We recently returned from our "last hurrah" trip to SXM. I do need to thank Delta and the guys who handle the wheelchairs at the airport in St. Maarten. I had called Delta before we left the United States to inform them of our needs. I know I obsessed as to how we would get my husband, Bill off the plane, but they handled it like true pros. I guess it was a fireman's chair that they strapped him in and carried him down the steps, onto the bus and then we zoomed thru customs, luggage and were out the door in record time. They even had a wheel chair for me (unasked for) and they put me in it and I got to get that same first class treatment. Our return trip was just as stellar. They were waiting for us when we dropped off our car and the process was repeated. The people of St. Maarten are truly kind, take care of elderly people. We praise them highly. Just wanted to share in case some day somebody on this board requires the same type of help.

I have seen that 'freman's chair' there at Juliana, but never saw it used. Glad they were able to accommodate your husband and you. I guess it goes without saying that they did not have a ramp to the plane for your flights? They REALLY REALLY need to have a ramp for all flights, until they get the airport fixed.

No, Carol there was no ramp available when we landed. There was one sitting on the tarmack when we departed, but for some reason they didn't connect it for our return flight.

Hopefully it wasn't a matter of more cost, to use the ramp. Perhaps it was 'spoken for' with another plane. For our trip in June, AA from Miami had a ramp to the FRONT of the plane, both ways. When we arrived, we were in the back of the plane and didn't realize there was a ramp at the front, or I would have taken it, even though I would have had to wait longer to get off. I have stopped taking a regular carry-on bag for me, as I can't manage it with stairs. One time post Irma, an airport worker saw me struggling with my carry-on bag, and he came up and got it for me and carried it down. I was very impressed with that.

It was American that had just used the ramp about an hour before our flight. Perhaps they have "dibs" on it. I didn't see another one. And yes, the carry-on bag is going to have to go by the way side if stairs are utilized. As it is, they have to take Bill's 15 inch suitcase as it has all his batteries, etc. Travel ain't for sissies! (But the end result is still worth it)

Yes, it's quite a bit more complicated to travel these days, but still worth it..

They were wonderful to my wife and I two years ago when I had knee surgery. They took care of everything.

We have used wheelchair service the last 3-4 trips to SXM from PVD. Service has been very good at US airports and superb at PJIA. Extremely knowledgeable and efficient in all the chaos. Well worth a generous tip.

My sympathies to "daily 2" for the "last hurrah" trip. I know ours is coming up. Always hoping for one more year.

Thank you, Bluesfan. We really enjoyed this last trip, even though it was totally different. I drove (first time in 30 years), even paralleled park on the left side by the lolos (Bill told me I couldn't do it!) Cedric put two chairs under a palm tree for us at the Perch, gave us the parking spot right by it, and the list goes on. The staff at Simpson Bay Villas were so kind. Always ready to help me with Bill's wheel chair. We had "our table" at Chez Leandras. At the market in Marigot, the t-shirt lady let me take shirts to Bill while he waited in the car. He tried them on there, made his choice and I returned to pay. Such generosity. Kudos to the staff at PJIA airport. They are professional, ready, and wonderful. They even put me in a wheel chair when we arrived so I could stay up with them. ATL could take come serious lessons on how to handle wheel chair assistance. There are some memories that we shall cherish. I hope you smile as you read them. I agree, we can always hope for a miracle and just maybe.....

So happy your over all trip went. well. More reasons to return should your situation change and if not, wonderful and happy memories of a place you clearly love. .I get that absolutely!

On our SXM trip last April I had occasion to use wheelchair service in NY, CLT, MIA and SXM, and I have to tell you, the very best of the best was in SXM. On departure we returned our car to Lesley at PJIA where he got me a wheelchair at the curb. The wc valet stayed with me all the way through check-in to the downstairs waiting area. He was courteous and considerate, even offering a restroom stop before we headed downstairs to wait for our flight departure, and then he returned just as they were about to board our plane to assist me up the ramp if needed.

Each of the other airports could easily take lessons from the wc staff at PJIA.

They truly demonstrated the meaning of the ‘Friendly Island’ to me and I hope the EmailI I sent to SXM on their behalf reached the right department. They truly are the best and I’m glad they added an extra measure of enjoyment to your trip.

Pat, which email did you use to send that letter? I, too, would like to send something. They truly were remarkable. From ATL to DTW, DFW, MIA, CDG, FCO, ATH, VCE, Naples, NCE...The very best in SXM!!! The worst, I am sorry to say in the good ol USA. I think "The friendly island" should add another adjective (the Caring island). There is a distinctive difference in the way people are treated on this beautiful island.

As we all age and sadly develop maladies which hinder our travel ability, I can only say: Thank you, SXM for your help, your smiles, your caring attitude. You made our arrival, our stay and our departure something that we will always fondly remember. And if something changes, God willing, we will return!!

Thank you, Pat, for your reply.

I’m embarrassed to say my girls yell at me all the time because I delete almost everything that isn’t essential information. I don’t know for sure but it was one on the PJIA website. I think the valet service is a separate entity but I didn’t know the name so I sent it to PJIA in the hopes they would pass it along to the appropriate people. So sorry I can’t be more helpful.

Can you feel my eyes rolling!!!! 😂😂

Yes! I can! Damn it Pat!!!!!!
i

Hahahaha

Pat--not sure if this is what you used or not, but here is a contact us link on the PJIA website.

Link

Thanks for trying, Pat.

Kim, I can hear them rolling around, too.....

Carol,

TY for the link.

Daily2,

I believe the email address I sent it to was the one listed in the Customer Service heading of the link Carol provided. I don't know if it ever got to the PJIA wc porter company or not but I hope it did. The gentleman who helped me was a very nice young man and certainly deserved some recognition for his service. Tips are good but everyone likes to hear something positive every now and then, don't they?

Thank you, Carol. Message sent!

Our experience has been just as stellar -- the kindness of strangers, all those "helpers" just waiting to lend a hand really made the trip with my folks very special. We return home tomorrow after two weeks of really excellent customer service wherever we went -- feeling truly blessed to have been able to take them here again at one month shy of 91!

Daily2 we are so happy you were able to enjoy your Island time as well.

It's nice to hear that common courtesy hasn't died!!! Glad you had a great trip!