Air travel offers a quick journey to the Dominican Republic

A variety of airlines offer service to the Dominican Republic and its seven international airports. Whether flying into a multi-level terminal or one with a thatched straw roof, choose an airport that will allow you to quickly get to your final destination.

The four primary airport terminals that accommodate international airline traffic in the Dominican Republic are Las Am�ricas International Airport (Santo Domingo), International Gregorio Luperon Airport (Puerta Plata), Punta Cana International Airport, and La Romana Casa de Campo International Airport. Cibao International Airport (Santiago) and some of the smaller domestic air terminals also receive some international flight service. Since the island is so large, be sure to research the location of your final destination in order to ensure that you fly into a nearby airport.

Passengers from destinations in North American will be able to find both nonstop and direct flights to the Dominican Republic, so shop around for a journey that suits your needs. Nonstop service flies straight from the departure city to the arrival city, while direct service will stop along the way. Passengers coming from destinations in Europe and elsewhere may need to stop over in a U.S. hub airport before proceeding onward.

Porters may attempt to help you with your bags when you arrive at a Dominican Republic airport. Travelers should be wary of this, as baggage theft can occur. If you decide to let a porter help you, tip him a few dollars per bag. Taxis can be found at airports, but passengers should be wary of suspicious or unmarked vehicles. An easy and safe option is to arrange transportation from the airport with your resort hotel.

Most airline passengers entering the Dominican Republic will be required to purchase a $10(USD) tourist card and will need a passport and proof of future departure. The departure tax for air travel is $20(USD).

From North America:

From Europe:

The phone number for Punta Cana International Airport is 809-668-4749; for Las Am�ricas International Airport, the number is 809-549-0450.

Safety and Security Concerns

Concerns over terrorism have caused heightened security measures in the U.S and abroad in recent years. Renovations during this time have made Las Am�ricas International Airport more secure, but travelers who are coming to this airport for the first time may be overwhelmed by the dizzying pace and atmosphere. For safety reasons, do not let others handle your bags here. It may also be wise to consider using some sort of added security on your bags, such as locks, wraps, or cases.

Travelers should also be aware that the Dominican Republic has not passed the United States Federal Aviation Administration's International Aviation Safety Assessments Program. This program assesses a country's ability to comply with internationally held standards for operations and maintenance.

Due to recent changes in law, U.S. citizens returning from the Dominican Republic are required to have a U.S. passport to reenter the country. This will also ensure that your departure from the Dominican Republic goes smoothly. Customs officials are often thorough, and penalties are severe for even minor drug offenses.

Children under the age of 18 traveling to the Dominican Republic without a parent or legal guardian will need an authorization, written in Spanish and notarized by a official at a Dominican consulate in the United States. Pets brought into the country must have certificates of health and recent shots. For more information and advice concerning travel to the Dominican Republic, consult the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

With so many airlines throughout Europe and North America providing frequent service to the Dominican Republic, travelers may wish to fly with airlines that they are familiar with and trust. Travelers considering a flight with an airline on which they have never flown can consult the rankings and evaluations of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration for information concerning performance and safety. To contact the FAA and related services, use the information below:

Due to security concerns, airline passengers have been forced in recent years to alter the way that they prepare for and boards flights. Passengers find themselves and their luggage subject to increased scrutiny as they make their way to the gate. While these changes are time consuming, there are steps that travelers can take to make this process go as smoothly as possible.

When taking a commercial or charter jet, passengers should confirm their flight numbers and times two or three days in advance of the flight. Passengers should also consider arriving at the airport two hours in advance, especially for international flights, as lines and baggage inspections will generally slow your progression to the gate. If you have secured an electronic ticket, using an electronic ticket kiosk will allow you to avoid some of the long lines. When moving through the lines, your government-issued photo ID and boarding pass will be checked at several points. Always keep these items in an accessible and secure place so you can produce them quickly when asked.

Baggage screening of both checked and carry-on baggage generally causes the greatest delays in the airport. Here are a few tips for helping to ensure that both you and your baggage make it through without hassle.

• Make yourself aware of the Transportation Security Administration's list of prohibited items. Items such as razors and cigarette lighting devices are prohibited on board an aircraft. Consult the Transportation Security Administration Web site (http://www.tsa.gov/public ) for a full list of these items, or call 866-289-9673 for other questions.

• While some items are strictly prohibited, certain permitted items can slow your progress through baggage screening. Large metallic items like jewelry, belt buckles, and boots must be removed when moving through the baggage screening area, as they are likely to set off metal detectors. You will often be asked to remove hats, jackets, and shoes and put them on the screening belt. Computers and camcorders must be taken out of their cases when put on the belt. Valuables can be placed in secure pockets of your carry-on luggage when going through the baggage screening area.

• Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item, which is generally considered to be a purse, briefcase, or laptop case.

• For checked baggage, be aware of the types of food that you pack, and consult airline officials if you have questions. Some types of food can set off bomb detection devices. Gifts in both checked baggage and carry-on baggage should be unwrapped, as airline officials may unwrap them should they conduct a search of your bag.

• Passengers with metal surgical implants that could set off metal detection devices should have a signed doctor's note, and may also wish to contact airport security officials.

Even when taking time for extra preparations and precautions, flying remains the fastest and most convenient way to reach your destination in the Dominican Republic.

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