SBH-SXM Experience/Review with Checked Bag

[lvbookworm]

We connected thru SXM Tuesday afternoon so I thought I’d relay some of our experiences.

For those who don’t want all the details: Total time from deplaning SBC flight to arrival at AA departure gate: +/-40 minutes.

We were on the 12h00 SBC flight and arrived SXM 12h15 with carryons and one checked bag connecting to the 14h15 AA departure to CLT.

The woman leading us from the shuttle bus to the terminal was walking 3x the speed as we were and kept waving and shouting at co-workers making it hard for us to understand her directions. Our flight seemed to be the only one collecting luggage at the time so retrieval was very quick. Our bag was basically waiting for us when we got to the luggage carousel. Time from exiting the aircraft to bag pickup: 15 minutes.

From there it was a quick pass thru customs: 5 minutes.

After that things got a bit confusing. Signage is present, but it always seemed to be placed JUST past the point at which you really need the information. For instance, we exited the building to find about a dozen taxi drivers ready to assist. I immediately assumed we took a wrong turn and left the airport prematurely. Nope - not the case. One of the drivers was extremely helpful and gave us directions to the ticket counter for our next flight. (About 50 feet after that was the sign directing us to the ticket counter for our next flight…<sigh>…)

Now…IF it’s a nice day, and IF you only have carryons, and IF you don’t have mobility issues the walk to the terminal entrance is quite doable. However - it was hot and windy, we had some awkward luggage and the sidewalk was a bit uneven and narrow at points. Many people used the taxis to transport them “around the block” so to speak. I don’t know what the taxis were charging for this service but on another more difficult day it would probably be worth the trouble. I’m hoping that this isn’t SXM’s permanent solution to the transfer with bags process. Time to exit arrival building to entering the main terminal: 5-10 minutes.

Once inside the terminal everything went like clockwork. The AA priority lane was quick (the JetBlue line, however, was LONG!) and the process thru security was painless. For us - this was another 15 minutes tops.

The new terminal is quite nice - and the A/C works VERY WELL! There are many different food options and a bar (although I forgot to take an actual pic of the bar - it was quite nice).

The lounge, once complete, will be a nice addition.

All in all, this transfer process was MUCH less painful than in previous years. Sad to be home, and hoping to be back on SBH soon!

 

[LuckyKid2]

We had a similar experience when we left last Friday on SBC. Arrived SXM at 1:15 for a 3:15 JetBlue flight. SBC was helpful getting our group off the plane and into the baggage area, picked up our bags and then it was a quick trip through customs. The walk out, around, and back into the airport was the worst and most time consuming part and hopefully that is resolved by next year! Overall, it was much quicker than what we had expected and we had time to spare (go by air). We are also sad to be home, but already looking forward to next year!

 

[MDC]

We connected thru SXM Tuesday afternoon so I thought I’d relay some of our experiences.

For those who don’t want all the details: Total time from deplaning SBC flight to arrival at AA departure gate: +/-40 minutes.

We were on the 12h00 SBC flight and arrived SXM 12h15 with carryons and one checked bag connecting to the 14h15 AA departure to CLT.

The woman leading us from the shuttle bus to the terminal was walking 3x the speed as we were and kept waving and shouting at co-workers making it hard for us to understand her directions. Our flight seemed to be the only one collecting luggage at the time so retrieval was very quick. Our bag was basically waiting for us when we got to the luggage carousel. Time from exiting the aircraft to bag pickup: 15 minutes.

From there it was a quick pass thru customs: 5 minutes.

After that things got a bit confusing. Signage is present, but it always seemed to be placed JUST past the point at which you really need the information. For instance, we exited the building to find about a dozen taxi drivers ready to assist. I immediately assumed we took a wrong turn and left the airport prematurely. Nope - not the case. One of the drivers was extremely helpful and gave us directions to the ticket counter for our next flight. (About 50 feet after that was the sign directing us to the ticket counter for our next flight…<sigh>…)

Now…IF it’s a nice day, and IF you only have carryons, and IF you don’t have mobility issues the walk to the terminal entrance is quite doable. However - it was hot and windy, we had some awkward luggage and the sidewalk was a bit uneven and narrow at points. Many people used the taxis to transport them “around the block” so to speak. I don’t know what the taxis were charging for this service but on another more difficult day it would probably be worth the trouble. I’m hoping that this isn’t SXM’s permanent solution to the transfer with bags process. Time to exit arrival building to entering the main terminal: 5-10 minutes.

Once inside the terminal everything went like clockwork. The AA priority lane was quick (the JetBlue line, however, was LONG!) and the process thru security was painless. For us - this was another 15 minutes tops.

The new terminal is quite nice - and the A/C works VERY WELL! There are many different food options and a bar (although I forgot to take an actual pic of the bar - it was quite nice).

View attachment 68782

The lounge, once complete, will be a nice addition.

View attachment 68783
View attachment 68784

All in all, this transfer process was MUCH less painful than in previous years. Sad to be home, and hoping to be back on SBH soon!

Thank you for posting. Great intel.

 

[bkeats]

Adding our recent experience connecting the other way through SXM to SBH.

On landing the plane stopped short of terminal and we deplaned down the stairway. The passengers were then directed to walk to the eastern end of the terminal where there were lines set up for entry.

Fortunately we did not have to get in that line. An SBC rep met us. She handed us the boarding passes and took our luggage tags. SBC would retrieve the checked bags and get them on our flight. There was an in transit check in and security. Was through in just a few minutes then into the elevator which took us right to the C gates departure area for SBC and Winair. Easy connection.

 

[bkeats]

A picture of the bar area that was missed in the original post

 

[cec1]

A picture of the bar area that was missed in the original post

View attachment 69062

Looks basic . . , functional. Nothing offered in comfort. Much like the “Priority Pass” lounge of SJU.

Adding our recent experience connecting the other way through SXM to SBH.

On landing the plane stopped short of terminal and we deplaned down the stairway. The passengers were then directed to walk to the eastern end of the terminal where there were lines set up for entry.


View attachment 69060

Fortunately we did not have to get in that line. An SBC rep met us. She handed us the boarding passes and took our luggage tags. SBC would retrieve the checked bags and get them on our flight. There was an in transit check in and security. Was through in just a few minutes then into the elevator which took us right to the C gates departure area for SBC and Winair. Easy connection.

SBC = great service.

 

[HHFL]

Hello! And how was the experience with CHECKED luggage SXM to SBH? I’ve only traveled with carry on previously but will need to check a bag on my next trip. How much time will I require before my Winnair connection?

Thanks!!!!!