Before Traveling to the Bahamas
At Ascend Via Makers Air, the dream of traveling in style is still alive and well.
We invite you to join us for a truly memorable travel experience.
Private Charter Flight Questions
What is Ascend Via 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 are the differences in Flight Charter Companies?
Ascend Via Makers Air provides a unique and revolutionary way to travel – by air. We are a charter provider that allows customers to book directly with the aircraft’s owner, eliminating any brokerage fees or hidden costs associated with traditional charter services. Unlike other charter brokerages, we are not brokers.
At Ascend Via Makers Air, we believe in providing superior quality and service. We understand the importance of convenience, privacy, traveling safely, being reliable, and being on time. We strive to provide our customers with an unparalleled experience when booking flights, flying to their destinations, and optional in-flight services.
Our innovative approach to air transportation offers a safe, reliable, and cost-effective way for you to get wherever you want in Florida and the Bahamas.
What Forms of Payment Do You Accept?
The preferred form of payment is a credit card. We take MasterCard, VISA, Discover, and American Express.
Any freight invoices that go unpaid after 30 days will be subject to late charges.
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.
Can a minor travel unaccompanied?
Yes, a minor can travel unaccompanied as long as they have a notarized permission letter with both parents signatures on it. Additionally, a copy of this notarized letter must be emailed to our Reservations team at least 24 hours in advance at info@makersair.com.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are welcome to fly with us as long as we are notified AT THE TIME OF BOOKING and all other rules and regulations are followed. You must also have the proper pet permitting as required by the Bahamas Government. Due to regulations, you must call the office, before booking your flight, at 954-771-0330 to confirm that there is space available on your flight for your pet. The minimum pet fee is $35 or $2.00 per pound, whichever is greater. The “per pound” pet charge will include the crate’s weight 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.
This service helps obtain a pet permit in the Bahamas.
Ascend Via Makers Air follows all Department of Transportation guidelines regarding service animals vs. emotional support animals. Please see the links below for further details and clarification. If you wish for your service animal to travel with you aboard an Ascend Via Makers Air flight, please be sure to complete the Service Animal Form and return the form to info@makersair.com at the time of booking your flight.
What is your baggage policy?
Each ticketed passenger (with the exception of lap babies) may check up to 40lbs of baggage at no charge. This 40lbs is inclusive of your personal items such as handbag, laptop bags, etc. as well. Excess baggage beyond 40 lbs will be charged an Excess Baggage Fee of $1.75 per pound and is not guaranteed to make the flight unless a Guaranteed Cargo Delivery block was purchased at least 24 hours in advance.
If you anticipate having excess baggage that must travel with you, please contact our Freight Department at Freight@makersair.com a minimum of 48 hours in advance to discuss your options. Please note that all items, including any items that fly unaccompanied, passenger excess luggage and Guaranteed Cargo Delivery, are subject to duty and must have receipts and invoices for all items contained within. You are responsible for payment of duty, VAT and any other applicable fees.
How do I get to Ascend Via Makers Air for my flight?
Ascend Via Makers Air is located at 2331 NW 55th Court, Hangar 19, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 at the 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 7. You will see a sign above the bay door that says Ascend.
Ascend Via Makers Air
5520 NW 21st Terrace
Hangar 7
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
I’m flying into FLL, MIA or PBI airport. How can I get from there to Ascend Via Makers Air?
There are many options for transportation to our hanger – car service, rental cars, Uber, Lyft, and taxis. Please feel free to contact our Reservations team should you desire further information.
How early do I need to arrive at the airport?
All passengers must arrive and check-in a minimum of 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Please note that flights may depart up to 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled departure time.
Can I park at Ascend Via Makers Air?
Ascend Via Makers Air strongly encourages passengers to utilize Uber or other ride-share services as parking is extremely limited. Should it be necessary to bring your own car, Ascend Via Makers Air does provide valet parking for our passengers. Self-parking is not available. Ascend Via Makers Air is not responsible for any damage or theft to vehicles or their contents. Please note that parking is unsecured and there is no security. Long-term parking is not allowed.
Are there any nearby hotels in Fort Lauderdale that offer a discount if I fly with Ascend Via Makers Air?
Yes! Ascend Via Makers Air passengers receive exclusive benefits at various local establishments. Click here to view!
Bahamas Travel Resources
- Bahamas COVID-19 Webpage
- Effective September 22, 2022, all COVID restrictions have been lifted in the Bahamas. No COVID tests are needed to enter the country, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated.
Helpful Travel Links
Am I allowed to bring fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, or eggs into the Bahamas?
Notice of Agricultural Permits Requirements
No passenger may bring fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, poultry, eggs, flowers or plants without an Agriculture Permit issued to them by the government of the Bahamas. Passengers must apply and pay for permit a minimum of 72 hours prior to departure. Bahamas customs has the right to open and inspect all baggage, coolers, boxes and other passenger belongings. Items may be confiscated by Bahamas Customs without proper permitting. Please click here for further information and permitting paperwork.
Can I bring my fishing poles with me?
Yes! However, the max 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. Please note that Ascend Via Makers Air is not responsible for any damage that could occur to the rod during loading or cargo shifting in the pod during flight.
Can I bring alcohol or cigarettes into the Bahamas?
Bahamian Law allows Duty Free (into the Bahamas):
$100 total of duty-free items to visitors
- 1 qt. of liquor OR 1 qt. of wine OR 1 6-pack of beer
- 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars
- NO FRUITS OR VEGETABLES
How do I travel with a drone?
Bahamas Drone Regulations. According to Bahamas’s national aviation authority, the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA), flying a drone is legal in the Bahamas, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations listed below before doing so. You need to register your drone.
If you’d like to contact the BCAA directly before you travel with any questions you might have, here is their contact information: dronesupport@bcaa.gov.bs/ +1 242 397 4700
General Rules for Flying a Drone in the Bahamas
Based on our research and interpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in the Bahamas.
- A permit is required for all drone use in the Bahamas. See the section below for more information.
- You must register your drone to fly in the Bahamas. The registration portal can be found here.
- Do not fly within 50 ft. of any person, building, or vehicle not associated with the drone’s operation
- Do not fly over or within 150 meters of any congested or populated area.
- Do not fly higher than 400 ft.
- Do not fly within 5 nautical miles of any airport.
- Do not fly over private property unless you have consent from the property owner.
- Do not fly over military installations, nature reserves, or areas labeled a “no drone zone.”
- Do not fly at night or in bad weather conditions with low visibility.
Freight Duties and Levies
The average duty is 45% of the total landed value ($ value of item + any insurance premium + ALL shipping costs) of your items. However, a few common items are either free or somewhat less. Duty will be collected at the port-of-entry for all parcels being shipped to: Chub Cay, Great Harbour Cay, North Eleuthera, Rock Sound, San Andros, Fresh Creek, Congo Town and Cat Island. You, the shipper, are responsible for being aware of and paying for, all duties and levies applicable to your package.
NOTE: If a parcel contains a repair/replacement part for a vessel, and you submit a valid cruising permit to us at time of delivery, you may only be subject to entry and processing fees. However, not all replacement parts fall under this condition, so please contact the freight department with any questions.
If a parcel contains building materials (materials used in the structure of building), you may only be subject to entry and processing fees. Please visit www.bahamas.gov.bs for information on duties, exemptions, levies, VAT, etc.
Will US Customs allow me to bring back shells, fish, driftwood, etc back into the United States?
Fruits, meats (including pork products of any kind), plants, or vegetables are not allowed to be brought back into the United States, even if they were originally purchased in the US.
Coral, sea fans and/or driftwood are not allowed to be brought back into the United States.
Some shells may be permissible, if they were washed with bleach.
Conch/Fish: 10lbs per person is permissible
Lobster: 6 lobster per person is permissible (must be more than 6 inches in length)
If you are carrying in excess of $10,000 in any monetary form, you are required to declare this to United States customs.
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.
Flight Terms and and Conditions
You can read them by following this link: