New nonstop flights from Los Angeles to the Cayman Islands for $399
Cayman Airways just announced new nonstop flight service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) on Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands beginning Nov. 5.
"It has been a long-time goal to connect the Cayman Islands with our friends on the West Coast," said Kenneth Bryan, the Cayman Islands minister of tourism.
To promote the new route, Cayman Airways is offering an introductory sale on round-trip flights in basic economy beginning at $399 — including airport taxes and fees. The sale runs through Aug. 8 with a limited number of tickets available.
This non-stop service is notable because flights without connections from the West Coast to the Caribbean are few and far between. Several carriers fly from LAX to Cancun on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, and two airlines – United and Alaska – fly from LAX to Belize, which also sits on the Caribbean coast. But no other carriers currently offer nonstop service between L.A. and any Caribbean islands.
This Cayman Airways flight is scheduled to take just six hours from LAX to GCM (and six hours, 15 minutes on the return leg). That means you can catch the 8 a.m. flight and arrive at 5 p.m. in the Cayman Islands, all times local, just in time for a sunset with a cocktail. You can even get in the island spirit early, as the airline is offering free rum punch drinks on the flights.
"This service significantly reduces travel time from western U.S. cities and allows travelers to spend less time in transit and more time making memories in Cayman," said Fabian Whorms, CEO of Cayman Airways.
The schedules of major U.S. airline flights from LAX to GCM require a minimum of almost nine hours of travel time, with average travel times running 11 to 13 hours, with connections going through places like Miami, Houston, Charlotte or other hub airports.
The airline and the Cayman Islands business community hope the nonstop LAX flights will increase transfer traffic from Asia transiting in Los Angeles.
Given the ongoing airline challenges with flight delays and cancellations and lost luggage, a nonstop flight means fewer chances for lost bags, missed connections or other issues for those eager to get from Los Angeles to the Cayman Islands.
New Cayman Islands route details
Cayman Airways' LAX-GCM service will operate weekly, flying on Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Flights will depart LAX on Sundays and return from GCM on Saturdays. The service is planned to operate throughout the year.
TPG looked at Cayman Airways' website to check on current pricing and availability. A sample November 2022 itinerary booking Economy Low class showed tickets priced just below $399, as advertised. The website noted ticket quantity is already becoming very limited for the flights selected.
Baggage charges are not listed for this flight before payment information is entered (an annoyance) but are priced at $20-$25 per checked bag for existing flights, according to the Cayman Airways website.
Business-class tickets on the same November itinerary are currently priced at about $1,100 each way. Business-class tickets give passengers priority check-in, access to affiliate club lounges and the ability to check up to three bags free at up to 55 pounds each — plus a carry-on bag.
Business-class passengers also receive a complimentary meal on board, as well as alcoholic beverages "in the comfort of a private Business Class cabin with plush leather seats and extensive leg and elbow room," according to the press release.
Mileage and credit card programs
Cayman Airways is not a partner with any other major airline mileage program, instead operating its own Sir Turtle Rewards system.
The good news is that a single round-trip flight from LAX to GCM may earn you enough miles for a free trip on one of the carrier’s very short inter-island routes to two islands neighboring Grand Cayman (although specific mileage numbers have not been posted yet for the LAX flights).
Other airports with Cayman Airways service where you could try adding some miles include New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Denver International Airport (DEN), Miami International Airport (MIA) and Tampa International Airport (TPA).
The airline's exclusive credit card partner is the Butterfield Bank Visa Platinum card.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.