As a regional hub, Jamaica is well served with direct flights from the US and UK. The majority of visitors purchase packages that include flight, accommodation and airport transfers, but there are plenty of good flight-only deals available for those who want to go it alone. Most airlines fly into Montego Bay, but many also land at Kingston as well - more convenient if you're heading for Port Antonio or the Blue Mountains.

Though cheap flights to Jamaica can be hard to come by, there are good deals available, particularly from the national carrier Air Jamaica, which flies direct to Montego Bay from the New York area (JFK and Newark), LA, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Phoenix, Philadelphia and Boston. American Airlines flies from Miami and New York; Northwest from Tampa, Detroit and Minneapolis; TWA from St Louis; and US Airways from Philadelphia. Air Canada flies to Montego Bay from Toronto, Montreal, Halifax and Winnipeg. Most of the airlines also land in Kingston. Air Jamaica's high- and low-season fares to Montego Bay average US$650/550 from New York; US$510/$420 from Miami; and US$820/710 from LA.

The main carriers from the UK are Air Jamaica, which flies daily direct from Heathrow (nine weekly) and from Manchester (two weekly) to Montego Bay and Kingston, and British Airways, also to both airports but offering slightly fewer services per week. You can also book a charter flight with companies such as Airtours. Average high- and low-season scheduled fares are £550/430 from Heathrow, £560/440 from Manchester. There are no direct flights to Jamaica from Ireland.