I posted this yesterday, in the General Caribbean forum.

OK. I don't look at that forum.

Why? They really have that much demand for a daily flight? Other than the beaches I still think the best thing about Anguilla is looking over at amazing St Maarten. IMO. Time will tell.

It's a regional Embraer Jet about 65 seats. And yes, plenty of demand.

Just looked at AA first class from Chicago to Anguilla for Nov, 14th. They have a special for 32k miles, one way!

Everyone is entitled to their opinions but…….

I can only speak for myself but I love Anguilla as it reminds me so much of the island of St. Martin when we first met her so very long ago and before she grew into the the much more pseudo-sophisticated destination she’s become today. If AXA had a direct flight from our area I could easily see us making the change but I guess we’ll stick with what we know and love about SXM and continue to avoid the other parts.

Neil--I would think that picture in the story has to be a jet with more seats than 65?? Anyway, glad for your island.

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas, All!

Pat, where would you stay if you returned to AXA? The 32k miles for first class from Chicago is tempting.

We would stay for 3 nights and then head to SXM.

Not sure where we’d stay for certain but we looked at some condos a few years ago right next door to Gwen’s (in the original spot before they got eroded out….) and we really liked them but honestly, the name escapes me. It could be Serenity Cottages but just not certain. They were lovely and if I’m not mistaken, Island Gem stayed there once ir twice so perhaps she’ll chime in.

I might jump on that kind of mileage ticket too, if - BIG IF - it didn’t mean going through MIA though my understanding is going down, MIA isn’t a problem. It’s the coming home that stinks based on our experiences.

Is that a direct too or a connection in MIA.

The picture shown in the link appears to be an Embraer ERJ-175, which is what American Eagle uses. It has a total capacity of 76 to 80 passengers, depending upon configuration. Typically 12 of those seats are either first class or upgraded economy (with extra legroom), so yes, a little more than 65 passengers.

Connection thru MIA

32,000 miles is a good deal for FC.

The irony of all of this , we haven't been back to Anguilla for over twenty years , but we use to via speed boats . One day

Dick Schulze, the 80 year old billionaire who founded Best Buy, has been working on upgrading the former Cuisinart resort on Anguilla. He also owns a private flight company that is using its planes to add more flights from other cities. This article describing his efforts recently appeared in his hometown Minneapolis newspaper:
https://www.startribune.com/best-bu...ith-caribbean-resort-makeover/600128326/

Not sure if the resort is drawing lots of new visitors yet, but certainly would have the potential.

Today it is 38k miles. This is a special offer. You can cancel the trip but you cannot make changes.

It'll take more miles as people start booking that flight. Good thing about AA miles is if you cancel you get your miles redeposited and any fees refunded to CC. no risk.

Exactly! Even if we just turned around and went back to SXM is may be worth it.

Serenity Cottages is still there but should note that the East end of Shoal Bay East (where Serenity and the old Gwen's was) has completely washed out - can traverse (at least (3) years ago last was there - down toward the point but not enough room to sit anywhere...

As noted Anguilla is a much different vibe than SXM - much lower key and easier to get around - we stayed in Orient Bay Village last April and had a great time (was going to write a review but the real world caught up fast!) going back to AXA this year for change in pace...

Got tickets on the new flight to AXA a few days ago for 4/1 - 4/14 for about 45,000 miles...

Challenge is always finding a reasonable place to stay - have stayed often at La Vue which is above Sandy Ground - worth checking out!

Appreciate the info! Going to start a new thread re: accommodations.

We have never been to AXA but with such reasonable AA offers, we are considering staying there for a few days and then hop back to SXM.

Joyce, we've stayed at Serenity for a few days as well. It was quite nice.