"I always target the 2.5 to 3 hours at SXM. Especially now that renovations are complete and hanging out is relatively comfortable."
Exactly.
Frankly, when I was departing there were still not enough chairs to sit.
It may be nicer than before but considering the timeframe, the delays, the still lack of seating, continued equipment malfunctions and likely corruption associated with the rebuild, I think it has been an abject failure overall.
To answer the time question, when I departed in March 2024, I needed 2+ hours. When I departed in August 2024, an hour would have been sufficient. Neither departure day was a weekend.
I feel like someone needs to stick up for the airport as it always seems to be getting bashed.
It is without a doubt much better and I will say its very efficient especially when departing, the Passport scanners are very quick, most people are only taking 15-30mins after dropping luggage off until inside departures hall. It seems like a lot of people here don't travel internationally because that is quite good and its very modern. With all due respect your March 2024 is not longer applicable to how the airport is running now.
The seating complain was due to someone leaving Saturday and weather delaying flights back in the US/Canada making the busiest departure day even worse since excess people are waiting. Would it be reasonable for this airport to have seats for more than max capacity when it occurs a few times a year on Saturday/Sundays only? There is adequate seating for 99% of the time and tons of new bars and restaurants where you can pay for a drink and take a seat if needed.
Arrivals again depends on people filling out the Entry Form correctly, sorry just too many complaints about this stuff.
