Question 1

Does LPIA really let me clear US Customs before I fly?

Accepted Answer

Yes — US Customs and Border Protection preclearance is available for every traveller heading to the United States. You complete American immigration and customs procedures in Nassau, at the dedicated US Departures Terminal, before boarding; landing in the US afterwards is treated as a domestic arrival. The terminal also offers TSA PreCheck, Mobile Passport Control, Global Entry and Automated Passport Control kiosks to speed things up.

Question 2

How much does a taxi cost from LPIA, and how do fares work?

Accepted Answer

Nassau taxis charge fixed, published fares by zone rather than running a meter: Mount Pleasant is $24, Cable Beach and Lyford Cay $29, Downtown $36, and Paradise Island $45 plus a $2 bridge toll. The base fare covers two passengers — each extra passenger is $5, extra luggage beyond two pieces is $2.20 per bag, and children under three ride free. Taxis wait outside the US, International and Domestic terminals.

Question 3

How early should I get to the airport?

Accepted Answer

LPIA's own checklist recommends at least three hours before a US-bound flight and two hours before any other international flight. Security and US Customs in the US Departures Terminal open at 6AM; in the Domestic and International terminals, security runs 6AM to 10PM.

Question 4

Can I store my luggage at LPIA before or after my flight?

Accepted Answer

The airport's pages disagree with each other here: the FAQ says luggage storage "is not currently available," while the Services page and the shop directory both list a Travel & Luggage Centre near Domestic/International check-in offering luggage storage, passport photos, cellular rentals and US visa services. Two independent pages naming an actual vendor outweigh the general FAQ line — check with the Travel & Luggage Centre directly before relying on it.

Question 5

What is the Sunflower Lanyard, and does it get me through security faster?

Accepted Answer

It's a discreet way to signal you may have a hidden disability and could need extra time or assistance — LPIA participates in the international Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme. Email sunflower@nas.bs with your name, flight details and travel date to arrange one before you fly, or collect one from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities on JFK Drive & Bethel Avenue. The airport is explicit that wearing it does not fast-track you through security or immigration.

Question 6

Are public buses an option to or from LPIA?

Accepted Answer

No — the airport's own FAQ states that public buses are not permitted to operate within the airport grounds. Ground transport options are taxis, the four car-rental agencies (Avis, Budget, Dollar/Thrifty, Hertz), ride-sharing services, and pre-booked transfers through licensed tour or livery operators.

Nassau, New Providence

NAS questions travelers actually ask