Last updated on January 17th, 2024 at 03:54 am
Montego Bay, a main tourism region, is home to the Sangster International Airport. It is the largest international airport on the island of Jamaica.
Whether you are arriving for a fun-filled vacation or leaving after soaking up the island’s magic, this guide has tips to ensure a smooth experience at the Montego Bay Airport.
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Flying to and From Sangster International Airport (Montego Bay Airport)
Sangster Airport is not just the most popular airport in Jamaica; it is a gateway to adventure!
Residents of several countries can easily fly into Jamaica through this port of entry.
Montego Bay Airport Airlines
Major airlines that operate at the airport include American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Jet Blue, Virgin Atlantic, and Air Canada. Additional airlines are included here.
As Dallas, Texas residents, we enjoyed a 3-hour direct flight on American Airlines.
Quick Jamaica Airport Facts
- Additional international airports in Jamaica include Norman Manley International Airport (KIN), which serves Kingston, the capital and largest city in Jamaica, and Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ), which serves Ocho Rios.
- The Airport Authority of Jamaica owns Norman Manley International Airport and Sangster International Airport.
What To Expect When You Arrive at Montego Bay Airport
After Deplaning
When you deplane your flight, you will proceed to the baggage claim area to retrieve your luggage. You will then be directed to the immigration queues.
The Immigration/Customs Declaration (C5) Form
According to the Jamaican authorities, you must now complete the Immigration/Customs Declaration (C5) Form online. We suggest you fill out the form before you arrive at the airport. The following is the process we used:
- Go to the Enter Jamaica website.
- Have your passport, airline and flight details, and other information about your travel plans ready.
- After entering your email on the website, you will receive a verification token via email. Enter this code to access the personal information page.
- Fill out a new form for each traveler.
- If staying at a hotel, select your hotel name.
- Choose the reason for your visit.
- Click submit to receive your C5-Online Confirmation.
- Your travel information will be uploaded to the system; however, we recommend taking a screenshot of the confirmation for immediate access on your phone. Or print a copy to present to the immigration officer at customs if requested.
Customs/Immigration Process at MBJ Airport
Expect long lines and multiple checkpoints at the airport’s immigration area.
Note that no phones or cameras are allowed in the customs hall.
The first checkpoint is the check-in kiosks, where you will print out your entrance voucher.
You will show the airport staff your voucher at the second checkpoint and proceed to the customs waiting area.
At the third checkpoint, you will go through the immigration entry process and present your passport for inspection.
After clearance by the immigration officer, you will proceed to the general arrivals area, where you can locate your transportation to your resort (or wherever you will be staying). We always recommend booking this in advance.
Transportation Options To and From Montego Bay Airport
Some transportation options at Sangster International Airport include rental cars, inclusive resorts car service, hotel shuttles, and buses by tour operators.
There are several major car rental companies right at the airport. These include Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Hertz, SIXT, Alamo, National, Avis, Budget, and Fox.
Quick Tip: If you are staying at a resort or hotel, the best way to get there (and a free option) is to use their complimentary shuttle service (if available).
We stayed at Couples Resort in Negril and used their complimentary shuttle.
Montego Bay Airport Departure Tips
Arrive at the airport VERY Early
Sangster International Airport is always a busy hub of activity; therefore, plan for long lines and wait times.
The check-in process can also be time-consuming. Depending on the airline you are flying, you may be required to fill out additional forms.
We recommend that you factor in how long it will take you to get from your resort (or your place of residence while in Jamaica) to the airport, plus ideally an additional 2-3 hours. This will ensure enough time to check in and go through security.
Fill Out Any Required Forms In Advance
Ask your airline about any latest travel requirements, and confirm if you must fill out any forms or documents before your flight.
Tips From Our Experience
We flew American Airlines and were not aware until we arrived at the airport that we were required to fill out a Contact Tracing form online. We had to do this before we could check in for our flight.
If you find yourself in the same predicament and do not have internet access on your electronic device, you can use the airport’s free Wi-Fi to fill out the form. Please proceed with caution as it is an open public Wi-Fi connection.
Use a VPN service like NordVPN to protect your digital information when accessing public Wi-Fi.
TSA PreCheck®, CLEAR, and Global Entry
Just a reminder that TSA PreCheck®, CLEAR, and Global Entry perks do not apply outside the borders of the United States.
Therefore, unless you have VIP traveler access, prepare to go through the regular security process.
Montego Bay Airport Fast Track
If you prefer to skip long security and immigration lines, there is a Fast Track service available.
To ensure availability, we recommend you purchase your Fast Track Pass in advance.
Services and Amenities at the Montego Bay Airport
Visitor Information Service
There are customer service information counters at the airport where you can seek assistance.
Additionally, airport staff, in collaboration with airlines, provide special assistance and accessibility services to passengers.
Complimentary Wi-Fi
The free Wi-Fi access is handy, especially if you do not have phone service in Jamaica.
Tip: The airport wifi can be spotty; therefore, we recommend using Solis WiFi hotspot if you need a more steady connection. Use our promo code AFROSTYLICITY to save money on your order.
Dining Options
The airport has various food and beverage options, ranging from local to international eatery chains.
If you are a Starbucks fan like us, you will be pleased to learn that there are a few at the airport (3 at the time of this publication).
However, note that the Starbucks at Montego Bay Airport are franchises; therefore, you can’t scan your Starbucks app or earn any rewards. You must pay for your order with cash, debit card, or credit card.
Currency Exchange
If you need to change your currency from United States dollars (or other currency) to Jamaican dollars and vice versa, you can easily do so at the onsite Global Exchange.
Duty-Free Shops
Various Duty-Free shops are available at the departure lounge (after security). You can purchase perfume, Jamaican rum, and much more here. It’s just the right dose of retail therapy!
Souvenir Shops
There are several kiosks where you can purchase Jamaica souvenirs and merchandise. However, the prices can be significantly higher than buying outside the airport. But if you need last-minute gifts, you can purchase them at the airport before you jet out.
Airport Lounges
Club Mobay Lounge is a Montego Bay airport service worth investing in. There are four departure and two arrival lounges, each uniquely themed to reflect Jamaica’s history, including its leaders, sports icons, food, plants, and artifacts.
These airport lounges are the perfect place to rejuvenate before and after a long flight and enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and other VIP perks.
Club Mobay VIP Experience Pass
You too can have access to all the Club Mobay VIP perks. Purchase your Club Mobay Pass in advance to lock down your spot.
For more perks, purchase Club Mobay VIP Arrival and Departure Lounges & Round-Trip Shared Airport Shuttle Pass
Final Thoughts About Montego Bay Airport
When flying to and from Montego Bay, the airport is essentially the start and end of your Jamaican adventure. With these tips, you’re set to have a seamless experience from arrival to departure.
Whether it is your first time visiting Jamaica or you are a repeat visitor, there is nothing quite like a well-planned trip without any hassles!
There you have it, your comprehensive guide to navigating the airport. So grab your bags and prepare for your first taste of Jamaica, starting from its renowned entry point— Sangster International Airport.
Oh, and one last thing — Welcome to Jamrock!
Jamaica Travel Guides
If you are considering a visit to Jamaica, check out our Reasons To Visit Jamaica Guide.
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