SXM a organizational disaster
- Thread starter dadto6
- Start date
Amery
SBH Insider
Sorry for you, looks even worse than yesterday. We managed with a 2 hr layover but it was not much fun. Anticipation of sbh arrival kept us in good spirits. SBC mgr was frustrated bc we were all there well ahead but the plane had to go to sbh and back so we couldn’t depart early. Always fun to be on the short flight with first time visitors, a joy to witness! Made up for the unfortunate sxm situation. Hopefully still on schedule to open new departure area this week.
JEK
Senior Insider
I haven't stepped foot on the Friendly Isle since TW began service. YMMV
Details, details!
Jeanette
Senior Insider
How was your arrival? Did you need to pass through the tempoary arrivals area first before getting to the departure gates to SBH?
I arrive in a few days. JetBlue added mid-week direct flights from Boston that don't land until 3:30 and I need to make Winair's 5:00 flight. I travel with carry on and know the In Transit process well. Or at least the In Transit process prior to the opening of the new Departure hall. Using a VIP service is a little extreme with carry on, but I'm beginning to consider it.
I arrive in a few days. JetBlue added mid-week direct flights from Boston that don't land until 3:30 and I need to make Winair's 5:00 flight. I travel with carry on and know the In Transit process well. Or at least the In Transit process prior to the opening of the new Departure hall. Using a VIP service is a little extreme with carry on, but I'm beginning to consider it.
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Jim A
Senior Insider
I’m hoping the new terminal will be better with regards to the disastrous boarding process in a way too hot, way too crowded terminal where you can’t really hear what is going on and with little direction or communication to make it easier.
for us we got off our WinAir flight and through the initial immigration line within a couple of minutes - second in line for the transit, non-resident line. Then we picked up our bags and walked outside and around and got on the delta line to check bags and get boarding passes. This was slow but we were around the 4th group for our flight (each flight had its own line) so it also went somewhat quickly. Then to the security line which wasn’t that long but was slow - I’d guess less than 30 minutes and then the last line where they scanned your boarding pass which also went very quickly. So within an hour or so we landed, de-planed, took the bus to the arrivals building and did all of what I mentioned. Not bad for a Saturday. we had over a 3 hour layover and found seats and had some champagne and a bite. So all of this was fine. It was when we went to the gate (and we only went down there about 10 minutes before our scheduled boarding time) that it got miserable. Slightly Delayed boarding also and only because they can only really board one flight at a time or the people would get on the wrong buses. So again, I’m hoping the new terminal will be better.
Amery
SBH Insider
Our experience Saturday (though we connected via SBC) was that if in transit for Winair—with a printed boarding pass and carryon only—look for the SBC person (as it’s not well marked for “in transit”) and get on the bus for transit passengers which takes you to the new/temporary transit gate. You then go through (transit) security and into the departure area. You do not need to go into the temporary arrival facility.
Koops
SBH Member
Just off phone with Terrance, yep even he said things are very rough over there. We booked VIP to get us from our America flight to WinAir. We land 2:15 and have the last flight to SBH about 5:15. I just can’t afford to take a chance on tight connections if I’m delayed getting to the Friendly Island. Luckily it’s the day after Thanksgiving and being a Friday think it might not be as chaotic as usual, but it’s still island time. Last year we went Tradewinds….which after this trip is going to be the norm.
Aipotu
SBH Insider
The irony of our return on Sunday is that we read all the reports, bought VIP service as we only had two hours to connect, and then our WinAir flight left 30 minutes early...and SXM was about as calm, empty and tranquil as could be at 10:30 a.m. We would have breezed through with plenty of time, especially when JetBlue got delayed 50 minutes...
We return In late January for the first visit since we snuck out ahead of covid March 6, 2020. Really not ahead of covid because I contracted it in that petri dish called SXM. A third world disaster might be too ild a descriptive. We paid VIncent months ago as he is the only possible savior. But now, even he be shut out. This could be the last rodeo, I hate to say.
le_reve
Senior Insider
There are other options, as I am sure you know. In my opinion, at least now, it is worth it to avoid SXM at all costs.
Foxy
SBH Insider
On Monday we landed on AA from Charlotte with Carry Ons only and our SBC boarding passes. Got off plane and found SBC rep with sign. He took us to Transit Boarding Passes line which took 15 minutes through security then up elevator to Gate C4 to the plane. It took a total of 20 minutes. Very easy. If you have to clear customs to get your bags I was told it was 90 mniutes maybe a bit less. If you are on SBC they will actually grab your bags so you do not have to wait on the customs line.
As for Winnair, its the customs line...
As for Winnair, its the customs line...
