TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Saturday departure Jet Blue

Leslie came to BSV (he lives nearby) and drove the rental car to airport dropped us right at the door so no having to tote luggage too far. Ah the privilege of using the taxi entrance. He ran in to check if the JB counter was open before letting us get out. It was. So we gave our farewell hugs & kisses and entered knowing we had had trouble and no printing of the Astestation forms or boarding passes.

Lady greeted us asked all the questions then we entered a moderate size line, left our check bag and on to the gate area. It was very crowded. We were what we thought was very early for our 1 pm flight (arrived 10 am) found ourselves at the gate before 11. Decision should we eat something or not. When suddenly we heard boarding announcement for our flight. They started boarding 11:50 for a 1 pm flight???. Though perhaps time has changed and we didn't get notice.

Since we were group A (somewhat like Southwest by group instead of rows) we lined up to board. A man guided us across the tarmac like in the old days. Then he split us up by rows low # enter front door high numbers enter back door of plane. But we had to walk up stairs. No busses not ramps.

Then the fun began. We departed at 1:05 pm waited on tarmac even though Pilot said "were number one for departure" Was told no water in bathroom but toilet worked. It seemed like forever before stewardess/steward came down isle and offered drinks. I looked at the food offering and decided since my JB charge card gave me two for one, we'd get sandwiches. well no food offering except snacks. Then no one ever came by to collect debris. People walked up front to dump stuff.

The man across from me never buckled his seatbelt and no one told him to do so. I know because it was isle seat and it draped on the floor.

We arrived early but circled until our landing time.

All just seemed lax and unlike service we've had in the past. It was almost like we were back using American.

Wish I was still on SXM!

Thanks all who read my boring posts and commented.

JB is often lax IMO but they are one of the few shows in town. Enjoyed your posts and Ty for taking us along.

Sorry for the complications. While I have never flown Jet Blue, I have to say I have never experienced what you did when flying American, which is the only airline I fly to/from SXM. Service has always been exceptional (I fly first class because my trip is so long), seatbelts always checked, garbage picked up, etc. I am sorry for what you experienced; sounds very unpleasant.

Sorry for what seems an unpleasant end to a nice trip. Time on SXM always passes too fast!!

' have to say I have never experienced what you did when flying American, which is the only airline I fly to/from SXM. Service has always been exceptional (I fly first class because my trip is so long), seatbelts always checked, garbage picked up, etc."
Same here.

I have never experienced issues like yours flying JetBlue....or ANY airline ...and I fly either Delta or JB 95% of the time

Speaking of American, which we flew all the time to SXM until they left our home airport , remember years ago having to stop in Puerto Rico for fuel because plane would not have made it up over the mountain with extra weight thanks to the very short runway.

I also remember the argument I had with American when the runway lights went out in SXM. Our flight was due to land at dusk so I called to change , knowing how long it takes to do things on island, and they said they knew nothing about the lights so I'd have to pay a change fee. I argued all the way up the line until finally got the okay to which was added...wont do this for you again.'

Later flights were diverted to PR not just American. Don't know how people got to SXM maybe just in daylight. Anyway, 2 days later a message was posted on their website saying problem check flight changes.

Why do people in a service business have to be curt, abrupt, and sometimes downright nasty? Kindness does more for business.

It doesn't hurt to write to them!! You never know, you might get a small voucher for your troubles. We did and have done and received a something in return.

Thanks colour.

Sorry to hear about this. Having flown JB and AA to SXM, always nonstop, both have had their share of troubles ( and 2 flights became diversions to MIA!).

We just booked DL and JB for our next flights. Pulled the trigger on Mint since we had enough points for a free ride. Hopefully their mint service is on point.

Can anyone tell me what time I should get to the airport for a 2:26 pm flight out of SXM. We’re flying American first class and we have TSA precheck. Should 12:30 pm be early enough? Also, are there any decent places to have lunch at the airport? Thanks.

What DAY are you flying and when? The conventional wisdom is three hours. You do need to allow that much time, just in case, if it's a Saturday in high season. TSA pre-check means absolutely nothing in SXM, as there is no such thing.

As far as food, there are not a lot of places, but there is a pretty good burger place, Johney Burger, as well as a sandwich shop with gourmet type goodies, Le Bistro by Bacchus. No real sit down restaurants inside security. Many people stop somewhere close to the airport and get a sandwich to go and take it with them on the plane, such as from Zee Best.

Thanks, Carol. We’ll be leaving SXM at 2:26pm on a Monday in April. . I guess we’ll have to get to the airport before noon if no TSA precheck line. So, if we want a decent lunch, with a glass of wine, before boarding, we should find an eatery before going thru security? Thanks!

“We just booked DL and JB for our next flights. Pulled the trigger on Mint since we had enough points for a free ride. Hopefully their mint service is on point.”

We did it once, JFK to SXM, and while we fell into a really great deal for MINT, I thought it was a grossly over-charged and over-rated service for a less than four hour flight, but that was ALL after the fact. We did feel a little conspicuous in our little cabin-like space but I would only ever consider it again for a red eye or a very long flight. Once to say I’ve done it was cool so enjoy yourselves. 🙂🙂

"So, if we want a decent lunch, with a glass of wine, before boarding, we should find an eatery before going thru security? Thanks!"
I would opt to get that lunch and wine after security in the departure area.

You can get wine at the airport, inside security, both at Le Bistro, and at the large bar inside security. We have purchased a burger at Johney Burger and taken it to the bar to eat. A lot of people do that.

Blessings Folks and do have a nice year ahead.