If you’re gearing up for a trip to the gorgeous Turks and Caicos islands, understanding the ins and outs of Providenciales International Airport (PLS) is essential for kickstarting your vacation. Navigating PLS Airport is not difficult, but there are a few helpful tips to ensure you are prepared for your adventure. Whether you’re arriving or departing, here’s everything you should know about this turks and caicos airport.
Arrival at PLS
As you descend into Providenciales on your turks and cacicos flight, get ready to be wowed by the stunning blue ocean below – seriously, get your phone out and snap a few photos!
Before your flight to turks and caicos lands, the flight attendant will distribute immigration papers for you to complete, so make sure to have a pen packed in your carry-on (this is my favorite pen). We learned the hard way that there were no spare pencils or pens provided, so be sure to bring your own.
It’s worth noting that all planes touch down on the runway at Providenciales International Airport, and passengers disembark using stairs before entering the terminal. If you’re traveling with someone who might need assistance with stairs or walking, keep this in mind to ensure a smooth arrival experience in the caribbean.
Baggage Claim
Once you’ve touched down, head to the indoor baggage claim to collect your luggage. Providenciales International Airport is a small but efficient airport, allowing you to get to your vacation as quickly as possible.
Travel Tip: consider using AirTags.
- They’ve been a game-changer, giving me peace of mind by tracking our bags before takeoff and after landing. By placing one of these in each of our bags, we eliminate any stress about locating our luggage or worrying if it made it to our destination.
Transportation Options
Touching down at Providenciales International Airport, you’ll have a few options on how you plan to get to your accommodations.
- Pre-arrange a shuttle service with your hotel
- Hop into one of the taxis waiting at the airport’s designated taxi stand
- Arrange a rental car
- Reserve private transportation services
Here’s a full rundown on transportation and your guide to getting around Turks and Caicos.
Departure at PLS
Checking In At Providenciales International Airport
Leaving Turks and Caicos is just as straightforward as arriving at PLS. Here are a couple of tips we picked up when departing from Providenciales International Airport:
- Allow for extra time: Aim to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your departure time. In our experience, we arrived 3 hours ahead and the United kiosk wasn’t open yet. While it wasn’t a major inconvenience, it did give us additional time to get settled in the airport before the rush of travelers arrived.
- Eat before you arrive: While there are a few food options available at the airport, it’s best to eat before you get there. While there is a bar located on the second floor, the variety of food at the airport is minimal, so consider packing your own snacks.
Amenities and Services
While you are waiting for your flight, there are a few amenities and services available at Providenciales International Airport:
Duty-Free Shopping: Browse a small selection of duty-free shops offering souvenirs, local crafts, and island goods
Wi-Fi Access: The airport has complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, allowing you to download movies and podcasts before your flight.
Food Options: While food choices are limited at PLS, a few places offer snacks and premade sandwiches for purchase. Additionally, there is an outdoor bar where you can watch planes go by while waiting for your departure. It’s definitely the coolest feature of the airport!
Quick Tips: Providenciales International Airport
- Turks and Caicos Time: time zone for the Turks and Caicos Islands is Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), depending on the time of year.
- Turks and Caicos Flight Time: flight time from the Tri-State area (typically referring to New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut) to the Turks and Caicos Islands is approximately 3 to 4 hours.
- Travel Documents: ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including a valid passport and any required visas or entry permits for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
- We used a service called G3 Visas to expedite our passport renewal, and it’s the best travel hack I have for anyone needing support with a passport renewal before a trip.
- Local Currency: the official currency of the Turks and Caicos Islands is the United States Dollar (USD). I recommend having some cash on hand for small purchases, but major credit cards are widely accepted across the island.
- Weather: the Turks and Caicos Islands have a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Language: english is the official language spoken in the Turks and Caicos Islands, making communication easy for English speakers.
- Transportation: arrange transportation from Providenciales International Airport to your accommodation in advance. Taxis, rental cars, and shuttle services are available at the airport.
- Resort Fees and Taxes: be aware of any additional resort fees or taxes that may apply to your accommodation. These charges are common in many hotels and resorts in the area.
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