debd
Senior Insider
Really remarkable how the airport situation is being managed. We arrived at SXM, and departed for SBH 45 minutes later, ahead of schedule. And, if ever there was a time to check anything, this was it. Checking the beach umbrella was rather irrelevant in the process. By the way, it was only day one (with relatively high winds), but so far it looks like the Pacific Breeze, easy pop-up tent is a good purchase. It is easy to set up, has 5 built in, attached bags to fill with sand, side flaps that roll up and stay up with a very easy to use toggle set up, leaving side screens for air flow.
Now for the details of the transit, for those interested.
We arrived on JetBlue from JFK a little after 1:30. We were a bit lucky on that end. Engines were turned off before we departed, and we were told there may be a hydraulic problem that would result in our heading back to the gate. Reboot seemed to do the trick, so we were only about a half hour late departing.
Upon arrival, immediately upon leaving the plane, we were directed to the “agent” who directed us to the SBC crew. They more or less “held our hands” through the whole processs. Seemed like they were always within 5 minutes of contact.
They directed us to pick up any luggage (which was dropped off in front of us for a flight that was maybe 40% full), and then to stand by the “no smoking sign.” Within less than fifteen minutes, we were transported by bus to the “main” tents. There we went through customs (maybe 5 minutes), then on to have our luggage weighed and marked. Next was to the makeshift SBC check-in desk (5 more minutes). Nest to a quick passport check. Then through “security,” luggage scanned. We were then in the “big” tent, where there a little bar and some small food concessions set up. In less than 10 minutes, we were on the SBC plane, smallest one for me to date, full with 9 passengers and one pilot. We departed 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Bless them all for a job well done, especially in the face of such tragedy for their island.
Now for the details of the transit, for those interested.
We arrived on JetBlue from JFK a little after 1:30. We were a bit lucky on that end. Engines were turned off before we departed, and we were told there may be a hydraulic problem that would result in our heading back to the gate. Reboot seemed to do the trick, so we were only about a half hour late departing.
Upon arrival, immediately upon leaving the plane, we were directed to the “agent” who directed us to the SBC crew. They more or less “held our hands” through the whole processs. Seemed like they were always within 5 minutes of contact.
They directed us to pick up any luggage (which was dropped off in front of us for a flight that was maybe 40% full), and then to stand by the “no smoking sign.” Within less than fifteen minutes, we were transported by bus to the “main” tents. There we went through customs (maybe 5 minutes), then on to have our luggage weighed and marked. Next was to the makeshift SBC check-in desk (5 more minutes). Nest to a quick passport check. Then through “security,” luggage scanned. We were then in the “big” tent, where there a little bar and some small food concessions set up. In less than 10 minutes, we were on the SBC plane, smallest one for me to date, full with 9 passengers and one pilot. We departed 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Bless them all for a job well done, especially in the face of such tragedy for their island.
