Blasphemy?

[didier]

I believe the best idea if you see the pilots doing something that bothers you, just speak to them. tell them you don't feel comfortable with the pilot being on their cel phone unless its for weather etc. Tradewind always aims to please, unless it is for weather, the pilot will most likely put the phone away so you will feel more at ease. I believe they would prefer you say something to them rather than speaking with their boss.

 

[Jim A]

I love Tradewind, the lounge (we usually use it on the way home too), teh check in counter and the express immigration lines with only a couple of other people on the way home. It isn't a high end lounge of course, but sitting there I feel like my relaxation has begun whereas at SXM it's just miserable. But we only fly that route when the price is at least somewhat ball park. On the way down next flight we booked right away whne available and I think the fare was under $400 PP and since the flight from our local airport less than 10 minutes from our house to SJU is insanely convenient and also cheaper than going thru SXM, it's a no brainer. On the way home it looks like we probably will be going through SXM as the Tradewind flight has been in the $700-$800 range per person since they became available. Still hoping for St Barth Executive to open up with a decent fare if we are the first to book, but that isn't likely

 

[etx]

Might be behind but first I'm hearing of St Barth Executive - has anyone flown? Experience with them vs Tradewind?

 

[cassidain]

very little commentary on these pages re SBE
there was a rough landing a short while ago . . .
I wouldn't expect to find better fares there
I think their PC-12's are equipped with a head, though

 

[cec1]

very little commentary on these pages re SBE
there was a rough landing a short while ago . . .
I wouldn't expect to find better fares there
I think their PC-12's are equipped with a head, though

I think that the impression that its planes are equipped with a “head” proved to be incorrect.

 

[KevinS]

I think that SBE is operating Pilatus NGX aircraft. Tradewind has acquired several NGX aircraft in the last 3 years, but I don’t know if they are operating them on their SBH route.

Count the propeller blades. It may be mu imagination, but I think that the PC-12 has a 4-blade prop, while the PC-12 NGX has a 5-blade prop. Aftermarket upgrades to a 7-blade prop are available.

 

[elgreaux]

Saint Barth Executive flies two kinds of planes here : Pilatus PC12 NGX and TECNAM P2012 STOL - we flew with them last year from St Barth to Guadeloupe and on to Paris with Corsair - they are paired up for that itinerary... we flew on a Tecnam is a smaller plane but very nice.

Also a special shoutout to St Barth Executive as they donated one round-trip ticket SBH-PTP (Guadeloupe) to the St Barth Film Festival this year... a 400 to 600 euro donation, depending on which plane is used. So merci !

 

[Saline Man]

Tradewind is a numbers game. ATL to SXM is always more expensive than ATL to SJU in dollars or FF miles for First, even with Tradewind $$ added for the connection. What is interesting to me, based on Aipotu`s original post is "expectations" from the forum. We have tried new restaurants based on forum posts, and have been disappointed. The reviews were very good, but they created an expectation that could not be met. That is on me.

 

[cec1]

Tradewind is a numbers game. ATL to SXM is always more expensive than ATL to SJU in dollars or FF miles for First, even with Tradewind $$ added for the connection. What is interesting to me, based on Aipotu`s original post is "expectations" from the forum. We have tried new restaurants based on forum posts, and have been disappointed. The reviews were very good, but they created an expectation that could not be met. That is on me.

“Expectation is the thief of joy.”
Tyler Dufrene

 

[Risa]

but they created an expectation that could not be met. That is on me.

It's like statistics - if it works for me, my success rate is 100%, if it doesn't, it's 0%. Doesn't matter what works for other people. And my variables are different than others. I'm ok with that. Mostly.

 

[dalbys]

We love going through San Juan vs St Martin. Tradewind has been nothing but great for us. One of the main perks for us is Customs in San Juan vs Atlanta, Miami, Charlotte, etc. We have spent hours in each of the above going through Customs, getting our baggage, rechecking our baggage and then going to the back of the line in the TSA line to get back on a plane. Tradewind walked us through Customs with no other flights even there. It took all of about 5 minutes including getting our luggage. When we arrived in Charlotte we went straight to our gate, no TSA line because we were traveling domestically. Yes it is more expensive, but St Martin is much more expensive to fly to than San Juan. It works out to be a little more, with a lot less hassle!

 

[cec1]

We love going through San Juan vs St Martin. Tradewind has been nothing but great for us. . . . Yes it is more expensive, but St Martin is much more expensive to fly to than San Juan. It works out to be a little more, with a lot less hassle!

The KevinS analysis . . . totally “spot on!”

 

[andynap]

One really bad experience is enough to turn against Tradewind forever, Trust me.

 

[Rocket]

Having first used Tradewinds last month, I would never travel through SXM again.

 

[cassidain]

SXM is a really bad experience EVERY time

 

[didier]

I look at most things in life this way: if the cost were zero, which airline would I fly, what connection to sbh would I take, sxm or sju. I have learned over the years that I do not like connections. I fly direct only. since no flights are direct to sbh from the usa. then I have one connection which is sju. after getting on a tradewind flight, I normally take a nap, the time goes by fast.

when I book flights in the states, and when I find that there is nothing direct. ( most of the time there are direct flights, I have been lucky) then I book a flight to the first connection, spend the night ( I like to stay at the upscale hotels, room service! spas etc.) and then book the second leg for the next day of my journey. I don't have to worry about lost luggage which can ruin a trip. Does it cost more to fly that way, it does sometimes, but life is short.

 

[PeterLynn]

Yet regardless of how one arrives, one has arrived!

 

[Risa]

Makes sense to fly to SJU if you live in a place without direct flights to SXM. NYC to SXM on Delta or Jet Blue is pretty easy. And having the second flight be only 8 minutes makes the whole thing a breeze, it's like taking a short cab ride up in the sky.

 

[BostonAndy]

Same for BOS. JBLU flights BOS ->SXM are very cheap (except on Sat), no more expensive than BOS -> SJU. My experience last year was that SXM has gotten a lot better. At least I hope so as I only have 65 min to make my SBC connection on Sunday.

 

[Risa]

With carryon, totally doable, with checked luggage, waiting for it to come to baggage claim, it's iffy.