Min Connection Time

AdamZ

SBH Member
Hello everyone-

I should know the answer to this, but thought I would ask-

What is the absolute minimum connection time you would allow on the return flight to SXM from SBH? We are heading back to SBH for 10 nights arriving on 3/19, but having a tough time with a return flight on 3/29. Prefer to avoid the ferry. Thanks for for any advice!

AdamZ
 
We use to allow 90 minutes but now unless you are flying United you have to recheck your bags in SXM, and there can be very long lines, especially on Saturdays. We suggest unfortunately 3 hours. However if you are flying American there is a check in counter just off the baggage claim area where one checks in to WinAir and St. Barth Commuter which can save you from the long lines in the main terminal.
 
Our last two return experiences with Winair have caused us to allow 2-3 hours to connect on the way home. YMMV, but in November we were lucky to make our flight with just under 2 hours transfer time.
 
I'm assuming you have checked luggage? What airline are you flying home?

We are flying AA, and do not check luggage. In the past we usu give about 2 hours, and have never had a problem. For this trip though- the AM flights from SBH to SXM are full, and the remaining option leaves about an hour of connection time.
 
We are flying AA, and do not check luggage. In the past we usu give about 2 hours, and have never had a problem. For this trip though- the AM flights from SBH to SXM are full, and the remaining option leaves about an hour of connection time.
Even if you print your boarding passes I don't think 1 hour is enough.
 
An hour doesn't leave any time for a plane leaving St Barth late or an unexpected shutting of the transit security gate... I don't think I'd chance it...
 
Flying AA back in April, AA moved out departure back by 1+ hours which gave us only on hour to transfer at Sxm, no checked baggage, we felt that it was way too close for comfort and changed our winair flights to an earlier departure. We now have 2.5 hours to make the connection at Sxm - one less worry/concern.
 
Flying AA back in April, AA moved out departure back by 1+ hours which gave us only on hour to transfer at Sxm, no checked baggage, we felt that it was way too close for comfort and changed our winair flights to an earlier departure. We now have 2.5 hours to make the connection at Sxm - one less worry/concern.

Also makes time for an adult bevvy, should you desire! :very_drunk:
 
United moved back our arrival at SXM causing us to miss our connection to SBH. I called to see what could be done and the answer was no and no refund - tough luck! So I had to redo our Winair flights and was lucky to change that for 6 people! :mad:
 
I wouldn't chance it with only an hour, Adam. The ferry going over to SXM isn't bad at all. Are you trying to book WinAir or SBC?
 
Recommended transit times on the way back (SBH SXM):

If you're on a charter flight, 1 hour 30 min. If you're on a scheduled flight, 2 hours min.

The VIP Service could help reducing the above by approx. 15 minutes: pre-check-in and agent escort through the terminal (skipping lines).
 
Thank you- I did trade emails with premium iv, and they concurred that not enough time even with their assistance. Ferry is an option, but not our first choice. So, any suggestions for a charter? I know SB Commuter has a charter available- anyone else? Thanks again!


Recommended transit times on the way back (SBH SXM):

If you're on a charter flight, 1 hour 30 min. If you're on a scheduled flight, 2 hours min.

The VIP Service could help reducing the above by approx. 15 minutes: pre-check-in and agent escort through the terminal (skipping lines).
 
Thank you- I did trade emails with premium iv, and they concurred that not enough time even with their assistance. Ferry is an option, but not our first choice. So, any suggestions for a charter? I know SB Commuter has a charter available- anyone else? Thanks again!
There are seats from SBH to Grand Case at 7:30 and 8:30 AM on St Barth Commuter. Take a cab from the airport to Grand Case village or Marigot and have breakfast. Get a cab to the airport and wait in the Executive Lounge- free coffee, pastries, wifi.
 
Hello everyone-

I should know the answer to this, but thought I would ask-

What is the absolute minimum connection time you would allow on the return flight to SXM from SBH? We are heading back to SBH for 10 nights arriving on 3/19, but having a tough time with a return flight on 3/29. Prefer to avoid the ferry. Thanks for for any advice!

AdamZ


Problem solved! I'm taking the noon on SB Commuter, while my wife and daughter are on the 12:10 Win Air. Hadn't crossed my mind to check availability of fewer than 3 seats. Thanks again to everyone for their suggestions and advice! Excited to be returning 3/19 to 3/29.
 
It's been two years since our last trip to SBH, this year we are scheduled to arrive on June 18th. In the past, we've always had plenty of time between our flight landing at SXM and leaving for SBH, or have had the luxury of taking a USAir w/Winair connection so our bag was checked all the way to SBH. This year AA has changed my flight a couple times, we now arrive at 1:36 PM and my SB Commuter flight is scheduled to leave at 3:15. Normally we check 1 bag for the both of us. I assume I will have time to gather that bag, go through security and re-check the bag to SBH....Our other option is to each use a small roller and simply carry on. I think we can probably do that, however, we are classic over packers and have never stayed a full week anywhere without a full checked bag. Thoughts on what will turn out to be basically a 1 1/2 hour connection in the summer? Do we have time to check or should I just "rough it" and carry on and skip the checked bag....I'm leaning that way.
 
It's been two years since our last trip to SBH, this year we are scheduled to arrive on June 18th. In the past, we've always had plenty of time between our flight landing at SXM and leaving for SBH, or have had the luxury of taking a USAir w/Winair connection so our bag was checked all the way to SBH. This year AA has changed my flight a couple times, we now arrive at 1:36 PM and my SB Commuter flight is scheduled to leave at 3:15. Normally we check 1 bag for the both of us. I assume I will have time to gather that bag, go through security and re-check the bag to SBH....Our other option is to each use a small roller and simply carry on. I think we can probably do that, however, we are classic over packers and have never stayed a full week anywhere without a full checked bag. Thoughts on what will turn out to be basically a 1 1/2 hour connection in the summer? Do we have time to check or should I just "rough it" and carry on and skip the checked bag....I'm leaning that way.

Assuming your flight is on time, and if you have to take the bus expect to get into the terminal at 2. You never know. If I'm that tight on time and have checked bags I use Premium IV or the like.
 
As long as your AA flight is on time, you should be fine, even with the checked bag. Carry-on would pretty much remove all of the stress, even if your AA flight is a bit late. Another option is to use a service like PremiumIV to handle your arrival. That would cost a few bucks but certainly give you peace of mind.

Phil
 
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