For the first time in a long time we will be on United.
Where are the United gates in relation to the Priority Lounge?
Thanks for any info.
Ellen

Priority lounge? You mean the Souliga Lounge? As far as I know, you are not entitled to the Souliga Lounge through any airline program, but only with an AMEX black card, so you would have to pay unless you have the black card, but I think it is a good deal. I think the United gates are upstairs, but regardless they can't be too far from the gate, as it's not a big airport. The last I knew, they let you know when your plane was boarding anyway so you should have no problem getting to your gate.

No, you can access the Souliga Lounge for free with the Priority Card which is free to Platinum Amex holders. Additional Guests then pay $27 charged to your Amex.
I believe you can also just pay $27 each to access it without the Priority Card.
Cheers
irina

Last time we were there, either November or April past, it was $20.00 pp w/o those cards. The apps were reasonably good but I was somewhat disappointed in that they were "all out?" of white wines? Really? We were there almost two hours and they did NOT replenish their stock. Not the end of the world but since it's a big part of what you're paying for........? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Well dear, you know me, I would have pitched a hissy fit.
I guess the price went down. I paid $27 for Michael to get in.
cheers
irina

I didn't realize there was such a thing as the "Priority Card", but I thought the Souliga Lounge was free with the AMEX black card--is that the Platinum card? Fee without any card is $20 PP..

I would be very disappointed with no white wine, but I would have 'made do' with red! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />

Yes, the Souliga Lounge - it is near the US Airways gates but not sure where it is with United, my DH is in a wheelchair and we can't go too far. Free to Amex Plat members and $27.00 for additional guests. We have a 3 hour layover.
Thanks,
Ellen

Apparently there is not a United flight today, so can't see what the outbound gate is. It looks like they only fly on the weekend? If you don't get an answer by then, you could check the SXM airport site on Saturday.

Like with any airport, gates can be subject to change. Honestly, I am not 100% sure SXM has any "fixed" gate for any airline. I have departed both upstairs and downstairs on both USAir/American (now) and Delta. I have also seen the same on other airlines leaving there. The type of plane can also play a part in where they park upon arrival. None of the gates are too far apart so upon check in you should be able to map out a strategy.

For US airlines, that's probably correct, but I think that Air France and KLM always are upstairs. Our AA flight to Miami recently has always been at the end right next to the smoking lounge though.

That may be correct for the A-340 and 747 planes, although I think I recall seeing Air France not upstairs but not 100% sure.

It is usually a cluster leaving there as there is little order in boarding to begin with. It seems to be worse downstairs as far as much order in leaving.

Thank god, I haven't had to leave from downstairs in a while!!

Have been downstairs, sitting waiting and they changed the gate to upstairs. That was a challenge.

Ellen

I can't recall leaving from upstairs since the opened the new airport. Perhaps I am mistaken but it is almost always downstairs for us.

Last time we flew out of Sxm on United it was downstairs.

How long ago was that? I thought you normally did AA??

For United, it's been both, but I'd say my last 4 trips we left from the downstairs. Boo.

Yeah, big boo! Downstairs would really stink, with a wheelchair..

When I departed on American in June, it was the area upstairs next to the smoking room.

Except for Air France and KLM the "A" gates are first come, first served. I read this on the airport web site when the new terminal was opened. Have not read otherwise since.

Does that mean that AF and KLM always get A gates?

I think it was the year before last. We had a bunch of miles that were going to expire and used them for first class r/t. Other wise its AA for us or this last trip US air with AA miles. We like AA but if something else works with our miles we go with them. We are booked with AA for next May.

OK

Good luck Ellen!

Regarding lounge access with the Amex/Priority Pass card, I have never had to pay the guest fee for my spouse, in SXM, the US, or Canada. I'm not sure if we get a different benefit in Canada but this is what it says on the Canadian Amex site:

Priority Pass
Simply relax and unwind in any of the 700 Priority Pass lounges around the world. Simply present your Priority Pass membership card (which you will receive after you enroll) and a ticket valid for travel on that day on any airline, regardless of class of service. If you’re travelling with a guest, he or she may accompany you free of charge. For each additional guest, a nominal fee of $27 USD per person per visit will be charged to your Platinum Card.

If you have to use a wheel chair they have an elevator to take you to the lower level <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Yes, there is an elevator, but it is just crazy CROWDED down there..

Correct and I would also be concerned about the elevator being in working order all the time.

Upstairs in the corner - A4, we went to the Executive lounge for a few hours and then to the gate, the wheelchair person took us to the lounge and came back and got us. It worked out really well.
United just had a schedule change for April 2016, we now have to overnight in Newark, anybody have any suggestions for a airport hotel. Need something with a bar. :-)
Ellen

We always have to overnight in Newark for our flight to SXM in March. We have stayed at the Marriott, the Hilton and the Renaissance. All are very good, good bars and restaurants, and free shuttles.

Ellen,
We have stayed at both the Country Inns and Suites and the Wyndham Garden.
The Wyndham Garden is an older property,but is clean and comfortable with a bar and restaurant.
Country Inn and suites is nice bust has no bar. There is a bar at Ruby Tuesdays next door.
Both are close to the airport and have free shuttles.

Dave