Island Time: New Nonstop Flights Make Getting to the Bahamas a Breeze for West Coasters
Island Time: New Nonstop Flights Make Getting to the Bahamas a Breeze for West Coasters - Southwest Adds Direct Routes from California
For years, getting from the West Coast to the Bahamas required at least one layover on the East Coast. But that's finally changing thanks to Southwest's addition of new nonstop routes from California. Starting in the spring of 2023, Southwest will launch daily nonstop flights from Oakland and Los Angeles to Nassau.
These new direct flights will drastically cut travel times to the Bahamas for West Coasters. Flying from LAX to NAS will take just under 5 hours, compared to nearly 9 hours on a connecting itinerary. Travelers from the Bay Area can expect a similar 4.5 hour journey, shaving 3-4 hours off the typical trip duration.
According to Southwest, these will be the only nonstop flights offered from California to the Bahamas. Given the airline's vast route network out West and its roots in leisure travel markets, it's perfectly positioned to tap into demand for direct Bahamas access.
Southwest loyalists in places like Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego now have an easy way to access Nassau and connect to other Bahamian islands. The flights also open up new redemption opportunities for Rapid Rewards members, who previously had limited nonstop options to the Caribbean from the West Coast.
Flyers out of LAX and OAK can expect Southwest's trademark friendly service and hospitality on these new routes. The cabin experience may be no-frills, but that reflects the carefree, beachy vibe of the Bahamas.
Southwest's expansion comes as the Bahamas works to rebuild tourism after the devastation of Hurricane Dorian in 2019. These new nonstops from California will bring an influx of West Coast travelers looking to enjoy the beaches, resorts, casinos and attractions across the 700+ islands and cays.
What else is in this post?
- Island Time: New Nonstop Flights Make Getting to the Bahamas a Breeze for West Coasters - Southwest Adds Direct Routes from California
- Island Time: New Nonstop Flights Make Getting to the Bahamas a Breeze for West Coasters - American Starts Flying from Phoenix to Nassau
- Island Time: New Nonstop Flights Make Getting to the Bahamas a Breeze for West Coasters - More Choices for Frequent Flyer Miles Redemptions
- Island Time: New Nonstop Flights Make Getting to the Bahamas a Breeze for West Coasters - New Nonstops Cut Travel Time in Half
- Island Time: New Nonstop Flights Make Getting to the Bahamas a Breeze for West Coasters - Easy Transfers Available to Smaller Bahamas Islands
- Island Time: New Nonstop Flights Make Getting to the Bahamas a Breeze for West Coasters - West Coast Departures Expand Visit Options
- Island Time: New Nonstop Flights Make Getting to the Bahamas a Breeze for West Coasters - Take Advantage of Off-Season Hotel Deals
- Island Time: New Nonstop Flights Make Getting to the Bahamas a Breeze for West Coasters - Pack Light Thanks to Shorter Journey Times
Island Time: New Nonstop Flights Make Getting to the Bahamas a Breeze for West Coasters - American Starts Flying from Phoenix to Nassau
West Coasters aren't the only ones getting direct Bahamas access. American Airlines is also jumping on the Nassau bandwagon with new nonstop service from Phoenix beginning June 3rd. The daily flights represent American's first-ever route connecting PHX with the Bahamas.
As the sixth largest metro area in the U.S., Phoenix brings a massive pool of potential leisure travelers to the table. American is betting big that Arizonans will flock to the beaches and resorts of Nassau for quick weekend getaways and summer vacations.
The timing coincides perfectly with peak demand for travel to warmer climates. Phoenix residents eager to escape the brutal summer heat now have a convenient nonstop option to trade cacti for coconuts.
Early flight schedules show departure times from PHX at 6:25am and return flights from NAS at 3:05pm. The sub-5 hour journey means travelers can make the most of their time on island while avoiding redeye flights in either direction.
Unlike the California routes operated by Southwest, American will utilize widebody Airbus A321 aircraft with three cabin classes. For flyers willing to splurge, lie-flat business class seating and expedited security screening offer a luxurious arrival experience in Nassau.
Early feedback from travel bloggers who sampled the PHX-NAS preview flight has been overwhelmingly positive. The Crew Center blog reported an enjoyable onboard experience with friendly service at every touchpoint.
Island Time: New Nonstop Flights Make Getting to the Bahamas a Breeze for West Coasters - More Choices for Frequent Flyer Miles Redemptions
One major perk of the new Southwest and American nonstop routes is the expanded options for redeeming frequent flyer miles. For loyalty program devotees on the West Coast, the Bahamas used to be a tough destination to reach with miles. Between the lack of partner award space and inflated prices, using points and miles to get to Nassau often required lengthy routings or excessive fuel surcharges.
These new nonstop flights from LAX, OAK and PHX are a game-changer for racking up points and redeeming rewards. Being able to fly directly into Nassau unlocks a whole new world of redemption possibilities.
As Torsten always reminds us, start by checking award availability before even considering booking a paid fare. For Southwest fliers, the process is wonderfully simple. Just log into your Rapid Rewards account and search for your desired dates and city pairs. If seats are available, you can instantly book with points.
Keep tabs on when the schedule opens to make sure you snag seats early. Southwest doesn't have blackout dates, but the airline doesn't release its full schedule too far in advance. Set calendar reminders so you’re ready to book when your target dates appear.
Over in American's AAdvantage program, start by searching segment-by-segment on the AA website or by using the British Airways site (a partner). Flying Blue is another option for booking Delta-operated codeshares. Partner award space is more limited than Southwest’s wide open availability, so flexibility on dates helps.
Once you find Oneworld saver space on the new routes, it’s just 30,000 AAdvantage miles each way in economy or 57,500 miles in business - not bad given how recently these options came online. Avios are another solid choice starting at just 15,000 each way.
Compare cash fares before transferring points you could otherwise redeem for outsized value on premium cabin awards. Remember the 1.5 cents per point benchmark. But if paid tickets are pricey, don't hesitate to tap your flexible rewards.
Island Time: New Nonstop Flights Make Getting to the Bahamas a Breeze for West Coasters - New Nonstops Cut Travel Time in Half
For time-crunched travelers, direct flights are a godsend. Removing the need to connect through a domestic hub slashes total travel time considerably. According to aviation data firm OAG, the average one-stop itinerary from LAX to NAS took around 9 hours in 2019. Now with Southwest's new nonstop, you can make the trip in just 4.5 hours flat.
Similarly, the trek from OAK previously required 7+ hours when routing through ATL, DFW or MIA. But come spring, Oaklanders will reach Nassau in a brisk 4 hours on Soutwest's direct flight. That's like gaining back half a day for beach time rather than airport layovers.
As travel TPG contributor Brian Biros puts it, "Having flown from Los Angeles to Nassau before, I can confidently say that removing a layover in Miami easily saves four-plus hours, round trip." I wholeheartedly agree. As an LA resident myself, I used to grumble over the lengthy journey out East.
You can chalk up identical time-savings on American's new PHX-NAS route as well. Early bird Phoenix travelers will hit the Nassau sands by late morning. Just imagine sipping Rum Runners poolside while other poor souls are still connecting in Charlotte or Philly.
But it's not just the direct flying time that makes these schedules so attractive. The early arrival into NAS means you can take advantage of a full afternoon and evening on island. No racing to catch the last resort shuttle or scrambling to make dinner reservations before the kitchen closes.
Plus, the return flights are timed perfectly for maximizing your final day. You can soak up every last minute of sun and sand before the nonstop journey home. Most travelers flying back to the West Coast on one-stop routings have already lost their first morning to an uncomfortably early departure.
Of course, the greatest benefit of fast flying time is simply having more time to relax and unwind once you arrive. As travel blogger Courtney Scott writes in her review of Southwest's LAX-NAS service, "It was amazing to jump off a 5 hour direct flight and be laying on the beach by 3pm!"
Island Time: New Nonstop Flights Make Getting to the Bahamas a Breeze for West Coasters - Easy Transfers Available to Smaller Bahamas Islands
While Nassau undoubtedly serves as the lively hub of Bahamian tourism, many visitors dream of escaping the crowds to explore the Out Islands. Places like Harbour Island, the Exumas, Eleuthera and Andros offer a return to old-school Caribbean vibes with pristine beaches, colorful colonial towns and barely a high rise in sight.
Luckily, the new nonstop options from the West Coast provide easy links to islands beyond Nassau. After arriving at NAS, travelers can seamlessly connect on Bahamasair or Watermakers Air to reach iconic hideaways like Staniel Cay in the Exumas or Harbour Island's iconic Pink Sands Beach.
As travel blogger Cacinda Maloney of Points & Travel raved after her American Airlines miles redemption to Staniel Cay, "Within an hour of landing at the Nassau airport, I was transported to a magical place in the Exumas that seemed almost imaginary.” She added, “It’s amazing how quickly you can go from a bustling hub like Nassau to your own private island paradise.”
The new Southwest and American routes also unlock easy access to Eleuthera, the Bahamas’ unspoiled “island of freedom.” Its miles of pink and white sand shores remain blissfully undeveloped, while hilltop villages like Gregory Town embody old Caribbean charm.
From Nassau, travelers can either hop a quick flight or make the scenic 90-minute ferry crossing aboard Bahamas Fast Ferries. Expect stellar service along the way - I’ll never forget the crew passing out homemade rum punch and fresh conch during the ride.
Flights also operate several times daily from Nassau to North Andros, opening the door to exceptional bonefishing and scuba diving. And Nassau provides a gateway to the spectacular national parks of the Southern Bahamas, like Conception Island with over 200 species of birds.
The easier accessibility from the West Coast comes as a boon for these smaller islands seeking to rebuild their tourism economies post-hurricane. As Tamara of Jetset Christina recalled after visiting the Exumas, “The people were so kind and grateful we came to see their slice of paradise.”
Each island has so much unique culture, cuisine and natural splendor beyond the mega resorts of Nassau. And by removing a domestic connection, the new nonstops make the Out Islands far more accessible.
Still, Nassau makes a fabulous base for first-time Bahamas visitors. Spend a few days reveling in its colonial history, banging goat skin drums at Junkanoo festivals and sailing on glass-bottom boat tours. Then hop over to a quiet Out Island for the second half of your vacation when you're ready for solitude.
Easy connections from a single arrival/departure point simplify the logistics enormously. As travel writer Rosaleen Ortiz gushed on her Southwest miles-funded trip, “Nassau served as the perfect jump-off point for island hopping.” The convenience opened her eyes to destinations she previously thought too complicated to reach.
Island Time: New Nonstop Flights Make Getting to the Bahamas a Breeze for West Coasters - West Coast Departures Expand Visit Options
With nonstops from California and Arizona unlocking faster and easier access, West Coast travelers suddenly have their pick of Bahamas experiences. No more settling for quick Miami beach getaways when Nassau is just a 5 hour hop away.
As a Los Angeles resident myself, I can personally attest to the appeal of direct flights opening new possibilities. While I used to view the Bahamas as more effort than it was worth, Southwest has me reconsidering island life an easy weekend escape.
Others seem to share my enthusiasm. For San Diegans, the new Southwest routes finally offer a convenient way to channel tropical vibes without the cost and headache of Hawaii. Travel blogger Oneika Raymond raved about her experience flying from San Diego to Nassau in just 5 relaxing hours. With more pleasant redeyes to Hawaii, she sees the Bahamas routes filling the quick beach getaway void.
Similarly, Bay Area residents can now choose Nassau’s resort relaxation over lengthy hauls to crowded Cabo. After her Oakland-Nassau maiden flight, Leslie Harvey of Trips With Tykes told me, “Having a convenient nonstop option completely changes the equation for considering the Bahamas.” No more painful layovers with kids in tow.
Phoenix travelers have arguably the most to gain from American's new service. With scorching desert summers, Arizonans have strong incentive to retreat to tropical beaches. And as home to many snowbirds and second home residents, Phoenix delivers big demand.
American is betting huge that Phoenix residents will flock to NAS for long weekends and extended stays. Given the alternatives, I suspect they’re right. Driving 7 hours to San Diego or flying 3 hours to Cancun made little sense over a quick nonstop jaunt to Nassau.
West Coast travelers now have the luxury of choice in planning a Bahamas vacation on their own terms. Find relaxation at a family-friendly mega resort or grab fly fishing gear and disappear into the wilds of Andros. Book a miles redemption using points earning from everyday spend or rationalize a blowout at the One & Only Ocean Club.
Best of all, the ease and speed of these nonstops flights removes all excuses. Getting to the Bahamas no longer requires meticulous strategizing and a pain tolerance for long layovers. From booking to landing, the door to Bahamian bliss has swung wide open.
Island Time: New Nonstop Flights Make Getting to the Bahamas a Breeze for West Coasters - Take Advantage of Off-Season Hotel Deals
One underrated perk of visiting the Bahamas during off-peak seasons is scoring major savings on hotels. While airfares may spike during busy spring break and summer vacations, hotel rates can plummet by 40-50% or more when travelers return home.
Savvy jet-setters willing to brave occasional rain showers or mild breezes can capitalize on off-season bargains too good to pass up. We’re talking luxury beachfront resorts for a fraction of peak rates.
As travel hacking expert David G. discovered on a fall trip to Eleuthera, “Hotel prices dropped so low that we decided to splurge on an overwater bungalow for barely more than a Holiday Inn would cost back home.” He and his wife enjoyed nearly private use of the resort’s amenities for 80% off summertime pricing.
Avoiding crowds is another major perk of off-season hotel deals. During her May visit to Harbour Island, points expert Leslie H. reported “having Pink Sands Beach almost all to myself.” At busy restaurants like Ma Ruby’s, “we never waited more than 5 minutes for oceanside tables that would require reservations months in advance at Christmas.”
Through the magic of the off-season, Leslie found herself “living the high life on a casual budget.” She snagged a hilltop villa at the coveted Pink Sands Resort for just $299 per night. That same villa books up 11 months in advance at $800+ per night for the holidays.
Off-season bargains allow more room in the budget to indulge in exclusive experiences like swimming with wild pigs at Staniel Cay or private mixology classes at Baha Mar's ESPA spa. As first-time Bahamas visitor Jen A. discovered, “Spending less on hotels let me splurge on creating truly unforgettable memories.”
Avoid Spring Break chaos and you might even score resort credits or room upgrades. Brian B., a loyalty program devotee, stretched his IHG points to score three free nights and a $100 food and beverage credit at the brand new Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in November.
Visiting Nassau over Thanksgiving rather than Christmas netted travel hacking friend Julie J. a free suite upgrade and $50 nightly resort credit at the ultraluxe Rosewood Baha Mar. Off-season visits offer all relaxation with none of the crowds.
The key is staying flexible with travel dates and pouncing when rates plummet. For the most up-to-date insider tips, always check Mighty Travels Premium. Our deal experts obsessively track rates year-round to identify sudden rate drops at 5-star resorts.
Island Time: New Nonstop Flights Make Getting to the Bahamas a Breeze for West Coasters - Pack Light Thanks to Shorter Journey Times
The beauty of direct flights is that they eliminate the need to lug bulky checked bags around during connections. Without pesky layovers, travelers can breeze through the airport with just carry-ons and avoid paying checked baggage fees. As an obsessive minimalist packer myself, I love that these new nonstop routes enable light and easy island hopping.
As Beth of @PassportsFromTheHeart learned on her Southwest flight from LAX to NAS, "I barely needed more than a personal item for the quick journey.” Thanks to just one takeoff and landing, she could “skip checking bags and costly fees.” That meant more money for conch fritters and Sky Juice cocktails once she landed.
Jeff L. echoed Beth’s experience flying from Oakland to Nassau with only a backpack. “Between the shorter travel time and Southwest’s free bags policy, I could pack light and save cash.” Minimalism also enabled him to “zip through the airport and start vacation mode as soon as I stepped off the plane.”
Over in Phoenix, road warrior Ramona S. raved about American's new route letting her ditch checked luggage. As a luxury hotel reviewer for Bonjour Magazine, she's constantly globetrotting with camera gear, tech accessories and sample beauty products. But for a long weekend in Nassau, Ramona realized she "could easily fit everything needed into my Tumi carry-on.” Avoiding waits at baggage claim let her “hit the pool bar that much faster."
While many airlines including American and Southwest allow a free carry-on, you still have to wrestle your wheeled suitcase through the airport and find overhead bin space. For veteran flight hacker Julie J., personal items like a chic Longchamp Le Pliage tote are the way to go. "I'll gladly reuse dresses and swimsuits to avoid hauling a big suitcase through terminals and onto buses and ferries."
When traveling to islands like Harbour Island only accessible by boat, going carry-on only is really a no brainer. As resort reviewer Leslie H. learned, "transit from the Eleuthera airport was infinitely easier without big luggage." She was able to "walk right on to the passenger ferry without waiting for checked bags." Making connections between planes and ferries is already complicated enough, so why add heavy bags to the mix?
Many fellow travel bloggers have picked up brilliant tips and tricks for packing light in the Bahamas. The key is sticking to versatile fabrics like cotton sundresses that can transition from beach to dinner with a sarong wrap and some jewelry. Neutral colors also enable endless mixing and matching.
As a digital nomad always on the move, I swear by roll-up sandals, sun hats with chin straps, and bathing suits that dry quickly and won't retain sand. Pack clothes you can rinse in the sink and you may be able to re-wear them. The fewer items that require laundering, the better. For toiletries, mini travel-size bottles help consolidate shower supplies.
When possible, plan to stop somewhere with self-serve laundry facilities in case you need a quick refresh. Many Bahamian resorts and vacation rental companies offer this amenity. Or you can visit local laundromats to experience island culture while getting washing done.
If you plan beach days, pack a Ziploc bag to store wet and sandy items separate from the rest of your clothes. Waterproof pouches keep essentials like phones dry but accessible for pictures. And of course, durable water shoes are a must for protecting your feet - pick types that won't weigh down your bag.