TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Have Arrived

After a 2 year absence, I'm finally here. Due to health and COVID, in 52 years, it's the longest I've been away. Leading up to departure I was a bundle of nerves worrying about testing, applying for pre-approval etc. All was for naught. As posted in a previous thread from testing to getting pre-approval, the process was 4 hours and totally smooth, easy peasy, leaving Friday at 6AM out of BDL(Hartford, CT) and leaving the house at 3:30AM. Around 9:15PM, just about to head up to bed and a ping goes off on my Ipad. It's American to tell me my flight is canceled from BDL to CLT. It asked me to reschedule a different flight on line. The only way to do that was to book the next day. That wasn't going to work, outside the 72 hour testing, pre approval paperwork now would be wrong date etc, a real mess. Called directly to American, got the message due to heavy calling volume etc etc. Left my number and waited for a call back. In the mean time, checked Wagreens for testing appointments for the next day in case I had to go through the whole process again. Got a call back from American at 10:30pm. I explained everything to her. I have to give her credit, she was very pleasant and really seemed to want to help. She was even trying to get me on a Delta flight in the morning, BDL-ATL-SXM. To no avail, it wasn't working. I told her I had an idea, she could try to get me to CLT out of White Plains or JFK. I would have to change my traveling plans etc to get to the airport, but it was doable. She was able to get me the last seat on the flight out of White Plains. So at 11:15pm I was back to going to SXM on Friday. All flights went smoothly on Friday.

Arrived at SXM a little early, 1:40. Again not knowing what to expect with all the new paperwork, a little nervous. I was one of the first to go from my flight. Everything could not have been smoother. Just walked through the process, got my bags and out to the curb to see Lesley there waiting for me. It was so good to see him again. I had my car and was on my way to BSV at 2:15. Went to Carefour to get supplies, back to the villa to be greeted like a long last friend by the entire staff at BSV. They are simply the best. They really make BSV complete. I've been staying here since 1997, at least a couple of times a year and wouldn't have it any other way.

Went to Jax for dinner around 7. I was exhausted from no sleep the night before and travel day. Absolutely a great meal there. From there, stopped in at J.N Jewelers to see Ravi. I think I'm going to purchase a new watch this year. I've always done that kind of shopping with Ravi. He's the best. I was surprised to see that he moved across the street. From there I wanted to see what was going on at the casino, wasn't going to stay long. I have to say I was kind of disappointed with the casino. They removed a lot of table games including the craps tables. It was a ghost town. Aside from the slots, I don't think there were more than 15 people at the different tables. On well. Only stayed about 5 minutes and then back to BSV for a good night's sleep. Back home and in bed at 9:30. This morning, what a treat to be waking up to beautiful sunshine, warmth and crashing waves.

Waiting for a couple of friends to arrive in a few hours, Fabila and Colour1 and tomorrow 4 more friends arriving from CT and OR. Then 2 weeks of sun, fun and relaxing.

Great report! So glad your travel changes worked in your favor and you mad it to the island. Have a wonderful stay.

Mike,

So very happy to know you’re there all safe and sound and at that place we all love. So glad you thought about flying out of Westchester - we love that little airport and use it now and then for our personal convenience (along with my absolute abhorrence of JFK) but many people we talk to don’t even know it exists as an option.

Enjoy your time there sunning, swimming and socializing and give my best to the rest of your group. And most important of all, be safe and be happy….. 😊😊

OMG talk about stress!!!

So happy everything worked out for you!!

You are like the little energize bunny--you had a busy 1st day!

Enjoy --Enjoy We will see you soon.

Wingman--I certainly echo what Terri said--talk about STRESS!! And I can't believe you did all that on your first evening!! Enjoy! I know it certainly has been an awfully long time away from 'home' for you! Say hi to all those great folks at BSV for me!!

Wow....that was a complicated and VERY stressful situation that occurred AFTER you had all your ducks lined up....enjoy

Pat, what a great little airport. I've flown passengers there and picked up there privately back in my piloting days, but never flew there as a passenger on a commercial airliner. I was so impressed with it. It is so quaint, pleasant people and easy as can be. It was not crowded at all. Good to know American has that connection to CLT. It will definitely be on my radar booking my next trip to SXM.

See you next week Terri. Safe travels down to you and Ritt

The only disadvantages to flying in and out of HPN, as far as we can see, are the fact that it often shuts down because of fog and high winds - moreso than some of the larger airports, and the pricing for their connecting flights to SXM are often out of this world expensive but you can occasionally catch a deal.

Again, glad you made it safe and sound and we will wave to you at the airport as we change places. Wish we could spend some time together - April maybe?

👍 Now the fun and relaxation starts.

Glad that you finally made it to the island and our beloved BSV after long absence. Sorry we are going to miss you and early November crowd we used to enjoy so much. We are getting to the island on November 13th for three weeks. Looking forward to your reports. Enjoy.

Jim and Luda

Thank you Luda. So sorry we're going to miss you and Jim too. One of these trips I hope we'll connect. So many fond memories of our great times here at BSV.