Headed for the Bahamas this winter? If you’re flying Gulfstream International Airlines it could be on one of the carrier’s roomier Saab 340Bplus propjets.

The Fort Lauderdale-based carrier that code shares with Continental, United and Copa is getting a half-dozen of the twin-engine craft. They’ll be replacing smaller 19-seat Beechcraft 1900Ds on its Florida/Bahamian routes.

Why’s this matter? Fliers crave room – room for their carry-ons, their cameras, and room for themselves. The Saabs offer it. Unlike some smaller aircraft, these Saabs are fitted with a restroom, and have a flight attendant. The craft are also quieter than some propjets flying out there. That’s because f an active noise reduction system. Less buzz, less frazzle.

Gulfstream won’t start flying its full contingent of 340s all at the same time. Rather, they’ll be rolled into the fleet over a nine-month period beginning in November.

Gulfstream serves a fairly wide swath of Florida and the Bahamas. In the former, there’s propjet service to Fort Lauderdale, Key West, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, Tallahassee, Tampa, and West Palm Beach.

Out across the short sea to the Bahamas, Gulfstream’s aircraft pay port calls to Andros Town, Freeport, George Town, Governor’s Harbour, March Harbour, North Eleuthrea, Treasure Cay and South Bimini.

If you’d like to delve a bit deeper into Bimini there’s a new app available at the iTunes store called “Bahamas Bliss: Bimini.”

The guide was developed by Sandra Davis, a savvy lady who’s traveled these islands for over 35 years. You’ll find out where to stay, where to play, and where to eat. There’s also hard-to-find information here on unusual historic sites and almost untrammeled beaches.

What’s your favorite off-the-beaten path Bahamas port ‘o call – the kind of place where you can kick back without kicking sand on the person on the neighboring beach blanket?

Story by Jerry Chandler

(Image: JoshDubya)