Montego Bay Airport Questions....

[Sllefebvr]

Never having been to Jamaica I am curious about the airport situation... I want to include in my pre-travel brochures information about the airport. What happens when the plane lands? Do custom officials come on the plane first before you can depart? Also how does customs, immigration and luggage claim work at the airport?? Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated!

[Bride2012]

Not sure if things have changed, but I went to MoBay about 2 years ago, and they have you fill out a customs form on the plane and I BELIEVE they take it before you deplane.

 

Then you walk through the airport to have you go through to get your passport stamped, they will ask you a few questions about your stay and then you are on your way.

 

You pick up your luggage at Baggage claim the same as you would in the US.

 

Hope this helps...

[futuremrstgun]

hello ladies!

 

my fiance and i travel to jamaica every Fall...and so here's the skinny.

 

yes you complete the form onboard..no they don't take it from you..you present it upon arrival to the immigration personnel.  you will get one form if traveling as a family..if you have two different last names, two forms are needed.  i'd highly recommend that your guests bring a pen along..it can get 'crazy' asking or waiting on the use of a pen 20-30k up in the air..

 

here's a sample of the form that's distributed onboard.

 

 

when you get off the plane, you go to immigration..which, depending on the time of day can be a long and tedious process..oftentimes, there aren't enough immigration personnel available, hence the reason it takes so long plus most of them are on island time (get used to it, you're on vacay, mon); however, on occassion you get in just as a few other planes are arriving and you get lucky with a clear shot to get up front quickly.  (keep your fingers crossed)

 

once you're through immigration, you get your bags...the bags are usually already going around the turnstyle when you get to the baggage area.  you'll take your bags and then proceed to customs.  you'll be asked a few questions and if you're traveling together (which i assume you will be) you can go up to the customs desk together...they ask the questions and viola...you're out of customs.

 

after customs, you'll proceed to the ground transportation/resort welcome centers.  you will be solicited OFTEN for rides or to purchase the 'local fare', etc...if your resort has a welcome center..check in there..they will handle your ground transportation and set you up with a nice cold red stripe or some water or even a soda...so, now's the time to kick back and relax..you're on vacay, mon!

 

if your resort didn't handle your ground transportation and you're working with jamaican travels..then proceed to their counter, check in, present your transportation voucher and then they will proceed to put you on a luxury type bus for transportation.  negril is a few hours from the airport and the island roads can be scary BUT the drivers are well trained, friendly and they will ensure that you have a GREAT trip to/from.

 

i highly recommend you contact the jamaica tourist board for the FREE booklets filled with helpful info for your guests...a great intro for them and its FREE!

 

enjoy, jamaica..once you go..you'll know. 

 

until next time, take care!!

 

R~

 

 

[Sllefebvr]

Thank you so much for the VERY detailed insight!! It was exactly what I was looking for!!

[futuremrstgun]

my pleasure!

 

R~

[poddoc]

Futuremrstgun - THANK YOU! This is very helpful information!

 

[canadiangirl]

thank you for the info....this will help

[kat2012]

Thank you for the info. At least I know what to expect now.

[zbwedding]

Getting married in Sandals Royal Caribbean in November... has anyone been married at Montego Bay or Royal Caribbean?  With the resort being so close to the airport, Im wondering, are the planes landing & taking off really THAT bad?