Is it really worth hiring the VIP service in SXM?

[OrangeDragonflies]

We’re flying with delta to SXM and connecting with Winair to SBH. If we have two checked luggage, is it a hassle to get to our connection or are lines improved with the renovation? We have only flown in with the VIP service that cuts the lines and does the luggage for you. Also they make sure your luggage gets to the hotel in SBH when it arrives. I’m not sure Winair offers that service? Prices for VIP went up so I’m just wondering if it’s still needed and very worth it. Thank you for the advice!

 

[lvbookworm]

We used the VIP service with Premier IV for the first time last week. Normally we fly St Barth Commuter with checked bags and have never had any problems - they do everything for you. This time we had to fly WinAir and I’m very glad we had the help of Vincent and his team. There were issues with our flight from SXM-SBH and one of our bags didn’t make it to SBH that night. We didn’t have to worry about a thing as PIV coordinated with WinAir and delivered our bags to us the next morning. It was a little pricey, but overall it was money well spent.

 

[OrangeDragonflies]

We used the VIP service with Premier IV for the first time last week. Normally we fly St Barth Commuter with checked bags and have never had any problems - they do everything for you. This time we had to fly WinAir and I’m very glad we had the help of Vincent and his team. There were issues with our flight from SXM-SBH and one of our bags didn’t make it to SBH that night. We didn’t have to worry about a thing as PIV coordinated with WinAir and delivered our bags to us the next morning. It was a little pricey, but overall it was money well spent.

Thank you for this- so helpful! Didn’t know about sbc doing it all will try to book with them next time.

 

[KevinS]

Thank you for this- so helpful! Didn’t know about sbc doing it all will try to book with them next time.

FYI - SBC does not have counter space inside the departure area of SXM, where those with checked baggage have to go to check in for Winair. Because of that, they provide extra services so that their connecting passengers do not have to exit airside, collect bags, and re-enter through the departure area (but there is a security checkpoint). Without expensive counter space, SBC can offer lower prices. Sadly, for whatever reason, they offer fewer flights than Winair.

 

[OrangeDragonflies]

FYI - SBC does not have counter space inside the departure area of SXM, where those with checked baggage have to go to check in for Winair. Because of that, they provide extra services so that their connecting passengers do not have to exit airside, collect bags, and re-enter through the departure area (but there is a security checkpoint). Without expensive counter space, SBC can offer lower prices. Sadly, for whatever reason, they offer fewer flights than Winair.

That makes sense! So great though- I think I tried to book with sbc just because of the good reviews and the time of the flight didn’t work but hopefully next time I’ll be able to fly with them. Thanks for the explanation!

 

[cec1]

FYI - SBC does not have counter space inside the departure area of SXM, where those with checked baggage have to go to check in for Winair. Because of that, they provide extra services so that their connecting passengers do not have to exit airside, collect bags, and re-enter through the departure area (but there is a security checkpoint). Without expensive counter space, SBC can offer lower prices. Sadly, for whatever reason, they offer fewer flights than Winair.

Another reason that SBC is able to offer lower prices is that it doesn't have to pay a tax assessed to non-French carriers (such as WinAir) for landing on SBH . . . which translates to a savings in passenger fares.