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Norwegian Air, our favorite low-cost carrier between the United States and Europe, unveiled direct seasonal flights from New York, Boston, Ft. Lauderdale and Baltimore to Guadeloupe Island – in the French Caribbean. The flights began in 2015 and were so successful, they continued the route this year – providing travelers interested in the destination easy and quick service to an island that was previously very difficult to get to.
Guadeloupe is largely off the radar for American visitors, which is a shame. Many looking for a little slice of France within a 4-hour flight of the Eastern Seaboard head to St. Martin, St Lucia or St. Barths. But, behold, there is another option – Guadeloupe. This incredible island is full of surprises, from gorgeous beaches to lush forests, ancient coffee plantations and cacao farms.
Norwegian utilizes a well equipped, economy-only Boeing 737 which departs from JFK Airport around 1:00 pm and lands just before sunset in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe’s capital city. Depending on winds, the flight can take as little as three-and-a-half hours. I flew with Norwegian recently on the flight and was beyond impressed with the low fare, in-flight snack choices and efficiency of the crew. The cost of the tickets can run you as low as $218 round-trip – including all taxes and fees. Of course with a low-cost carrier, carry-on bags, checked baggage and snacks are extra. But, every additional charge is reasonable in cost.
What I love about Norwegian, and this route in particular, is that they see gaps in the market, in terms of routes and flight times. They offer passengers excellent flight times, many that are convenient to work schedules, and are not afraid of opening routes to destinations that might not be on everyone’s radar. Guadeloupe wasn’t an obvious choice, but they are truly pioneering this destination and bringing an entirely new set of travelers to the island.
Norwegian offers non-stop flights from New York, Boston, Ft. Lauderdale and Baltimore to Pointe-à-Pitre Airport four days per week from November through April. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience their renowned service and in-flight experience to a new and exciting place that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
