TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Question on airline cancelled flight

We have an upcoming trip to SXM thank goodness. I really miss the place! can't wait.

As we get closer I always check the flights we are taking to see if we would have any trouble with connection. Our connection is Newark and we have about an hour. Assuming we are on time it should be no problem.

Twice in the last 10 days the 5:50 AM flight has been significantly delayed as the crew did not have "proper rest time as required by Federal law. " We would miss our connection and there is not another flight using United from any airport as only one lands per day from the states.

In this situation, would they be required to use another airline to get us to the island? On our first trip years ago to SXM there was a mechanical issue and they (Delta) made arrangements for us on American. It took a bit of arm twisting but I know there is some agreement between the larger carriers and if our 5:50 flight is cancelled there are a few other ways to get there about an hour after our scheduled departure.

Any info appreciated.

As long as it is NOT a weather issue, they should be obligated to help you out. That may or may not include using another carrier. If you see this happening, I would be on the phone or in the line immediately to try and get it resolved. Good luck.

Check other flights before you go and have a back up plan.

Very good advice also. Know your options, including flight numbers, etc.

Like the above post indicated having a back-up plan would be key. One hour isn't a whole lot of time should the flight crew be delayed, a mechanical issue arise with the plane, etc. Been there and done that. I'm not sure any other airlines fly to SXM from Newark each day if your particular flight got delayed. But, you might want to check in advance with United to see what their policy is. I'm quite sure that both Delta and Jet Blue have St. Martin flights from JFK every day, so if those two had later departure times you could possibly switch airports if time allowed (and if United would go along with this). It's also possible (though unlikely) that United would delay their SXM flight waiting for delayed passengers, but you could always inquire about this. I have seen that happen with some other carriers.

One other common sense item is be sure to pack one full day of clothing, swimsuits, etc. in your carry-on bag in case you make the flight, but your checked luggage gets delayed and arrives the next day. Hope this helps!

UA is the only airline flying nonstop to SXM out of EWR. If UA is willing to accommodate you on another airline then that will require at least one additional connection to catch one of the few SXM nonstops (from CLT, MIA, or FLL), or getting yourself (and your luggage) from EWR to JFK in time to catch one of the SXM nonstop flights from there.

What may be more practical is to look at a connection through San Juan as a backup. UA has an interline agreement with Seaborne Airlines, a regional carrier which operates between SJU and SXM. Check flights for your dates to see if that might be an option for you.

Alternatively, see if you can change your flight to fly from home to EWR the night before, and find a hotel near the airport.

Thanks for the info Sammy. My flight originates in Cincinnati so the Newark flight would not be an option unless we wait a day. It looks like American would be possible but that flight is close to full. Delta appears to be the best and we would have sufficient time.

There are not many flights compared to the old days. Hopefully the island gets the tourist back.

murphy--as others have said, the key is being prepared and know what is available on other airlines. If it's an airline issue, versus a weather issue, they have to try to fix it for you, unless you're on something like Spirit, which doesn't cooperate with anyone. For whatever reason, airline employees seem to not know what is available and/or don't want to be bothered in some circumstances to get you where you need to be, if it involves flights on another airline. Their 'go-to' position normally seems to be to tell you to wait and take a flight the next day, doing you out of a day of vacation!! Also, if possible, if there is a huge line for the counter, get on the phone and call the airlines directly and try to get the situation resolved on the phone if possible. Also, as Sammy said, and we always do this, even if we don't have a connection--pack a change of clothes in your carry-on bag, so if your suitcase goes on a different trip than you do! It happens! Hopefully you will have no issues, and your preparation will not be needed, but better to be prepared!

Thanks. I will have the flight info for other airlines on hand. Can't miss a precious day in paradise!

If originating at CVG, Delta is probably your best option and next would be AA.

pack a change of clothes in your carry-on bag, so if your suitcase goes on a different trip than you do!

We go one step further, if taking 2 suitcases, my wife and "share" both in lest 1 case has a better vacation than we do. And yes it has happened
George