Has anyone flown LIAT?
 

I would like to know any good or bad experiences with flying with this airline. I am trying to get to the BVI from Toronto and we don't have any direct flights to San Juan (but we do to Antigua). Thanks

Flew LIAT in Nov 1998 from San Juan to Tortola. Small plane, has a reputation for losing luggage [LIAT reportedly stands for "Luggage In Another Terminal" :-)], often overbooked, but my 1 flight was successful. The main thing is that you better check-in with them just as soon as your Toronto flight lands. I don't think you can check your luggage all the way thru to BVI if flying LIAT. We flew into San Juan, claimed luggage, then checked in with LIAT at the ticket counter and all went OK. My companion was the last person to get checked in, got the last seat, and a honeymoon couple got bumped, so don't wait to check in at their counter - go as quick as you can.

<BR>A few years ago they left us sitting in Antigua for over 6 hours on our way to nevis and on the way home they left an hour early and we had to hire Carib air. We lost a day of vacation because of them. Maybe you can find a more reliable airline.

It has been a long time since we have flown with Liat. It is one of the major north south local lines to the Grenedines and as far as Venezuela. I am not certain if you can check bagage through from other major lines. On our routes from San Diego one needs to overnight in Antigua to go south. The real problem is being confirmed on your flight. Be extra careful and reconfirm on every opportunity and get names. Also be early to check in. Liat is no better or worse than local Caribbean airlines in our experience. Also, if you know what you are doing their fares are very favorable. They used to have many special fares and perhaps still do.

Flown them a number of times while living in the USVI, 89 to 94. Never had any major problems such as lost luggage, delayed flights etc. But count me as one of the lucky ones I suppose. Have heard stories to the contrary.

Bex is lucky! We have flown LIAT several times. They have lost our luggage, showed up for our flight to San Juan at the same time we were to be boarding another plane in SJU to fly home amd when we were in Anguilla they just skipped the island one day leaving all the passengers stranded.

We usually take Liat from San Juan to BVI. Always dicey. Our connections are good, but Liat seems not to take confirmed reservations as seriously as more reputable airlines. If you don't check in a couple of hours before the flight, you risk losing your seat. Period! <BR>Good luck

We've used Liat quite a few times, and like most airlines in the Carribean, they overbook, lose your luggage, and don't have times coordinated too well with connecting flights. The reason why I say this is because, BWIA (beewee) has lost my luggage, American Airlines has failed to book my sit even while talking to me on the phone, and American Eagle will take the phone off the hook if they feel like it. <BR> <BR>Try to watch and make sure your luggage gets on and off the plane with you. I always carry a small tote with me that has my toiletries and some fresh under garments. At least I am clean when I shop for new clothes.

The above is so true. However, to a degree the same is true about associated commuter lines with major airlines in this country when it come to checked luggage and flight connections. I have sat in the plane and watched while they off loaded our luggage, which was denied in the cabin. On small planes, the pilot, if he is a person you want, will not take off if it is overloaded. This is really a plus sign. Which is more important - your luggage or your life? If all airlines made all reseravation that are not cancelled payable, then a lot of problems would go away about overbooking, so be an early check in while in the Carribean and reconfirm with names where possible. American Eagle is not AAL. While this has not been the case in the Caribbean, I have been in many places nearby where a few US dollars would make other reservations go away when I wanted to leave. So, hate me if you were on the other end of the stick.