Thoughts about Premium IV in SXM?
- Thread starter 901Traveler
- Start date
debd
Senior Insider
With the hurricane reparations continuing endlessly at SXM, the WinAir, SBC logistics have changed. There is no longer an elevator up to what used to be the check in desk. Instead those flights take place in the same area as the major airlines. There is a little desk, to the right of the ramp/stairs going down to the major airline gates., where you check in. From my experience, and what I have read from others here, you'd probably be ok if it was SBC because they have been meeting people on arrival, and whisking them through. That, from what I have heard, is not happening with WinAir. Honestly, I think your best bet with WinAir, even with carry ons, is to use the Premium IV services. Sounds like it's $100 for the two of you, and well worth it.
BND
Senior Insider
Thanks, debd, for just exactly the information we were looking for! We will engage Premium IV and consider it money well spent.
901Traveler
New Member
Thanks to all for the info & insights! We ended up having a breeze of a time with the SXM airport experience! Arrival at SXM (from MIA on AA) was on Friday, and the long lines were nil. It was much easier than we were anticipating (maybe 20-25 minutes until we were all the way through and waiting on our luggage at the carousel). The following Monday, we arrived back to SXM to fly Winair to SBH; that was easier than I was expecting, and the flight was much better than we were prepared for (I was maybe even a little disappointed at the very uneventful landing!). I can now understand the differences between SBC and Winair, but to be honest, it wasn't as much to fret over as I was thinking based on reading some things here in the forum. I would have preferred the service from SBC, but when the flights are booked, Winair is not unreasonable. As far as our return, I could see some of the quirks of Winair, in that the flight times are more of a suggestion rather than fact; had we not had >2hr connection time in SXM, it could have been an issue. Our return was on Saturday, so we were prepared to be freaked out over the long lines, but there was hardly any difference compared with our Friday arrival. The process to get back through immigration/get bags/check back into AA was clunky, but didn't take longer than 45 min in total. So all that to say, it was much better than I was expecting! For those who may be reading and who are new to the process like I was, I would say that SXM is no worse than many Caribbean airports, and seemed to be running rather smoothly at least when we were there (the entire immigration process was actually much smoother than most islands we've visited). The Premium IV service would definitely be worth the small investment if you are not staying in SXM as we did for a couple of days, because missing a flight or having any bumps in travel could have serious impacts; however, if you are an experienced traveler and/or don't have really tight connections, it is not a necessity.
le_reve
Senior Insider
Another +1 for Premium IV. My friends raved about their extremely friendly, quick and helpful service - both ways. They told me that there would have been no way to make their flights either way without them and it was money well spent in our opinion. I have not used them personally, but if I have a tight connection in SXM, you can bet I would feel extremely comfortable booking them.
We flew home on Monday, March 21 thru SXM. For the first time we booked Premium IV airport service and I will never, ever, never, ever, never, ever fly thru SXM without them again. There were four of us and it took approximately 20 minutes to run the gamut of I don't even know what the various desks were. It seemed as if we went thru 3 passport check points. Without the expedited service it would have taken AT LEAST an hour and a half. We were whisked past long lines (and this was on a Monday) and thru security. We have always been very independent, confident travelers but with all the Covid protocols that we had to get thru (testing to go home, EHAS health form, uploading all to various apps) I am so grateful to Premium IV although I am sure it was like herding kittens. I especially appreciated the pickup at the villa of our luggage, passports and vaccine cards so that when we arrived at SBH all we had to do was get to the waiting room. It was worth every penny and Vincent was absolutely charming. Since flying thru SJU with Tradewind Aviation is becoming more and more expensive I will be more willing in future to go thru SXM, but only if Premium IV is guiding our way.
