TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Arrival Day

We spent the night in Boston, at the Logan Hilton, as the American flight to Miami was scheduled at 5:15 on Sunday, November 3. Awoke at 2:30 am, left the hotel at 3:30, and took a fifteen minute walk to the terminal. We breezed through security with TSA Pre-Check. The full flight left on time and was uneventful (except for a few rather large bumps shortly before landing).

Once onboard the MIA-SXM flight, I saw SXM Norm and said Hello. He didn’t recognize us, but I think he’s somewhat of a celebrity in my eyes! The full flight leaving Miami was slightly delayed, about 30 minutes or so, but we landed in SXM pretty much on time, at just around 2:30 pm. The plane taxied to a gateway! We were seated in Row 10, so got off the plan rather quickly. The new Arrival area is nice and spacious and we were relieved to see that we were the only plane there. We didn’t have to wait for a kiosk and the entry process was very easy. The timing from arrival hall to exiting the airport took only six minutes (we do not check any luggage).

Once outside the airport, the weather was overall cloudy skies, but with a nice breeze, and no rain. We took a short shuttle bus drive to Empress Rental Car. Our vehicle would not start, so they upgraded us to a brown Honda CRV, the largest vehicle we’ve ever driven on the island.

We’re staying in Grand Case, and drove over the bridge to Marigot, where the main road was closed for a bicycle race. The detour drive through the narrow neighborhood side streets was rather harrowing. Once at the Airbnb apartment. we unpacked, grabbed a drink and spent quite some time relaxing in the pool.

Dinner was at Le Ti Coin Creole, where the owner/chef, Carl prepared fabulous meals for us. Marc ordered chicken, and I selected a lobster from the tank. Both meals were delicious, with generous side portions of rice and yummy sauces.

It’s an easy walk back to the apartment, and after a long travel day, lights were out at 9:30.

I don’t miss those early morning flights from Logan thru clt or Mia. Glad things went so smoothly for you entering Sxm. Hopefully we’ll have that same arrival experience in two weeks. Enjoy your trip.

Your dinner looks delicious! Sounds like an easy arrival process, IF your plane is the only one there. Would be interested to hear more about your accommodation, when you get the chance.

I arrive on Wednesday. I hope we can get together; I'm there until 12/4 and staying at Horny Toad.