TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Jetways

Are the new jetways operational yet? I'm looking at the Mayo Beach/Airport webcam and from what I can tell they are not. We'll be there in February and one of the people in our party has knee issues and the jetway would alleviate some of the pain from going up and down the stairs from the plane. If not operational now any bets that they'll be by Feb?

I sure wouldn't bet on it.

Your friend should request wheelchair assistance. I have seen them put folks in chairs and carry the chair down the stairs. I have found wheelchair assistance on SXM to be wonderfully accommodating and helpful.

As have I, Linda. The wheelchair porterage has been awesome each way and more than worth a very generous tip fot their assistance.
But for the issue of stairs, those entrance and exit ramps to and from the plane do make access much easier. The only thing is I don’t think there are enough ramps for all the planes at any given time.

They are currently NOT operational, no. The 'official line' from the airport is that the jetways are SUPPOSED to be operational sometime this fall, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it. As Pat said, some planes will have the ramp to deplane, but they are always only on the front stairway only. On recent trips, AA from Miami has always had a ramp in the front. I go down the ramp in the front, and also use it when I leave, regardless of where my seat is. Wheelchair assistance in SXM is wonderful, and does help greatly with the (sometimes) huge immigration lines.

We always board and exit from the front on AA. This last May/June trip both were on the stairs but was close to the terminal so didn't have to be bused.

Scuba--you are always in first class, so certainly no reason for you to deplane from the rear. Our seats generally end up about midway of the plane, so the distance is about the same to either end of the plane.

Not alweays in FC as we have been bumped before and have had missed connections loosing our seats in FC. But yes we try to fly FC when we can to and from SXM. Other destinations not so much.

Anyone have any idea why the jetways haven't been put in place?

They have been put in place. Just not operational until PJIA is ready.

Ready for operation next year but in place.

Lesley--so it is officially going to be next year for the jetways?

God's willing yes Carol. At least prayers.
Cant wait to use the money that we spend yearly with our Amex Platinum for V.I.P ,lounge .
Our Daughter and Son are the ones the lucky ones with their travel around the World to make use of it lol.

This is just another thing that is dragging on since Irma!!! Who's palm do we need to grease for this to get done??? SMH!!!

Lesley--the airport HAD said the jetways were going to be in use THIS year.

It definitely will be nice to have the option for the lounge again, yes.

According to the latest updates on the website, the Temporary Arrival Facility is to be erected next month with the foundation currently under construction. Presumably, jetways will be available for departures first and then arrivals at some point later. I thought the Oct 2023 date was only for the departures hall to be ready.

eightzerobits--you could be correct there.

Yes departure first .

Departures first.....I wonder how that will work? They deplane arrivals with steps then put the jet bridge in place for the departures? sounds complicated.

Hard to picture that one unless after they empty the plane it is then brought over to a jetway for the next boarding. Hard for a quick turn around flight. Have to wait and see.

LOL...i think the jetways ARE operational...but the gates still are not!!! We saw the jetways delivered and being installed in March. Hoping they will be used on our next March flight, but surely would not hold my breath!!! As for the wheelchair assistance, both coming and going in SXM, the staff has been very good, and very attentive.