Air travel is one of the most popular ways to reach the island of Curaçao. After years of playing second-fiddle to Aruba's international air traffic, Curaçao has come into its own with a newly renovated airport and a growing list of direct and nonstop flights from around the Americas. This means that flying into Curaçao is easier than ever.

In the past, travelers flew to Curaçao via many other nearby international airports. Travelers can still choose from these routes or choose to fly to Venezuela or one of the nearby islands (Aruba and Bonaire) to catch a ferry to Curaçao.

Curaçao's airport, Hato International Airport (CUR), is located in Plaza Margareth Abraham, not far from the capital of Willemstad. To contact the airport by phone, call 599-9-888-0101.

Flights to Curaçao depart from around the world. Regularly scheduled nonstop flights are available from the following locations and airlines:

Two top airlines serving Curaçao from North America are Dutch Caribbean Airlines, which can be reached at 800-327-7230 in the U.S. and 800-325-1705 in Canada, and Air Jamaica, which can be reached at 800-523-5585.

In Europe, most travelers will fly via Dutch Caribbean Airlines, which can be contacted at 00-31-20-795-2910, or KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, which can be reached at 00-31-20-474-7747.

Travelers unfamiliar with an airline or its reliability are encouraged to do a bit of research. Travelers from the U.S. can consult the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA ranks carriers based on safety, service, and performance. Contact the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave., SW; Washington D.C., 20591 or via the Internet at www.faa.gov. For more specific issues, contact the FAA at the following phone numbers:

Airport Luggage and Security

Travelers should keep in mind many safety-related regulations, especially those that have been tightened after the recent terror attacks. Airlines and airports have tightened security checkpoints and many of the safety regulations regarding what may be carried onto a plane.

Travelers may now be stopped to participate in random passenger inspections of both themselves and their carry-on luggage. This and other security measures can greatly increase the amount of time it takes to reach your departure gate. These regulations may come as a surprise to vacationers that are not accustomed to air travel. Those who don't travel often will want to remember a few tips to help speed their process to the gate.

Don't forget to arrive at the airport at least one hour before U.S. domestic flights and two hours before international flights; travelers at the busiest airports, such as Miami, L.A., and New York's JFK airport, should add another hour to these arrival times. To be on the safe side, it's always best to call before you leave home to make sure your flight is on time.

When going through a security checkpoint, be sure to have your government-issued ID at the ready. Only ticketed passengers may pass through a checkpoint, unless accompanying a young child or an elderly or disabled passenger in need of assistance. U.S. domestic passengers under the age of 18 do not need an ID, but travelers always need identification and documentation for international flights.

It's best to dress carefully for a flight. Traveling through the security checkpoints can now mean a more detailed search if you set off the highly-sensitive metal detectors. Because of this, travelers are advised to avoid wearing metal belts, steel-toed boots, and other larger metallic items. Travelers with metal surgical implants may want to bring a note from their doctor to help avoid a long discussion with airport security.

Packing is another endeavor to treat with care. If you're planning to bring food and drinks with you, it is best to pack them in carry-on luggage, as some edible items may set off the bomb detectors that are used on checked luggage. Avoid packing or carrying wrapped presents onto the plane; airport security will need to unwrap any that look suspicious. Further, carry-on items are now limited to one carry-on item and one personal item. Personal items include purses, briefcases, and laptop cases that contain a laptop.

In the U.S., the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has tightened the restrictions on what passengers may carry onto a flight. Items like nail clippers, scissors, and razors are no longer permitted to be carried onto a plane. For a full list of these restricted items, travelers may visit the TSA Web site or call 866-289-9673 in the U.S.

With these airlines and regulations in mind, travelers should be able to enter and exit the island of Curaçao with ease.

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