Life's a beach with BA

British Airways is to launch new twice-weekly services from Gatwick to Montego Bay and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, reinforcing its position as the airline with more flights to the Caribbean than any other UK carrier.

The new flights will launch from October 25, 2009. The airline is also increasing flights to other winter sun hot-spots in the region.

Richard Tams, head of sales, said; "These new routes and increased frequencies underline our commitment to the Caribbean. It's a popular destination with our customers and it's due to demand that we're increasing the number of flights to the region. We now operate to 13 destinations in the Caribbean - more than any other UK airline."

Flights to St Lucia from Gatwick are up from three to five a week, Barbados from nine to ten, and Port of Spain, Trinidad from three to five. Overall, BA will now fly 45 times a week to the Caribbean.

Accommodation in Jamaica costs from £27 per night at the Rooms On The Beach, Ocho Rios, from £17 at the St Lucian By Rex Resorts, St Lucia and from £22 at the Tropical Winds Apartment Hotel, Barbados. Hotel prices are per person per night (based on two sharing).

Lead-in return fares for the new routes will start from £634 to Montego Bay and £559 to Punta Cana including taxes, fees and charges.

Lead-in return fares to St Lucia start from £553, Barbados from £553 and Port of Spain from £583.80.

Tickets are on sale now through ba.com.