May be coming in a day early, via SXM, and will either fly out of there on SBC, to St Barth, later that same day OR, stay the night near by the Grand Case airport and fly to the island the next morning. Can any of the experts in here summarize the main difference, Covid related in the pre-planning vs. flying out of SXM ? Thanks so much (sorry, researched a little already but not 100% clear).
Grand Case Airport
- Thread starter TR561
- Start date
stbartshopper
Senior Insider
Saint Barth Commuter flies out of Grand Case. As Grand Case is the French side, check the Covid policies and the SBC website for flights.
Jim A
Senior Insider
I suspect you already have, but just in case you have not, check here:
https://stmaartenehas.com/travel-requirements/
From what I recall if you spend the night in St Maarten/St Martin you need to get the insurance but if you are transiting through you do not. I think it's only like $30pp so not a big deal. Of course, as you know, if staying a night it squeezes your testing time frame by a day as well.
General issues it could take like an hour and a half to get to Grand Case from SXM due to traffic. Very small and easy airport to fly out of. We stayed a night at Les Temps de Cerises a couple years ago at the recommendation of a poster here. Really small and right on the beach. we liked it.
https://stmaartenehas.com/travel-requirements/
From what I recall if you spend the night in St Maarten/St Martin you need to get the insurance but if you are transiting through you do not. I think it's only like $30pp so not a big deal. Of course, as you know, if staying a night it squeezes your testing time frame by a day as well.
General issues it could take like an hour and a half to get to Grand Case from SXM due to traffic. Very small and easy airport to fly out of. We stayed a night at Les Temps de Cerises a couple years ago at the recommendation of a poster here. Really small and right on the beach. we liked it.
So basically, it's the insurance if i stay the night or just the normal transiting if i cab over and fly out of there that same day ? But same EHAS form protocol and testing requirement... Thanks Jim.
Jim A
Senior Insider
Hmmmm...I'm not sure if you leave SXM even to fly out or take the ferry on the same day if you wouldn't still need the insurance. The website says an exception for "transit passengers". Are you considered in transit if you leave the airport? I believe there is an email address and phone number for the EHAS customer support that is pretty responsive.
stbartshopper
Senior Insider
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sxmbeachlover
SBH Insider
Headed out in 2 weeks and would love to know you experience and tips for that route. Thanks!
Here is what we experienced this past April, 2021:
Free PSR test in US a few days prior to our flight into SXM
Uploaded negative PCR to official SXM document. No charge. No insurance charge either.
Document was approved by SXM. Upon arrival at SXM, presented our document and received stamp of approval. Off to condo in rental car.
One week later, we got tested a few days before our flight from SFG to SBH, (testing sight at Red Cross across from SFG, and free) but didn't actually need it, just playing it safe.
NO requirements to check in and board flight to SBH, other than the usual pre covid stuff. SFG was quaint, and quiet, and had received a remodel since our last flight.
Arrived in SBH and went to customs window. Gendarme checked and stamped our passports, and asked for, hmmm, tiny form. We provided our proofs of vaccination cards. He smiled and said enjoy our vacation.
IF you are flying back through SXM, even if just transferring, you will need to get a NEW SXM document, along with negative PCR for both SXM, and the US.
It was all doable, and we were very glad we went!!!!
Here is what we experienced this past April, 2021:
Free PSR test in US a few days prior to our flight into SXM
Uploaded negative PCR to official SXM document. No charge. No insurance charge either.
Document was approved by SXM. Upon arrival at SXM, presented our document and received stamp of approval. Off to condo in rental car.
One week later, we got tested a few days before our flight from SFG to SBH, (testing sight at Red Cross across from SFG, and free) but didn't actually need it, just playing it safe.
NO requirements to check in and board flight to SBH, other than the usual pre covid stuff. SFG was quaint, and quiet, and had received a remodel since our last flight.
Arrived in SBH and went to customs window. Gendarme checked and stamped our passports, and asked for, hmmm, tiny form. We provided our proofs of vaccination cards. He smiled and said enjoy our vacation.
IF you are flying back through SXM, even if just transferring, you will need to get a NEW SXM document, along with negative PCR for both SXM, and the US.
It was all doable, and we were very glad we went!!!!
marybeth
Senior Insider
Nothing to do with the COVID guidance but many years ago we did a purposeful overnight in St. Martin and flew from Grand Case. This allowed us to take an evening flight from the US and also arrive fairly early on St. Barth the next day. However, these upsides did not outweigh the negatives, which to me was the disruption travelling. You also may not be able to get into your villa early.
We've never bothered with this method again, preferring to do all of the travelling all in one day. With COVID, I would be even MORE likely to do my travel in one fell swoop, unless testing or some other regulation necessitated otherwise. YMMV....
We've never bothered with this method again, preferring to do all of the travelling all in one day. With COVID, I would be even MORE likely to do my travel in one fell swoop, unless testing or some other regulation necessitated otherwise. YMMV....
Yes, mind would be a straight up transfer. Land, head over to Grand Case for a late afternoon flight. Thursday SBC only has 1 flight and it's full, there are three empty flights from Grand Case that day. Only thing that sucks would be going through immigration to be able to get to a cab, but Thursday shouldn't be too bad.
stbartshopper
Senior Insider
Arriving in SXM, provided your flight is on time, and going thru immigration won’t take long. Try not to pack too much luggage- some only bring carry ons- not us. If SBC has three flights you will get a flight. Ask SBC if they will help you with the transfer. It’s is usually quick from SXM to Grand Case.
Don’t worry!
Be happy!
Don’t worry!
Be happy!
Marybeth,
We typically travel from Pittsburgh to our gateway city (generally Atlanta for Delta) mid to late afternoon. We shuttle to a closeby hotel, enjoy a light dinner and a few drinks, then to bed for a full night's sleep. The next morning we shuttle to the airport to take the early flight so that we arrive on SBH early in the afternoon, instead of just before dark (if no delays or complications).
We typically travel from Pittsburgh to our gateway city (generally Atlanta for Delta) mid to late afternoon. We shuttle to a closeby hotel, enjoy a light dinner and a few drinks, then to bed for a full night's sleep. The next morning we shuttle to the airport to take the early flight so that we arrive on SBH early in the afternoon, instead of just before dark (if no delays or complications).
marybeth
Senior Insider
Hi Jima,
We usually take an early morning AA flight through Charlotte and are in St. Barth in time for dinner. We have done the overnight in SXM and SJU and I prefer to get to SBH in one day.
We have only been in Pittsburgh for the past 10 years. Previously we had to drive to PHL or EWR and overnight before our early AM flight. Love getting the travel done in one day. Different strokes....
mb
We usually take an early morning AA flight through Charlotte and are in St. Barth in time for dinner. We have done the overnight in SXM and SJU and I prefer to get to SBH in one day.
We have only been in Pittsburgh for the past 10 years. Previously we had to drive to PHL or EWR and overnight before our early AM flight. Love getting the travel done in one day. Different strokes....
mb
