TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Air options: American v. United (Newark v. Phili)

I've heard folks say flying through Phili is a nightmare? Decent price to get home, but on American. Then an even better price on United through Newark. Is it worth paying an extra $30 to avoid Phili and fly home on United? This trip originates in Boston end of November to early December (too short, but better than not at all!) Thanks fellow TTOLers! This trip planning on a budget is not for the faint-hearted!

A bit confused how United can be a better price but cost $30 more....but anyway...it all depends on how much layover time there is. If there is a decent layover then it is a wash...

Yup, United 239.00 via Newark (1.36 layover) ; American 267.00 via Phili (2 hr. layover). And, we were going to leave Boston on American...wonder if better to stay with same airline all the way? Usually we do, but, price and schedule and watching!

$28 is not bad. If i have options I always choose a longer layover on the return BUT... my main issue with AA is there constant changing of flights from those that are booked.

It seems my 2 hour layover always becomes 55 minutes a couple of weeks before the flight and I am stuck keeping that flight or paying a stupid price for a last minute fare.

It's all a crap shoot now....

AA usually makes seasonal adjustments of their prices but this time of year, their November flights and rates should be pretty stable. That said, all things can be changed at the whim of each of the airlines and nothing is absolutely set in stone.

The only benefit I can see of AA over United is AA does offer more flights and options if there should be any problems with your scheduled flight. Well, that and a little more comfort room for clearing C & I on the way home. In the event you need to change terminals you may need that extra time. And truthfully, many will say to avoid PA in the winter months, but chances are pretty good if you can't fly into PA due to weather issues you may not fly into Boston either. I wouldn't worry that much about it.

Well Pat, BOS, CT, PA, NJ...just about all in the same weather that time of year, I guess!!!! I know, so much to think about! Thanks..

My experience last December at Newark arriving on a United international flight and transferring to a domestic United flight was that 1:30 hours would not be enough time. United domestic terminals at Newark have TSA at the entrance to each pier. The lines were very long and there was no seperate pre-check option. At PHL, when arriving on an international flight there are multiple TSA check points with pre-check.

I have transferred in Philly on the way home from SXM without a hitch. Make it even easier with trusted traveler...

When going to SXM we always go through Charlotte. Ten years ago, when our SXM flight to CLT was delayed we were put on a flight to Phili. We had no lines at customs or going back through security again. Now we always schedule our home flight through Phili and have the same no lines situation. It may be the time of day (early evening) we are arriving, but it couldn't be a better experience. I am always amused when I read about bad experiences in Phili, but for 10 years it couldn't be better for us.

Everyone has their own opinions, but I transfer through PHL almost every year on the way home from SXM and only once had a problem. I personally would not let what you have heard factor into my decision.

I have a question.....we have flown out of and returned to Newark for several years now.....then drove back to Albany, NY. Has worked perfect! This December I will be taking my 85 year old Mom...her first trip to St. Maarten, out of the country for that matter....been widowed, had breast cancer and just recently lung cancer...just want to do something special for her. Sorry....here is my question. We will need to change terminals for our connecting flight back to Albany....is it complete craziness, or is it pretty much no big deal? The flight I'm looking at has roughly 2:45 min layover....so I know time wise is okay. She doesn't need any assistance, just the pep in her step is a little off. In all the years we've traveled, we've never had to change terminals...I know strange, isn't it.

Have you considered wheelchair service? I would understand how Mom would want to exercise her independence, but having the escort will help alot on reducing the wear and tear. A 5 hour flight followed by the march to immigration, collect your bags, clear customs, recheck your bags, change terminals, go through TSA to board your flight to Albany and onward to your gate. I'm exhausted just thinking about it!

That was actually what I was thinking. Even if mom technically doesn't need it, it can definitely be helpful, with immigration, customs, etc., etc...

Dot has to wheelchair and that is one of the very few benefits that comes with an aging body.

Flights form SXM normally arrive at Terminal B and sometimes at Terminal C. Your flight to Albany and departs from Terminal A. There is a SkyTrain linking the terminals which is pretty fast and efficient. You can use either an elevator or escalator to get to the SkyTrain level.

Thanks all......really appreciate it. I will definitely ask/get the wheelchair service. I've seen may people in our travels having assistance and was wondering how that worked. My first time traveling with a senior senior...yes I did double that since now adays we are considered a senior citizen at 55! Safe travels to all :-)

I think with most airlines, it is a check box when you are booking the ticket. Does the person need assistance, and you check whether the person can walk at all, needs their OWN wheelchair, etc. I have done it several times when booking tickets for mom, who is 90..