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SXM to Grand Case Airport Transfer

Washington DC...
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60 posts
1 review
SXM to Grand Case Airport Transfer
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I arrive in SXM at 14:10 on Christmas day on United and I need to transfer to an Air Antilles flight at Grand Case airport departing at 15:50. Then on Sunday Jan 7, I have to do the reverse when departing, arriving in Grand Case at 12:05 and departing SXM at 13:55.

Will I have enough time to do this given the conditions on the island or otherwise?

Any thoughts well appreciated. When I booked my Air Antilles flight I thought I was getting SXM, so this is an unfortunate surprise.

Virginia
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3,168 posts
20 reviews
42 helpful votes
1. Re: SXM to Grand Case Airport Transfer
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That is cutting it really close even in optimal conditions considering the fact that you have to go through customs, wait for your bags at SXM, then get a taxi to Grand Case. And then check in and go through security at Grand Case.

And I'm guessing that your airline at Grand Case has a cut-off point for when you can check in.

And we all know that right now, SXM is not operating in optimal conditions. And you're also assuming that nothing delays either of your primary legs on both itineraries.

Let's just say that I wouldn't book that trip and expect to make it under any conditions. My opinion based on my experiences at SXM when it was running at 100% efficiency before Irma and Maria.

Washington DC...
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60 posts
1 review
2. Re: SXM to Grand Case Airport Transfer
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Many thanks. Even though I know it's still cutting it close, do you think I'm better off on the way back, given that I won't have to clear customs?

Virginia
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3,168 posts
20 reviews
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3. Re: SXM to Grand Case Airport Transfer
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Sure you will. Grand Case is on the French side of the island. SXM is on the Dutch side. Unless the governing countries have some sort of agreement that I know nothing about.

I've never been to Grand Case Airport, but I have to assume that you'll need to clear French customs before you can leave the airport and head over to Dutch SXM.

Oxfordshire, United...
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50,787 posts
101 reviews
449 helpful votes
4. Re: SXM to Grand Case Airport Transfer
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If I were you, I'd get in touch with Air Antilles and change the flight from Grand Case to Juliana, if you are flying to Guadeloupe.

New York City, New...
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2,295 posts
5. Re: SXM to Grand Case Airport Transfer
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Even before the hurricane, you didn't have a realistic schedule. Given the time needed to arrive at SXM, get through immigration and get your bags, an hour and 40 minutes would give you absolutely no time for any delay or misstep. The ride to Grand Case was about 20 minutes before the Irma. I would expect its likely longer now. Same issues on the way back. I also have no idea how long it would take you now to check in and clear security at SXM with the terminal out of action. I'm with Tilly, change your flights.

St Martin / St...
Destination Expert
for St Martin / St Maarten, Philipsburg
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4,019 posts
20 reviews
24 helpful votes
6. Re: SXM to Grand Case Airport Transfer
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Oh no, that schedule will never work, I do not think. If you are departing sxm on January 7 at 13:55, you have to check in at sxm 2 hours ahead of time. it would be tight to get to Juliana in time.

what Tilly suggested would work better for you.

Ottawa, Canada
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1,329 posts
80 reviews
116 helpful votes
7. Re: SXM to Grand Case Airport Transfer
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The issues you have to deal with on December 25 are:

1. Your incoming airline may change its flight schedule between now and January.

2. Your incoming flight may be late.

3. You have to clear customs, which could take as little as fifteen minutes or as long as an hour depending on the number of incoming planes and staffing levels.

4. It is Christmas day, so there may be a shortage of taxi drivers.

5. You need half an hour or more to get from one airport to the other. (It is a small island, but the road network cannot handle the traffic volume.)

6. Air Antillies cuts off checkin half an hour prior to flight at the Grand Case airport.

Given your flight time out of SFG, I assume your destination is Martinique. There is an Air Caribees flight that leaves later in the afternoon that would be a safer bet. Or consider flying through Miami rather than via SXM.

It the other direction going home you would not have to go through customs in Grand Case, but check-in cutoff will be between 45 and 60 minutes depending on the airline.

Virginia
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3,168 posts
20 reviews
42 helpful votes
8. Re: SXM to Grand Case Airport Transfer
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Ottawa...why no customs in Grand Case?

Auburn Washington
Destination Expert
for St Martin / St Maarten
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5,921 posts
8 reviews
4 helpful votes
9. Re: SXM to Grand Case Airport Transfer
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Might be a French to French island flight to Grand case Airport, Therefore no customs.

Virginia
Level Contributor
3,168 posts
20 reviews
42 helpful votes
10. Re: SXM to Grand Case Airport Transfer
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That I get.

But the poster was talking about landing in Grand Case then driving to SXM to fly home.

I assume that involves customs.

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