is a link to my trip report finale from June this year, that shows what is available right now in the departure tent. As of approximately December 15 this year (hopefully) they will be moving to the bottom floor inside the actual airport. What will be there at that time is anyone's guess, although it presumably should be at least the same amount (which isn't a whole lot).
"Does the tented departure area have a spirit shoppe?" Yes but the duty free shop has a limited selection and higher prices than you would find out of the airport.
The attached pictures were taken yesterday at the airport. It was stifling hot. The only relief were large fans which one or two individuals stood on front of defeating their purpose. In addition multiple flights were being called to some gates leaving it impossible to negotiate through the crowd. With high season getting in the swing the sooner they get in to the airport the better.
It busiest on Saturdays. We flew out then back in on Monday and Thursday when there were no big crowds and the tents were fairly comfortable. Not much selection inside of anything. If you can avoid flying Saturday you will have a better experience.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
Elaine--as you know, weekends have always been the busiest. That is why we try, if at all possible, to fly during the week. In June, we flew on Thursday and Monday and 'flew' through both ways.
While I agree avoiding the weekends is preferable, we like many other timeshare owners have weeks that are Saturday to Saturday. We do not have the flexibility to change to weekdays without cutting our vacation short. Hoping they meet the December 15th date(moved from November) as it will be just in time for our December visit. There in April and the tent wasn’t bad but I expect far worse as tourism picks up if the date slips again.
We're in those pics somewhere. It was hot and uncomfortable at times yesterday waiting around until boarding. Then it got worse waiting inside the hot bus to fill up thanks to the slow processing at the boarding gate. I know they are trying their best under these circumstances but I hope the terminal building re-opens soon.
Steve--yes, many people have no choice, and that's why the weekends are so busy. For you, and all the other travelers, hope they meet that new date, to move to the terminal.
Yep, not looking forward to our arrival and departure on Saturdays soon. But, I am looking forward to our visit, so we'll deal with the inconvenience. It wasn't bad at all when we were there in May; I'm sure things are much different now with more people visiting.
The crowded situation was the same for us on a Saturday in October. We were never able to have a seat but it was a small price to pay for 2 weeks of a wonderful vacation. We consider ourselves fortunate since many don't have the opportunity to have the luxury of a vacation. Flying is a necessary evil no matter where you go but need to keep the eye on the prize. I have the feeling most of us are of the same mindset.
Whenever we've been stuck in the departure tent, we try to remember all of the residents of St. Maarten who are still living under a blue tarp.
The departure lounge is not perfect -- but a crowded departure lounge is a "first world problem," for sure. And in the departure lounge, cold beer is available -- and it's cheap (two for $5, if I remember correctly).
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