Belize Flights: Why The High Cost Of Travel?

Belize is a small country nestled between Mexico and Guatemala in Central America. It is an exotic country with a diverse natural history and a fascinating past. The country is home to the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a plethora of ancient Mayan ruins. However, flights to Belize are often expensive.

The high cost of flights to Belize can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there is a limited number of flights from the United States to Belize. For example, USAirways offers over six daily flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica, but only flies once a week to Belize City. This limited availability can drive up prices due to high demand and low supply.

Additionally, taxes and fees also contribute significantly to the overall cost of the flight. These can include user fees, immigration fees, security charges, and various other surcharges. For instance, a breakdown of a Continental flight to Belize showed that taxes and fees amounted to $334.45, while the airfare itself was only $188.

Furthermore, the fuel surcharge can be a significant factor in the high cost of flights to Belize. This surcharge, which is often not included in the base airfare, can amount to several hundred dollars. For example, one traveler reported a fuel surcharge of $240 on their flight.

The time of year also plays a role in the cost of flights. The dry season, from late November to mid-April, is the peak tourist season in Belize, and flight prices can double or even triple during this period. On the other hand, the rainy season, from May to November, often offers cheaper flights, but travelers need to be prepared for inclement weather.

Lastly, the choice of airline can impact the cost of the flight. Some airlines, like Delta and Continental, fly more frequently to Belize, while others, like American Airlines and British Airways, offer nonstop flights from specific cities like Miami and New York.

In conclusion, the high cost of flights to Belize is influenced by a combination of factors, including limited flight availability, taxes and fees, fuel surcharges, seasonal demand, and the choice of airline.

Taxes and fees

A flight to Belize can cost as little as $120 for a one-way ticket, but the taxes and fees can add up to over $300. These fees are distributed among various parties, including the airline, the airports, and the government.

For example, a Continental flight to Belize in April broke down as follows:

• U.S. Customs User Fee: $5.50
• U.S. Immigration User Fee: $7.00
• U.S. APHIS User Fee: $5.00
• U.S. Federal Transportation Tax: $32.20
• U.S. Security Service Fee: $2.50
• Belize Airport Development Fee: $18.00
• Belize Conservation Tax: $3.75
• Belize Passenger Service Charge: $15.00
• Belize Security Tax: $2.50
• Fuel Surcharge: $240.00
• U.S. Passenger Facility Charge: $3.00

The total for taxes and fees on this itinerary was $334.45, almost double the cost of the airfare itself, which was $188.

Another factor that can affect the cost of a flight to Belize is the time of year. The dry season, from late November to mid-April, is the peak tourist season, and flight prices can double or triple. The rainy season, from May to November, usually offers cheaper flights, but be prepared for frequent rainfall, especially in the southern part of the country.

If you're looking to save money on your flight to Belize, it's worth considering flying during the off-peak season and being flexible with your travel dates. You can also compare prices across different airlines and departure airports, as prices can vary significantly. Additionally, booking in advance and being mindful of last-minute price increases can help you secure a better deal.

It's important to note that US citizens don't require a tourist visa for Belize, but your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. You will also need to show "Proof of Sustenance," which is equivalent to $75 for each day of your trip.

Fewer flights to Belize

One of the main reasons flights to Belize are so expensive is that there are fewer flights to the country compared to other destinations in the Caribbean.

Supply and demand

Belize is still slightly off the beaten track, so it is a simple supply/demand equation. US Airways, for example, has over six daily flights from the US to Montego Bay, Jamaica, but flies to Belize City only once a week. Delta and Continental fly more often to Belize but still much less frequently than to other Caribbean hotspots.

High season

The dry season from late November to mid-April is peak season for tourism in Belize, and flights can be very expensive, sometimes even doubling or tripling in price.

Alternative options

If you are looking for a cheaper way to get to Belize, it is possible to fly to Cancun and then take a bus to the border and on to your final destination in Belize. This option can save you up to $800 per person.

Where to find cheap flights

It is still possible to find cheap flights to Belize, especially if you are flexible with your travel dates. Websites such as Skyscanner, Cheapflights, and KAYAK allow you to compare prices from multiple airlines and set up price alerts to notify you when prices drop.

When to book

The best time to book a flight to Belize is during the rainy season from May to November when hotel prices are also lower.

Where to fly into

The only international airport in Belize is Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Ladyville, about 30 minutes' drive from Belize City. However, there are several smaller airports located in each of the six districts of Belize, so getting around by air is very convenient.

Fuel surcharges

The high cost of fuel surcharges can be attributed to the fact that airlines are not required to include these fees in the advertised price of a flight. As a result, travellers may be unpleasantly surprised when they discover the actual cost of their ticket at checkout.

Furthermore, the mechanism that allows airlines to impose fuel surcharges provides convenience and flexibility for revenue management. Airlines can easily adjust surcharges without recalculating the cost of every seat on every flight. This enables them to offer discounts to corporate accounts while still levying surcharges on the full ticket price.

While fuel surcharges are typically included in the price of revenue fares, they become more significant when booking award tickets or redeeming miles. In these cases, travellers must consider both the mileage cost and the out-of-pocket cost of taxes, fees, and surcharges.

To avoid paying high fuel surcharges, travellers can consider using frequent flyer programs that do not pass on fuel surcharges, such as United Airlines MileagePlus and Avianca LifeMiles. Additionally, choosing a different routing or departure country can also help minimise fuel surcharges.

Overall, fuel surcharges are a significant factor in the cost of flights to Belize, and travellers can employ various strategies to mitigate their impact.

Belize's import costs

Belize is a relatively expensive destination compared to other countries in Central America. Little is produced within the country, and it relies heavily on imports. The price level is comparable to that of the United States, and food and drinks on the islands are particularly costly.

A realistic daily budget for Belize is between 75 and 85 euros per person per day. This budget includes public transportation, meals at local restaurants, and activities such as a multi-day sailing trip. Accommodations for this budget range from private rooms in hostels to nice guesthouses.

• Accommodation: BZD556 / €244 / $278 for 8 nights, averaging BZD93/ €40,70 / $46,5 per room per night.
• Transportation: BZD573 / €251,35 / $286,5, including BZD60 / €26,22 / $30 for taxis and BZD219 / €95,70 / $109,5 for flights.
• Food and drinks: BZD744 / € 326,53/ $372, including BZD510 / €223,93 / $255 for eating and drinking out, and BZD212 / €96,48 / $106 for groceries.
• Activities: BZD2318 / €1017,13 / $1159, including BZD668 / €293,18 / $334 for diving and BZD1600 / € 702,10 / $800 for a three-day sailing trip.

The total spend for two people during their trip to Belize was BZD4089,29 / €1838,91 / $2029,80, or BZD227,20 / €102,17 / $112,77 per person per day.

Factors Affecting Import Costs

• Limited Production: Belize has a small domestic production capacity, so many goods need to be imported, driving up costs.
• Dependence on Imports: The country relies heavily on imports to meet its consumption needs, which can lead to higher prices.
• Island Locations: Costs tend to be higher on the islands, especially for food and drinks.
• Tourist Activities: Popular tourist activities, such as diving and sailing, can be expensive, adding to the overall cost of a trip to Belize.

Peak season demand

Flights to Belize are expensive due to peak season demand. Summer is the peak season for travel, and as such, flights during this period are pricier than usual. This is true every year, and last-minute bookings during the summer are especially costly.

Demand for flights to Belize is also influenced by the time of year. The cheapest months to fly to Belize are typically January and April for one-way trips, and August for round trips.

The number of flights into Belize also affects the price. There are fewer flights into Belize compared to other Caribbean destinations, and airlines fly less frequently to Belize than to other popular destinations. This creates a simple supply and demand equation, where higher demand and lower supply equal higher fares.

Additionally, the price of oil and fuel plays a role in the cost of flights. While it is a less significant factor than people realize, it still contributes to the overall increase in flight prices.

The combination of peak season demand, limited flight options, and rising fuel costs results in expensive flights to Belize during the summer months.

Frequently asked questions