We have been going to St. Maarten since 1995, and bought a Time Share at Divi, just before Louis. But back then we had a charter company from Detroit to SXM, and our flights costs $400 ea. We have watched the costs climb over the years, and of course expected that, but last year we paid $780 each on AA, as opposed to the $1069 they are asking this year. And the Delta prices are outrageous. And yes, Carol, I did try United, which was cheaper by a couple hundred, if I wanted to stay overnight in either Newark or Chicago. But if I didn't, it was the same RT price as AA.
If your TS at Divi is Saturday to Saturday, check with DIVI about adding on a day then fly Sunday to Sunday. We've done that in the past and cost of room is far less than what the Saturday flights cost. I think airlines know lots of TS run Sat/sat and jack up Saturday fares.
