Cayman Airways to start nonstop Los Angeles flights in November

Cayman Airways, the national carrier of the Cayman Islands, announced it will begin nonstop flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Grand Cayman this fall.

“It has been a long-time goal to connect the Cayman Islands with our friends on the West Coast, and now that we have the ability to operate long haul flights via our national flag carrier, we are eager to showcase all that we have to offer,” the Cayman Islands’ minister for tourism and transport Kenneth V. Bryan said in a statement. “With our world-renowned beaches, five-star resorts, charming boutique villas, exceptional adventure and attractions and globally renowned culinary scene – we are confident that travelers visiting us from California will find all they have dreamed about in Cayman.”

Cayman Airways recently upgraded its fleet from earlier generation Boeing 737s to new Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets. Those planes have a longer range, which is why the new nonstop service to Los Angeles is possible.

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When do the flights begin?

Cayman Airways will launch the service on Saturday, Nov. 5, with the first departure from LAX following on Nov. 6. The flights will operate once weekly in each direction, departing LA on Sundays and returning from Grand Cayman on Saturdays.

The trip is scheduled to take approximately six hours.

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How much do the flights cost?

As usual, airfares vary by time of year and other factors. The cheapest available economy fare on the inaugural flight from LAX is $398.35 round-trip. On those same flights, a business class seat costs $2,130.35.

Fares closer to Christmas are a little more expensive. An economy round-trip departing LAX on Dec. 18 and returning Dec. 31 costs $600.35, while business class seats on those same flights cost $2,358.35. The return leg is scheduled to get back to Los Ang at 7 pm, so passengers should have time to ring in the new year at home.

Where else does Cayman Airways fly?

Los Angeles joins New York, Miami, Tampa and Denver on Cayman’s US route map. The airline also connects Grand Cayman with the other Cayman Islands: Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Caribbean destinations include Havana, Cuba; Kingston and Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Roatan, Honduras.