St. Maarten should be PAYING passengers to use their airport not other way around. It’s a complete disaster this past week.
On Saturday March 2nd we arrived early and had to circle for an hour waiting to land. When we did land they bussed us to the terminal and there were hundreds of people lined up out the door of customs. Needless to say, it took for ever. Luckily we didn't check any bags or we may still be there.
On Friday, March 8th we flew out. Was told Saturdays a disaster (no kidding) so should be better. We arrived 2.5 hours early for 4 pm AA flight. Checked in, customs no problem. Loaded plane early and told by pilot that we would be arriving in Charlotte early. Then the fun began, taxied away from gate and sat for more than an hour so even with pilot trying to make up time were significantly late to Charlotte. Luckily, no bags checked and was in 8th row so got off fast and was like 2nd in line at customs. Sprinted to the gate at next terminal and made flight by 4 minutes. Delay flying out and in apparently is due to one runway and no place to park planes. Also, during our delay leaving we were only 4th in line and took more than hour. Talking all small planes but ours so i think poor flight management also an issue.
Advise- if really want to go to St. Martin then don’t fly Saturday and leave at leave 2 hour layover at US airport if have connections.
And before anyone asks, weather was perfect both days and no mechanical issues. Just terrible delays.