Birds and we will coordinate the adjustment whenever possible.
33. Can I fly from St. Maarten to Virgin Gorda without staying overnight?
Yes. A direct
St. Maarten to Virgin Gorda private charter
can eliminate scheduled airline connections that might otherwise require a lengthy layover
or overnight stay.
34. Can Island Birds connect me with a yacht charter in the BVI?
Yes. We can fly you to the BVI airport that makes the most sense for your yacht departure,
including Tortola, Virgin Gorda or Anegada depending on your itinerary.
Tell us where your yacht begins and we can help plan the air portion of the trip.
35. Can Island Birds fly me directly to my villa?
Aircraft land at airports, not at villas, but Island Birds can often get you much closer
to your final destination than a traditional airline itinerary.
For example, passengers staying on Virgin Gorda can land directly at Virgin Gorda Airport.
Pack Smart. Fly Easy.
On smaller Caribbean charter aircraft, the size and shape of your luggage can matter
just as much as its weight.
36. How much baggage can I bring on an Island Birds flight?
Baggage capacity depends on the aircraft, number of passengers and the size of the bags.
On our 9-passenger Chieftains, 40 to 50 pounds per person is a typical planning allowance,
but bag dimensions are equally important.
See our
Baggage Restrictions
before packing.
37. Are soft-sided bags better for private charter flights?
Yes. Soft duffels and normal carry-on bags are much easier to load into smaller aircraft
baggage compartments than large rigid suitcases. Softer luggage gives us more flexibility
when loading your party.
38. Why does the size of my suitcase matter if I am under the weight limit?
Aircraft baggage compartments have fixed openings and shapes.
A suitcase can be within the weight allowance and still be too large or awkward to fit.
That is why Island Birds considers both weight and dimensions.
39. What should larger groups know about baggage?
When seven or more passengers are traveling together, especially an all-adult group,
soft duffels and carry-on-sized luggage are strongly recommended.
The more passengers aboard, the more important efficient baggage packing becomes.
40. Can I bring oversized or unusual items?
Tell us about oversized or unusual baggage when requesting your charter.
We can review the item, passenger count and planned aircraft before your trip
and tell you what can be accommodated.
41. What aircraft does Island Birds operate?
Island Birds operates aircraft including the Piper Navajo Chieftain and Piper Aztec,
both well suited to Caribbean island flying.
You can see the aircraft and cabin information on our
Fleet
page.
42. Are the aircraft comfortable for families and small groups?
Yes. Our aircraft are designed for small private groups and provide a much more personal
travel experience than a scheduled airline connection.
Your party travels together in the same aircraft.
43. Is Island Birds FAA certified?
Island Birds operates FAA-certified aircraft with professionally trained pilots
and maintenance technicians. Safety is central to every flight we operate.
44. Are Island Birds pilots experienced with Caribbean airports?
Yes. Caribbean flying, including smaller island airports such as Virgin Gorda and Anegada,
has been at the heart of Island Birds operations since the company was founded in 2000.
Know Before You Go
International private charter is still international travel.
The difference is that Island Birds helps coordinate the process around your flight.
45. Do private charter passengers still have to clear customs and immigration?
Yes. Private charter does not eliminate legal customs or immigration requirements.
When you travel between countries or territories, the required entry and departure procedures still apply.
46. Does Island Birds help with customs and immigration?
Yes. Island Birds coordinates ground handling and the required customs and immigration
procedures associated with your charter so your connection can be as straightforward as possible.
47. Can private charter make customs faster than a normal airline connection?
At many larger airports, private aviation uses dedicated facilities and ground handling
rather than the normal scheduled-airline passenger flow.
The exact process depends on the airport and your itinerary.
48. Do I need a passport to fly with Island Birds?
Passport and entry requirements depend on your citizenship and the countries or territories
included in your itinerary. Every passenger is responsible for carrying the travel documents
required for the trip.
49. Are there online entry forms I should complete before traveling?
Some Caribbean destinations require online customs or immigration forms before arrival.
We maintain direct links to several commonly used government entry systems on our
Customs Portals
page.
50. What travel information should I send Island Birds before my flight?
We will tell you what passenger and travel information is needed for your itinerary.
Providing the requested information before departure helps us prepare the flight
and any required international arrival or departure arrangements.
51. Does customs work the same way on every Caribbean island?
No. Entry procedures, forms and operating arrangements vary by country, territory and airport.
Island Birds coordinates each charter according to the airports and jurisdictions involved.
Bring the Whole Crew
Private charter is especially useful when the trip involves children,
multiple generations, extra luggage or a four-legged passenger.
52. Can children fly on an Island Birds private charter?
Yes. Families regularly fly with Island Birds.
Because the aircraft is reserved for your party, the trip can be much simpler
than managing children through multiple airline connections and ferry transfers.
53. Can infants travel on an Island Birds flight?
Yes, but tell us the age of every passenger when requesting your charter
so we can make sure the correct seating and travel arrangements are discussed before departure.
54. Is private charter a good option for grandparents or multi-generation families?
It can be. Flying directly to the island where you are staying can reduce terminal changes,
ferry transfers and unnecessary handling of luggage.
If anyone in your group has mobility needs, tell us before the flight so we can plan appropriately.
55. Can I bring my dog or other pet on an Island Birds flight?
Yes. Island Birds is pet-friendly.
Tell us about your pet when requesting the charter so we can coordinate the aircraft
and any destination-specific entry requirements.
See our
Pet Transportation Services.
56. Does my pet have to travel separately from the family?
Island Birds specializes in private travel, so pet arrangements are much more personal
than ordinary airline cargo travel. The exact setup depends on the animal,
aircraft and itinerary, and we will review it with you before departure.
57. Does my pet need paperwork to enter another Caribbean island?
Requirements for animals vary by destination.
Tell Island Birds where you are traveling with your pet so the required documentation
can be reviewed before the trip.
58. Is Island Birds a good option for a private family group?
Yes. Your aircraft is reserved for your party, your departure is coordinated around your schedule,
and the entire family travels together from origin to destination.
From the First Question to Takeoff
Tell us where you are, where you want to go and who is traveling.
We will help with the rest.
59. How do I request a private charter quote?
Use our
Private Charter Quote
page and tell us your origin, destination, travel date and number of passengers.
Our team will respond with the available charter options.
60. What information should I have ready when requesting a quote?
The most useful starting information is your departure airport or location,
destination, travel date, approximate preferred time, passenger count
and whether you need a one-way or round-trip flight.
61. How is private charter pricing determined?
Charter pricing depends on the route, aircraft, itinerary, passenger requirements
and other details specific to the flight. Requesting a quote gives us the information
needed to price your trip accurately.
62. Do I buy individual seats or charter the aircraft?
Island Birds specializes in private charter.
The aircraft is reserved for your party rather than sold seat-by-seat like a scheduled airline.
63. Can I book an Anegada day trip?
Yes. Island Birds offers
Anegada day trips
with private flights from Tortola or Virgin Gorda.
You can spend the day exploring Anegada and fly back later.
64. What are BVI aerial tours?
Island Birds offers private sightseeing flights over the British Virgin Islands,
giving passengers an aerial view of the islands, reefs and surrounding Caribbean water.
Learn more about our
BVI aerial tours.
65. Where do BVI aerial tours depart from?
Island Birds aerial tours can depart from Beef Island or Virgin Gorda,
depending on the tour arrangements.
66. Can Island Birds arrange a private flight for a group?
Yes. Private groups, families, villa guests, yacht guests and business travelers
can charter an aircraft for their own itinerary.
Tell us how many passengers are traveling when requesting your quote.
67. Can Island Birds fly me somewhere that is not listed on the website?
Possibly. The routes shown on our website represent many of our most popular flights,
not every airport we can serve.
Island Birds provides private charter throughout the Caribbean,
so contact us with the route you have in mind.
68. Why use private charter instead of another scheduled airline connection?
Private charter gives you control over the schedule and can allow you to fly more directly
to your destination. Depending on the trip, that can mean fewer terminal changes,
fewer connections, no ferry transfer and less time spent waiting for the next scheduled departure.
69. What makes Island Birds different from a scheduled airline?
With Island Birds, your aircraft is reserved for your party and the flight is coordinated
around your travel plans. Arrived early? We can often go early.
Running late? We coordinate around your arrival.
That flexibility is the heart of private charter.
70. How long has Island Birds been flying private charter in the Caribbean?
Island Birds was founded in 2000 and has spent decades flying passengers throughout
the Caribbean, with particular experience serving the British Virgin Islands
and smaller island airports.
STILL HAVE A QUESTION?
Ask Us. We Actually Answer.
Every Caribbean itinerary is a little different.
Tell us where you are coming from, where you are going and what matters most to your trip.