Winter 2026 is an ideal time to plan a Caribbean getaway, with plenty of new nonstop routes from across the United States to some of the region’s most secluded islands.
A multitude of U.S. airlines are launching exciting new flights that will unlock direct access to popular resort islands as well as quieter destinations that still remain hidden gems. These new routes will have something for every type of traveler, no matter their home airport or price point.
Even better: some of the new flights are to U.S. territories in the Caribbean and don’t even require U.S. citizens and permanent residents to bring a passport. It doesn’t get simpler than that.
Here are seven of the best new routes from the U.S. to Caribbean launching this winter.
Fort Lauderdale to Grand Cayman with Spirit Airlines
Experience the powder-soft sand and turquoise waters of Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach without breaking your travel budget. Low-cost carrier Spirit just began new nonstop service to Grand Cayman’s Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) on December 4, 2025. Spirit will serve the island with thrice-weekly flights from Fort Lauderdale, Florida (FLL), on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Buffalo to Puerto Rico with JetBlue
JetBlue is ferrying Upstate New Yorkers to the sunny island of Puerto Rico this winter. The carrier will kick off new nonstop flights from Buffalo’s Niagara International Airport (BUF) to the capital city of San Juan on March 27, 2026, an ideal time to visit when the island’s temperatures are in the balmy mid-80s. The airline will serve the route with four flights per week, operating on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, and Saturdays. As the island is a U.S. territory, travelers who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States don’t need to bring a passport.
Atlanta to Grenada with Delta
An adventure to the “Spice Island” of the Caribbean will now be more accessible with Delta’s new nonstop flight from its hub in Atlanta to Grenada's Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND). The carrier plans to use its Boeing 737-800 aircraft to operate daily flights from December 20, 2025, to April 12, 2026. In addition to Grenada’s pristine beaches, travelers can also explore the island’s Grand Etang National Park to see tropical plants and animal life.
Florida to Eleuthera with Tradewind Aviation
Shared charter carrier Tradewind Aviation is launching two new scheduled flights from South Florida to the Bahamian island of Eleuthera, known for its secluded cays, charming streets lined with colorful homes, and impressive surf breaks during the winter season. Starting December 11, 2025, the luxe airline will begin flights from both Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Stuart, Florida (SUA) to North Eleuthera Airport (ELH). Flights will operate Thursday through Monday during the winter months aboard Tradewind’s Pilatus PC-12 aircraft that seats only eight passengers.
New York City to Dominica with United Airlines
After launching its first weekly flight on Saturdays from New York-Newark (EWR) to the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean, United has added a second flight frequency on the route this fall. The carrier now also serves Dominica’s Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM) with a nonstop flight on Wednesdays as of October 29, 2025. Dominica is known for its lush rainforests, numerous waterfalls, and steep green piton mountains.
Miami to Bimini with American Airlines
Just in time for Valentine’s Day Weekend, American Airlines is launching new service to the secluded Bahamian island of Bimini. The carrier will start nonstop flights from Miami (MIA) to South Bimini Airport (BIM) on February 14, 2026. The airline will use its Embraer 175 regional jets to operate the route three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. What the flight lacks in length—it’s only one hour long—it makes up in added convenience, as American will be the only U.S. airline to fly nonstop to Bimini, an oasis known for its world-class diving and snorkeling.
Orlando and Baltimore to Saint Thomas with Southwest Airlines
Budget carrier Southwest is adding two new routes to the U.S. Virgin Islands in February 2026. The airline is adding Saint Thomas’ Cyril E. King Airport (STT) to its route map, with daily nonstop flights from Orlando (MCO) starting on February 5 and seasonal nonstop flights from Baltimore (BWI) starting February 7. As a U.S. territory, the island doesn’t require a passport from travelers who are U.S. citizens or residents in order to enjoy its crystal-clear waters and vibrant culture.
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