By Air

Most international flights to the Bahamas -- to Nassau, Freeport, and the Out Islands alike -- connect through airports in Florida, New York, Charlotte, Atlanta, Newark, or Philadelphia, depending on the airline. Most domestic flights make a quick stop in Miami or Fort Lauderdale. If you're flying to the Out Islands, you may have to make a connection in both Florida and Nassau -- and you still may have to take a ferry or a water taxi to your final destination, as many of the smaller islands do not have airports.

A direct flight from New York City to Nassau takes approximately three hours. The flight from Charlotte to Nassau is two hours, and the flight from Miami to Nassau takes about an hour. It's about a 35-minute flight from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport, and traveling from Miami or Fort Lauderdale to Marsh Harbour takes about an hour. Most flights between the islands of the Bahamas take less than 90 minutes -- most of them far less. You'll most likely spend more time on the ground waiting than in the air.

The major gateways to the Bahamas include Freeport International Airport (FPO), on Grand Bahama Island, and Nassau International Airport (NAS), on New Providence Island. There are also some direct flights from Florida to Out Islands airports such as Marsh Harbour (MHH) and Treasure Cay (TCB) in the Abacos.

Carriers

Air service to the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos varies seasonally, with the biggest choice of flights usually available in the Christmas-to-Easter window. Things can change substantially from year to year. Carriers come and go, especially in the Out Islands, which are served mostly by smaller commuter airlines and charters. Schedules change frequently. The smallest cays may have scheduled service only a few days a week, or may rely mostly on charters. In the Out Islands, ask your hotel for flight recommendations, as they are likely to have the most up-to-date information on carriers and schedules; some can even help you book air travel.

To & From the Bahamas

Major Airlines from the U.S. & Canada

Air Canada (888/247-2262). AirTran (800/247-8726). American Eagle (800/433-7300). Continental Airlines (800/523 -- 3273 for U.S. and Mexico reservations; 800/231-0856 for international reservations. www.continental.com). Delta (800/221-1212 or 800/241-4141). Northwest Airlines (800/225-2525 for U.S. reservations; 800/447-4747 for international destinations. www.nwa.com). Spirit Airways (800/772-7117. www.spiritair.com). US Airways (800/428-4322).

jetBlue (800/538-2583. www.jetblue.com).

Smaller Airlines

Air Sunshine (800/327-8900 or 954/434-8900.  www.airsunshine.com). Bahamasair (800/222-4262). Chalks Ocean Airways (800/424-2557. www.flychalks.com). Cherokee Air (242/367-3450). Comair (800/221-1212. www.comair.com). Gulfstream International Airways (800/231-0856. www.gulfstreamair.com). Island Express (954/359-0380. www.oii.net/islandexpress). Lynx Air International (888/596-9247). Twin Air (954/359-8266.  www.flytwinair.com). Vintage Props and Jets (800/852-0275.  www.vpj.com). Yellow Air Taxi (888/935-5694.  www.flyyellowairtaxi.com).

Within the Bahamas

Air Charter Bahamas (866/359-4752. www.aircharterbahamas.com). Bahamasair (242/377-5505). LeAir (242/377-2356. www.leaircharters.com). Take Flight Air Charters (242/362-1877. www.takeflightcharters.com).

Airport Information

Freeport International Airport (242/352-6020). Nassau International Airport (242/377-7281).