Cheap Flights from Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean: Your Complete 2026 Guide (19 Nonstop Routes)

If you’re looking for cheap flights Fort Lauderdale to Caribbean destinations, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve been tracking these routes for years, and Fort Lauderdale still has 19 nonstop Caribbean destinations with fares starting at $69 round trip. But here’s the news that changed everything: Spirit Airlines shut down in May 2026, and I know what you’re thinking — are the deals gone?

JetBlue, Frontier, and other airlines rushed in to fill the gap Spirit left behind. The deals are still here. You just need to know where to look — and that’s exactly what this guide covers.

Here’s what I’ll break down for you:

• All 19 nonstop Caribbean destinations from FLL
• Which airlines are cheapest (side-by-side comparison)
• Month-by-month pricing so you know when to book
• Spirit replacement options for every route they used to fly
• FLL vs. Miami — which airport saves you more money

? Search Cheap FLL–Caribbean Flights Now

Why Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Is the Best Airport for Caribbean Flights

I’ve flown out of both Fort Lauderdale and Miami more times than I can count. And for Caribbean travel, FLL wins almost every time. Here’s why.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International offers 19 nonstop Caribbean destinations served by 9 different airlines. That’s more nonstop Caribbean routes than most East Coast airports. You can fly direct to Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad, Aruba, Barbados, St. Lucia, and more — all without a single connection.

The airport itself is compact and easy to navigate. Security lines move faster than Miami. Parking costs less. And the whole place feels less stressful. I’ve shown up 90 minutes before a Caribbean flight from FLL and still had time to grab food.

Another thing I love: the Brightline train connects FLL to Miami, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. So even if you don’t live near Fort Lauderdale, you can get there easily without driving.

And here’s a bonus — FLL is just 15 minutes from Port Everglades, one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. You can fly in, hop on a cruise, and be in the Caribbean the same week. I’ve done fly-cruise trips from FLL and it’s incredibly smooth.

By the way, if you’re flying to Mexico instead of the Caribbean, check out my Miami to Cancun cheap flights guide for similar deals on the Caribbean coast of Mexico.

All 19 Nonstop Caribbean Destinations from FLL

No other resource gives you this full list. I’ve tracked down every single nonstop Caribbean route from Fort Lauderdale. Here they are:

That’s 19 nonstop Caribbean flights from one airport. You can verify current routes on the FLL official airport website.

FLL vs. Miami (MIA) for Caribbean Travel

This is one of the most common questions I get. Let me settle it.

In most cases, Fort Lauderdale (FLL) is cheaper than Miami (MIA) for Caribbean flights. Budget airlines like Frontier and JetBlue compete aggressively on FLL routes, driving round-trip prices as low as $69 to San Juan. That’s typically $20–50 less than the same route from Miami.

Here’s the bottom line. If you want the cheapest fare and a stress-free airport experience, fly from FLL. If you need a specific international carrier or you’re chasing American Airlines miles, MIA might work better. But for most Caribbean trips, I always pick Fort Lauderdale.

Every Airline Flying Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean (Compared)

I’ve flown almost every airline that serves the Caribbean from FLL. No single website compares them all — until now. Here’s my honest breakdown of each carrier, what they charge, and who should fly them.

JetBlue — Most Routes & Best Amenities

JetBlue is now the #2 carrier at FLL with 19% market share after Spirit shut down. They expanded fast, adding new Caribbean routes including Ponce, Puerto Rico. I love flying JetBlue because you get free Wi-Fi, live TV, and no change fees on every flight. Their seats have more legroom than most budget airlines too. Best for travelers who want comfort plus reasonable prices.

Frontier Airlines — Cheapest Fares from $69 Round Trip

Frontier is the budget king of FLL-Caribbean flights. I’ve seen fares as low as $69 round trip to San Juan. But here’s the catch: Frontier charges extra for everything. Carry-on bags, seat selection, even water on the plane. If you pack light in a personal item bag and don’t care where you sit, Frontier is your cheapest option. Period.

Caribbean Airlines — Trinidad, Jamaica & Beyond

Caribbean Airlines is the hub carrier for Port of Spain, Trinidad. But they also fly to Jamaica and Barbados from FLL. Their big selling point? Two free checked bags on most fares. That’s huge if you’re traveling with lots of luggage. Fares start around $159 round trip. Best for Trinidad, Guyana, and Eastern Caribbean destinations.

Southwest Airlines — Free Bags to Nassau & Montego Bay

Southwest flies nonstop from FLL to Nassau and Montego Bay. Their standout feature is two free checked bags on every fare. No tricks, no credit card required. They also have no change fees. If your family needs to check bags for a Caribbean trip, Southwest can save you $60–120 per round trip compared to airlines that charge for luggage.

Bahamasair — Direct to the Bahamas

Bahamasair is the only airline with nonstop FLL to Freeport on Grand Bahama. They also fly to Nassau. It’s a government-owned Bahamian carrier, so don’t expect luxury. But if you want to get to the Bahamas without connections, Bahamasair gets you there. Best for Bahamas-specific trips.

Other Airlines: Silver Airways, Western Air & More

Silver Airways covers smaller Bahamas destinations like Marsh Harbour, North Eleuthera, Bimini, and Exuma. They also fly to Cap-Haïtien, Haiti. Western Air serves some Bahamas routes too. American Airlines and Copa may offer connecting options to the Caribbean through their hubs. For the nonstop routes, though, the airlines above are your main options.

? Compare Airline Prices for Your FLL–Caribbean Route

Top Caribbean Routes from Fort Lauderdale (Prices & Details)

Let me walk you through the most popular Caribbean routes from FLL one by one. I’ll share the prices, airlines, and booking tips for each.

Fort Lauderdale to San Juan, Puerto Rico ($69+ RT)

This is the #1 most popular Caribbean route from FLL. The flight takes just 2.5 hours. Frontier, JetBlue, and others compete hard on this route, which is why prices drop as low as $69 round trip on Frontier. Here’s the best part: no passport required for US citizens. Fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday for the best prices. I’ve booked this route five times and I’ve never paid over $120 round trip.

Fort Lauderdale to Nassau, Bahamas ($83+ RT)

At just 45 minutes, this is the shortest Caribbean flight from FLL. JetBlue and Bahamasair both fly nonstop. Fares start at $83 round trip. US citizens don’t need a passport for closed-loop travel (there and back on the same ticket). This route is perfect for a long weekend. I’ve done Friday-to-Monday trips to Nassau for under $200 total including the flight.

Fort Lauderdale to Montego Bay, Jamaica ($90+ RT)

Four airlines fly nonstop to Montego Bay from FLL: JetBlue, Frontier, Caribbean Airlines, and Southwest. That competition keeps prices low, starting at $90 round trip. The flight is just 1.5 hours. Montego Bay has amazing beaches, great resorts, and incredible jerk food. Looking for an all-inclusive resort vacation? See my guide to the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun for similar deals on the Caribbean coast.

Fort Lauderdale to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

This route keeps growing. Frontier and JetBlue both fly nonstop to Punta Cana, which is famous for its all-inclusive resorts and gorgeous beaches. Flight time is about 2.5 hours. You will need a valid passport for this one. Prices vary but I’ve seen deals under $120 round trip during shoulder season.

Fort Lauderdale to Port of Spain, Trinidad ($159+ RT)

Caribbean Airlines owns this route. It’s a 3.5-hour flight with fares from $159 round trip. The cheapest time to fly is January. But if you’re going for Carnival in February or March, book at least 3 months ahead — prices spike fast. Trinidad’s Carnival is one of the best in the world, and I highly recommend experiencing it at least once.

Fort Lauderdale to Aruba, Barbados & Other Destinations

JetBlue flies nonstop to Aruba — a beautiful island with desert landscapes, incredible beaches, and some of the clearest water I’ve ever seen. Caribbean Airlines serves Barbados with fares cheapest in September (around $183 RT). St. Lucia (Castries) runs about $257+ round trip on JetBlue. These routes are less frequent but still nonstop, which is a huge win.

Spirit Airlines Shutdown: What It Means for FLL–Caribbean Flights

This is the biggest change to Fort Lauderdale air travel in years. Spirit Airlines shut down operations in May 2026 after years of financial struggles. Spirit was FLL’s largest carrier with about 30% market share. They served a ton of Caribbean routes from Fort Lauderdale.

I know what it feels like to lose your go-to airline. I used to fly Spirit to San Juan for $59 round trip. Those days are over. But here’s the good news: the deals didn’t disappear. They just moved.

Spirit used to fly these Caribbean routes from FLL: San Juan, Montego Bay, Kingston, Nassau, Punta Cana, Aruba, St. Maarten, and more. JetBlue announced 11 new destinations from FLL to fill the gap. They even launched a Spirit status match program for former Spirit loyalists. Frontier also expanded their Caribbean routes from FLL with ultra-low fares.

Less competition did push some prices up slightly. But JetBlue and Frontier are fighting hard for Spirit’s old customers. That means deals are still out there — you just need to know where to look. That’s exactly what this guide is for.

Best Replacement Airlines After Spirit’s Shutdown

Here’s a quick comparison of Spirit’s old routes and the best replacement options:

Yes, prices are slightly higher than Spirit’s rock-bottom fares. But they’re still very affordable. And honestly? You get a better experience on JetBlue and Frontier than you ever got on Spirit.

JetBlue’s Spirit Status Match Program

If you had Spirit Free Spirit elite status, JetBlue’s Spirit status match program lets you transfer your status to TrueBlue. You’ll get priority boarding, bonus points, and other perks. I recommend claiming this as soon as possible if you were a Spirit loyalist. JetBlue wants your business, and they’re willing to earn it.

?? Find Your Post-Spirit Caribbean Flight Deal

When Is the Cheapest Time to Fly from FLL to the Caribbean?

Timing matters a lot for Caribbean flight prices. I’ve tracked month-by-month fares from FLL, and the difference between the cheapest and most expensive month is huge. Let me break it down.

October is the cheapest month to fly from Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean, with average round-trip fares around $265. December is the most expensive at $399 average. That’s a $134 difference just from picking a different month.

Month-by-Month Pricing from FLL to Caribbean

My favorite time to fly? Late April through May or November. These shoulder season months give you the best balance of low prices and good weather. September and October are cheapest, but hurricane risk is real. I always buy travel insurance during those months.

Best Days to Book & Fly

Here’s what I’ve found works best for FLL-Caribbean flights:

• Fly Tuesday through Thursday for the lowest fares
• Book 1–3 months ahead for the sweet spot
• Evening flights are often cheaper than morning ones
• Avoid Friday through Sunday departures — they cost $30–60 more

I always set up Google Flights price alerts for my target routes. It takes two minutes and saves me hundreds of dollars every year.

How Far in Advance Should You Book?

The sweet spot for booking Caribbean flights from FLL is 1–3 months before your trip. Booking 6 or more months out usually means higher prices — the airlines haven’t started discounting yet. Last-minute deals do exist, but they’re rare on Caribbean routes. Your best bet is to set a price alert and book when the fare drops into your range.

9 Tips for Scoring the Cheapest Caribbean Flights from Fort Lauderdale

I’ve booked dozens of cheap flights from FLL to the Caribbean. Here are my top 9 money-saving tips:

1. Fly Frontier or JetBlue for the lowest base fares. Frontier starts at $69 round trip to San Juan. JetBlue matches on competitive routes. Start your search with these two.
2. Book Tuesday through Thursday departures. You’ll save $30–60 compared to weekend flights. I saved $55 on a FLL-to-Montego Bay flight just by moving from Friday to Tuesday.
3. Travel in September or October. Average round-trip fares drop to $265. That’s the cheapest time of year. Just get travel insurance for hurricane coverage.
4. Set Google Flights price alerts. Pick your route, turn on alerts, and Google emails you when the price drops. I’ve caught dozens of fare sales this way.
5. Use Southwest’s free bags perk. Two checked bags free on every fare. That saves $60–120 per round trip compared to airlines that charge for bags. Huge for families.
6. Consider alternate airports. Flying into Kingston instead of Montego Bay can be cheaper for Jamaica trips. Same island, different arrival city.
7. Book 1–3 months ahead. This is the sweet spot for Caribbean fares from FLL. Too early = overpriced. Too late = slim pickings.
8. Check Bahamasair for Bahamas routes. Less competition sometimes means cheaper fares than JetBlue to Nassau. Always compare.
9. Sign up for airline sale alerts. Frontier and JetBlue run 24–48 hour Caribbean flash sales from FLL all the time. I’ve seen $49 one-way fares in these sales. Follow their email lists or check fare alert services to catch them.

? Ready to Book? Search Cheap FLL–Caribbean Flights Now

Conclusion: Your Next Caribbean Trip Starts at FLL

Fort Lauderdale is still the best-value gateway to the Caribbean — even after Spirit Airlines shut down. With 19 nonstop destinations, 9 competing airlines, and fares starting at $69 round trip, the deals are everywhere. JetBlue and Frontier are fighting hard for your business, and that means lower prices for you.

Start with the cheapest routes: San Juan at $69 RT, Nassau at $83 RT, or Montego Bay at $90 RT. Book 1–3 months out. Fly midweek. Travel in shoulder season. And use the flight search tools on this page to find your deal.

Your Caribbean vacation is closer and cheaper than you think. I’ve booked these routes many times, and the deals are real. Start searching now and get ready for turquoise water, warm sand, and ice-cold drinks.

Already booked your flight? Check out my guide to the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya for your next Caribbean coast vacation. Or see my Miami to Cancun flight guide if you’re flying to Mexico.