How to Save on Delta Flights to the Caribbean

Does Delta fly to the Caribbean? You bet they do! And from quite a few U.S. gateways, too. This SkyTeam airline blankets the region with numerous flights so that travelers can get to the islands in as few stops as possible, depending on where you're coming from, of course.

Put those SkyMiles to good use and get to the sunshine in no time (or earn SkyMiles in the process). Here's what you need to know about Delta flights to the Caribbean.

» Learn more: Your guide to the Delta Air Lines SkyMiles program

Where does Delta fly in the Caribbean?

Delta Caribbean destinations span the region, including these airports:

Getting to the Caribbean from the U.S. on Delta

Delta flies to the region from some major hubs, including:

• Atlanta.

• Boston (seasonal).

• Detroit (seasonal).

• New York-JFK.

• Minneapolis/St. Paul.

What a Delta Caribbean flight is like

Most flights are operated with the carrier's domestic narrow-body Boeing and Airbus aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A321 aircraft. On occasional select flights, Delta operates wide-body planes like A330s or B757s, with Delta One cabins on specific routes. These flights are not operated year-round and depend on the airline's schedule. They have appeared on routes like New York-JFK to St. Maarten and Atlanta to Montego Bay and San Juan, but you'll want to check your itinerary if you're hoping to snag a lie-flat bed with your premium cabin ticket.

SkyMiles Medallion fliers are eligible for complimentary upgrades on Delta flights to the Caribbean, which is a nice perk. That even includes the occasional flights with Delta One cabins.

In-flight refreshments

On narrow-body flights to the Caribbean — and depending on the duration — passengers in the premium cabin will have either a hot meal, cold meal or snack basket with an open bar. In economy, Delta may serve complimentary beverages and snacks.

Some planes with Delta One cabins to the Caribbean might provide comfortable lie-flat seating, but the service level will not match the Delta One experience. Despite being marketed as first class, expect standard domestic in-flight service on these flights.

In-flight entertainment

Delta flights mostly have seatback screens that show movies, music, podcasts, TV shows and live TV channels (when available).

The content is free and a great way to pass the time. Dubbed Delta Studio, it features more than 1,000 hours of entertainment.

» Learn more: Best airlines for onboard entertainment, Wi-Fi

In-flight Wi-Fi

Delta has solid Wi-Fi onboard, but it carries a fee. Wi-Fi coverage can vary in different regions, and narrow-body aircraft on international flights may not always be able to access the signal in certain areas. The cost varies by flight, although there are monthly domestic and global plans.

Viasat-equipped plans charge a flat $5 per flight, no matter the destination, which is incredibly affordable. In addition, access to social apps like iMessage, Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp through a smart device is complimentary.

» Learn more: The complete guide to in-flight entertainment

How to find cheap Delta flights to the Caribbean

International flights are not always cheap. If you're looking for the cheapest Delta flights to the Caribbean, it may depend on where you are flying from in the U.S.

You'll find many direct flights to the Caribbean from Atlanta and several in New York. If you live in either of these cities, you might be able to score some good deals. Begin your search early and keep in mind that holiday periods fill up quickly.

SkyMiles can be a good resource If you're looking to redeem miles, but the airline doesn't provide an award chart (making it incredibly difficult to plan).

By dates

Not all Delta flights to the Caribbean are daily, and some destinations are only weekly. You may also want to check if there is an easy connection from your home city to a Delta hub.

Delta's website lets you search using a calendar function, whether paying in cash or miles, which is helpful. So try to be flexible and choose a date that best fits your budget.

By destination

If you're flying from a smaller airport with less competition, the price in cash or miles may be higher than flying from a bigger airport. It also depends on your dates of travel.

Check nearby airports for a lower price if you are willing to drive.

Booking Delta flights to the Caribbean

Like other destinations, Delta fares to the Caribbean can vary based on your itinerary and travel dates. Thanks to Delta's calendar feature, finding cheap flights is easier, which also works for SkyMiles redemptions.

Expect dynamic pricing

Since Delta SkyMiles dumped its award charts, determining how many miles you need for an award trip has become more complicated. Thankfully, the calendar feature can help you adjust the dates of your trip to find the best mileage price.

Click on the "My dates are flexible" button to see a week's worth of travel options. Delta is not known for offering affordable mileage redemptions, although it does put award tickets on sale from time to time.

Expect to pay taxes and fees for both cash and award fares

Like other airlines, international taxes and fees are required on cash and award tickets. There is no way to get around these and they can really take the fun out of redeeming miles for an award ticket since they rack up costs.

Earn points faster with a credit card

Use a Delta co-branded American Express card to save with benefits, such as complimentary checked bags, while also racking up bonus miles on spending. In addition, you'll also be able to take advantage of priority boarding benefits.

Card options include:

• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card ($0): Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Terms Apply.

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card ($0 intro for the first year, then $150): Earn 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card ($350): Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($650): Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

You'll earn SkyMiles on every dollar you spend, plus extra miles when purchasing Delta flights (this bonus rate varies across cards).

What's more, the cards listed above (with the exception of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card) will get you 15% off award bookings with Delta and some cards earn bonus miles when spending on certain categories like restaurants and grocery stores. Terms apply.

Consider the annual fees and how often you can take advantage of card benefits to help you decide which one is right for you.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

If you want to fly Delta to the Caribbean

Delta's extensive route network to the Caribbean could have you winging your way to paradise. It can be helpful to know where this SkyTeam airline flies, but you'll want to plan early, as Delta's dynamic pricing model makes it hard to know in advance just how many miles you will need for a frequent flier redemption.

Helpfully, Delta.com's flight search calendar feature is transparent and easy to understand, so you know how much a flight costs, in cash or miles, for your preferred dates.