Trinidad and Tobago is one of the more complex Caribbean routes from the UK — there are fewer direct options than Barbados or Jamaica, prices vary enormously depending on timing, and the two islands have separate airports. Here's how to navigate it and find the best deal.
The two airports. Piarco International Airport (POS) serves Trinidad and is the main hub for the country. A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (TAB) serves Tobago. If you're combining both islands, you'll likely fly into Piarco and take a short domestic flight or the ferry to Tobago. Caribbean Airlines operates the inter-island route.
Direct vs connecting flights from the UK. British Airways operates direct flights from London Gatwick to Port of Spain (Trinidad) — typically 9-10 hours, usually departing late afternoon. Virgin Atlantic and Caribbean Airlines also serve the route, sometimes with a stop. Connecting through Miami, New York, or Barbados can sometimes be cheaper, particularly in shoulder season, but adds significant travel time.
When to book and when to fly:
Cheapest months: September and October fall within hurricane season and see the lowest demand. Prices can be 30-40% lower than peak. Trinidad itself is rarely affected by hurricanes (it sits below the hurricane belt), making it a genuinely good time to visit.
Most expensive: December through February, and the Carnival period (February/March). Book 3-4 months in advance for Carnival if you're going — flights and accommodation sell out.
How to compare effectively: Use Google Flights as your starting point. Enable the price calendar view to see the cheapest days to fly over a month. Set alerts for your preferred route. Then check Skyscanner and Kayak — they sometimes surface fares that Google Flights misses, particularly from smaller carriers.
Hidden costs to watch: Some Caribbean Airlines fares look cheap but have tight baggage allowances. Check whether hold luggage is included — adding a bag at booking is always cheaper than at the airport. Also check the airport you're departing from: Gatwick fares are often cheaper than Heathrow, and the difference can be £100+.
Tobago tip: If you're going primarily to Tobago (beaches, diving, the reef), it's worth checking if a connecting flight via Barbados or Antigua is cheaper than going via Trinidad first. British Airways sometimes offers competitive fares to Tobago via Barbados on codeshare routes.
Compare flights to Trinidad and Tobago at caribcompare.com — with price calendar and baggage cost included.