The Great Escape

What is Makers Air?Makers Air (FAA Certificate number N5CA865Y) is a certificated On-Demand / Commuter Air Carrier and holds Economic Authority issued by The Department of Transportation. All flights provided by Makers Air are conducted in accordance with 14 CFR Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations

We have been in business since 2002 with our base of operations at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. We offer both private charters and scheduled service, as well as freight service, to numerous destinations in the Bahamas.

What is the Terms and Conditions Agreement?These are conditions between Makers Air and the passenger that must be accepted and agreed to prior to any services being engaged.

You may view the Terms and Conditions here.

Can anybody charter an airplane? Absolutely! Whether a “private charter” (where you charter the entire plane and specify the departure time and destination) or scheduled service (where you book seats on a pre-scheduled flight to a set destination), we do both!

Are all the taxes and fees included in the quoted price? On all scheduled service fares, the price on your itinerary includes all applicable taxes and fees. However, extra baggage charges, if applicable, are NOT included in this price. On private charters, certain landing fees, customs overtime fees, etc. may not be included in the quoted price. This will depend on the specific charter details (time, destination, etc.) which will be explained by our Charter Coordinator to you.

How do I confirm my tickets?Acceptance of these Terms and Conditions and payment in full are required to secure tickets. Reservations may be made directly online at our website, MakersAir.com, or by calling (954) 771-0330. Makers Air accepts American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. You will receive a confirmation itinerary via email for all tickets and charters.

How early do I need to arrive at the airport?All passengers must arrive and check-in NO LATER than 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

How much luggage can I bring? Each ticketed passenger (with the exception of lap babies) may check up to 40lbs of baggage at no charge. Anything over 40 lbs will be charged an Excess Baggage Fee of $1.50 per pound. Please note that excess baggage will be accepted on a space-available basis only.

Can I park at Makers Air? We have limited parking available for Makers Air passengers. We highly encourage all our guests to be dropped off at our hangar rather than leaving your car, as we cannot guarantee parking spots will be available on your date of travel. Parking is not guarded. Makers Air is not responsible for vehicles or their contents. Please note we no longer offer long-term parking.

How do I get to Makers Air for my flight? Makers Air is located at 2331 NW 55th Court, Hangar 19, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. Approximate drive time to Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) – 20 minutes. Approximate drive time to Miami International Airport (MIA) – 35-45 minutes. Approximate drive time to Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) – 35-45 minutes

From I-95: Take the Commercial Blvd exit (#32) and head west approximately 2 miles to NW 21st avenue. Make a right turn on NW 21st avenue and follow the road about three quarters of a mile.

From the Turnpike: Take the Commercial Blvd exit (#62) and head east approximately 3 miles to NW 21st avenue. Make a left turn on NW 21st avenue and follow the road about three quarters of a mile.

We are located on the right-hand side of the road in hangar #19. You will see a sign above the bay door that says Makers Air. The office and lobby are located on the left side of the building. Parking is available in all spaces that are labeled Hangar 19, but space is very limited. We highly encourage all our guests to be dropped off at our hangar rather than leaving your car, as we cannot guarantee parking spots will be available on your date of travel. Parking is not guarded and Makers Air is not responsible for vehicles or their contents. Please note we no longer offer long-term parking.

I'm flying into FLL, MIA or PBI airport. How can I get from there to Makers Air? There are many options for transportation to our hanger – car service, rental cars, Uber, Lyft, and taxis. Please click here for transportation information.

Am I allowed to bring liquids, fruits and/or vegetables into the Bahamas or back to the U.S.? Bahamian Law allows Duty Free (into the Bahamas):
$100 total of duty-free items to visitors
1 qt. of liquor OR 1 qt. of wine OR 1 6-pack of beer
200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars
NO FRUITS OR VEGETABLES

U.S. Customs Allowance (into the U.S):
Conch/Fish: 10 lbs. per person
Lobster: 6 per person (MUST be more than 6 inches in length)
NO MEATS, FRUITS, OR VEGETABLES

Where do we clear U.S. Customs & Immigration? Upon your return to the U.S., the aircraft will taxi immediately to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol offices at 5301 East Perimeter Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309. All items must be removed from the aircraft and each passenger is responsible for his/her own bags. Please stay with your pilot during this process and do not leave the building until instructed to do so. PLEASE NOTE: No mobile phone use is allowed for phone calls or texting while you are in the Customs building.

What happens if my baggage is over the 40lbs allotted to me? Each passenger is allowed 40 lbs of baggage at no charge. Anything over 40 lbs will be charged an excess baggage weight fee of $1.50 per pound and is NOT GUARANTEED TO BE ON YOUR FLIGHT. Please note that your carry-on must be 5 lbs or less, and must be able to fit in your lap as cabin space is limited. If you anticipate having an excess weight of over 40 lbs per person, please contact our Reservations department so we may speak with you about your options, such as Guaranteed Cargo Delivery. It is important to note that any items that fly unaccompanied (including passenger excess luggage and guaranteed cargo delivery) are subject to duty and must have receipts and invoices attached. You are responsible for payment of that duty.

Can I bring my pet? You are welcome to bring your pet. Due to regulations, you must call the office at 954-771-0330 to confirm that there is space available on your flight for your pet. Pets travel at $2.00 per pound. The “per pound” pet charge will include the weight of the crate or “carrier”. Pet must remain confined to an FAA-approved carrier for the duration of the flight. Please note that while in our lobby, all pets must remain in their crate or on their leash.

If you are traveling aboard our private charter aircraft (N633AH), only one pet up to 10 lbs is allowed and must remain confined to an FAA-approved carrier for the duration of the flight.

PLEASE NOTE: Pets CANNOT travel alone (i.e., they cannot travel as unaccompanied "freight"). They must be accompanied by a person, and that person/owner is responsible for ALL PAPERWORK required by countries of origin and destination.

Pets Traveling To The Bahamas: Cats and dogs must be accompanied by an Import Permit not older than one year (valid for one entry), Veterinary Health Certificate and must: a. be over six months old; b. have had a rabies vaccination administered not less than one month before import, and not more than 10 months (for a one year vaccine) or 34 months (for a three year vaccine) before import. Please click here for more Bahamas Pet Import information and access to required forms.

Pets Traveling To the United States: Dogs entering the U.S. must have a certificate showing they have been vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to entry into the United States. These requirements apply equally to service animals such as Seeing Eye dogs.

Please click here to review the full U.S. Pet import requirements.

Can I bring my fishing rods with me? Yes! However, the maximum length of the rods can only be 6 feet due to our cargo pod length. Also, please be sure the lines are spooled to the reels and not set up on the rod. No hooks should be attached at all due to safety reasons.

Can I bring my drone with me? Drone use is regulated in the Bahamas and all passengers desiring to bring a drone into the Bahamas are responsible for reading and complying with all legal requirements. A person who wants to use a drone must review the Bahamas drone policy BASR Schedule 27 It is illegal to bring drones into the Bahamas or to operate them without either Bahamian registration or an authorization to operate a drone already registered in another country, e.g., with the FAA in the USA. By law, a drone can be confiscated by the Bahamian government if they find one being operated without either a registration or authorization to operate. They can also confiscate them at customs if not registered or authorized.

You will need to contact the Bahamas Ministry of Civil Aviation to receive an application form, as they are not available online. You can contact them at: (242) 328-2701 or Fax: (242) 328-1324. It is essential that you have the approved registration or authorization in hand before bringing the drone into the country. Travelers may also be required to pay duty and other fees on the equipment.

What are the requirements for children flying without BOTH parents? Infants and children traveling without both parents must have a notarized letter from the parent(s) not traveling, a death certificate, or the original court document specifying sole custody.

Are there meals and drinks in flight? All passengers are welcome to enjoy complimentary refreshments and snacks provided in our lounge area prior to the flight. However, please note only clear liquids are allowed inside the aircraft. There are no bathrooms, cup holders or tray tables on board.

Is the flight handicap accessible? Our aircraft are not equipped with handicap-accessible features or accommodations. We require that any handicapped person fly with an able-bodied individual who is fully knowledgeable about their condition and capable of assisting them with any of their needs, including boarding and deplaning, and most importantly, in the event of an emergency or water landing.

What is your flight change and cancellation policy? A. “Per seat” fares - Please note that all seat purchases are non-refundable. You can make changes to your flight up to 48 hours prior to departure for a $75 change fee per person. Once within 48 hours of departure, no changes can be made. We recommend all passengers purchase Flight insurance through a reputable company to protect your travel investment in case you find yourself in a last-minute emergency situation.

B. Private Charters - Itinerary changes are permitted, but subject to aircraft and crew availability and subject to price adjustment. Notification of changes and/or cancellations must be in writing and transmitted by email to sarah@makersair.com or faxed to 954-771-0332 within the cancellation timeframe listed above. Clients must call our office at 954-771-0330 to confirm receipt of such changes. Private charter cancellation policy is as follows: 100% fee if cancelled within 48 hours of scheduled charter. There is no refund. A no-show will also be charged the full amount of the charter cost. All prices quoted for private charters are accurate on the date quoted and are valid for 7 days. Full payment is due prior to the date of service - a non-refundable 50% deposit is required at the time of booking; the balance is due 48 hours prior to your flight.

How do I send a package (freight) on Makers Air? Please click here to visit our Freight Services page. Requirements and policies are listed at the bottom of the page.

Can I ship perishable items? You may ship perishable items. Perishable items always fly at the Priority Rush Rate as we do not have storage available. All deliveries of perishable items should be individually coordinated with our Freight Department to ensure prompt and expedited delivery. Please click here to visit our Freight Services page. Requirements and policies are listed at the bottom of the page.

Here is a suggested list of items to bring with you on your Day Trip Experience

• - Passports & Travel Documentation (required)
• - Cash for Tips (US Currency is accepted in the Bahamas)
• - Cameras
• - Sunscreen
• - Hat
• - Appropriate Shoes (Sandals, Flip Flops, Water Shoes, etc.)
• - Bathing Suit and/or Swim Shorts
• - Change of Clothes
• - Light Jacket or Sweatshirt

Hotels

(Subject to change without notice and all offers and rates are based on availability)

Comfort Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale

• - 2.3 miles west of FXE on Commercial Blvd before 441.
• - Discount of 15% off Best Available Rate, September 4 – December 31, 2019
• - Phone: (954) 315-2900
• Visit Website

Please ask for the “Makers Air” rate when booking your reservation. You will need your flight details when checking in to the hotel to receive this discount. Complimentary breakfast included.

Courtyard Ft. Lauderdale East

• – 4 miles from the airport
• – Rates starting at $95 per room
• – Phone: (954) 771-8100
• www.CourtyardFortLauderdaleEast.com

Please ask for the “Makers Air” rate when booking your reservation. You will need your flight details when checking in to the hotel to receive this discount. Complimentary breakfast included.

Courtyard by Marriott

• – Ft. Lauderdale Cypress Creek
• – ¼ mile from the airport
• – Rates start at $79 per night
• – Phone: (954) 772-7770

Shuttle is offered Mon.- Fri. 7:30AM – 9:30PM ; Sat. 10:30AM-9:30PM; Sun. no shuttle, unless arranged ahead of time.

Hampton Inn

• – 2 1/2 miles from the airport
• – $89-$140 per room
• – Phone: (954) 776-7677

Hampton Inn gives a 33% discount for mentioning your flight on Makers Air. You will need your flight details when checking in to the hotel. In order to receive a discounted rate please call the hotel and make your reservations.

4 & 5 star Hotels in Downtown Fort Lauderdale and on Fort Lauderdale Beach:

• Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa – 954-525-4000
• The Atlantic – (954) 567-8020
• Ritz Carlton, Fort Lauderdale – (800) 542-8680
• Marriott Fort Lauderdale BeachPlace Towers (954) 525-4440
• Sheraton Yankee Trader Hotel (954) 467-1111
• Riverside Hotel – (954) 467-0671 (great hotel by River Front shops, restaurants & entertainment)
• Embassy Suites Hotel, Fort Lauderdale – (954) 527-2700

Transportation

Car Services

• Ft. Lauderdale Starz Limo
• Driver: Ritchie
• Direct; 954-729-3262
• Email: nunez.richard@hotmail.com
• www.StarzLimoShuttle.com

• L&W Limo Service
• Direct: 954-978-2025

Rental Cars

Enterprise Rental: (954) 493-9440 (press * at the recording to be connected directly to the FXE location). If you desire your rental car to be delivered or picked up from the Makers Air hangar, you MUST specify this when making your reservation.

Hertz Rental: (Located on Powerline Rd., near FXE) (954) 771-3749

Go Rentals: www.GoRentals.com or (954) 491-3170

Hertz, Enterprise, and Go Rentals are able to deliver and retrieve rental cars at our hangar, but you must specify this when booking your reservation with them. When a car is delivered to Watermakers Air, a car rental contract will be left at the front desk, along with the keys. A copy of your driver’s license and credit card will be required. Please note that Hertz ‘Gold’ members will not need to sign a contract. Once a passenger has made a rental car reservation, kindly call us at 954-771-0330 and give the confirmation number to a WMA representative so we may follow up with the rental car company on the day of your arrival/departure if necessary.

Cabs

Yellow Cab Service: (954) 777-7777

Rideshare

Uber: www.uber.com or access the Uber app on your smartphone