Getting to the Island

Major Airlines

Major carriers have both non-stop and connecting service from just about anywhere in the world. Charter flights are also available from several U.S. gateways on weekends when many timeshare units (see "Timeshare") turn around their accommodations.

The biggest player is American Airlines offering non-stop service from Newark (JFK), Miami and San Juan. American Eagle Service is available for the many flights that "hub" through San Juan from other U.S gateways. Continental Airlines offers service from the New York market (Newark) while USAir is offering weekend service from "hubs" in Charlotte and Philadelphia. When making travel arrangements, one might choose a packaged tour that offers lower, bulk fares on these carriers. Check with your local travel agent. They can usually get you the best deal. Also watch for airline/tour operator sales or promotions. Sometimes during off peak days of the week, or months of the year, substantial savings are possible. Again, consult a travel agent, preferably one that has specific knowledge of what you are looking for as a visitor to the destination.

Charters

Charters are also available and can also offer substantial savings depending on the time of year and what you are looking for. Charters are time specific based on a rotation of an airline flight on a specific day (usually Saturdays or Sundays). Charters are offered year-round from New York and Boston, and seasonally usually from Toronto, Detroit, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Again check with your Travel Agent for specifics A travel agent has product knowledge and costs no more than trying to book directly with suppliers.

One can also arrive from Europe, South America or other islands either by using connecting flights in the U.S. or by taking direct flights to ones destination. Air France has non-stop service from Paris while KLM offers service from Amsterdam. Other European and charter carriers offer service during high season. BWIA offers connecting service via Antigua while KLM and Aero Postal offer connecting service from other Dutch Islands. Service is also available in Colombia while charters are available from Brazil and Argentina.

Regional Airlines

Smaller regional carriers, like LIAT, Air Guadeloupe, Air St. Barth's and St. Maarten's own airline, Winair, offers connections to and from other islands in the area. All service changes seasonally.

Locations:

Princess Juliana International Airport
Location: Dutch side, west of Phillipsburg near Simpson Bay
Flight Info: 599-545-5757
Information Desk: 599-545-4211

L'Esperance Airport
Location: French side, Grand Case
Operates several flights by commercial light aircraft to other French islands in the Leeward and Windward Islands .

Airport Departure Tax:
( Princess Juliana Airport ) - U.S. $20 (unless stay is less than 24 hours (in transit and exempt)). To other locations within the Netherlands Antilles, tax is U.S. $7. From L'Esperance Airport, departure tax of €3 is levied and usually included in the price of the ticket.

Air service to Princess Juliana International:

From United States

* American Airlines direct from New York , Miami and San Juan , with connecting flights to numerous cities throughout the U.S.
* US Airways direct from Philadelphia and Charlotte , with connecting flights to numerous cities throughout the U.S.
* United Airlines direct from Chicago
* Continental from Newark , with connecting flights throughout the U.S.
* Delta Airlines direct from Atlanta , with connections to other U.S. cities
* GWV from Boston

From Canada

* Air Transat from Toronto , Montreal , Vancouver , Calgary , Halifax
* Air Canada direct from Toronto
* Conquest from Toronto
* Signature Vacations from Toronto

From Europe

* KLM direct from Amsterdam , with connecting flights to numerous cities throughout Europe
* Air Holland direct from Amsterdam
* Air France direct from Paris , with connecting flights to numerous cities throughout Europe
* Corsair direct from ParisCorsair direct from Paris

From Caribbean

* Dutch Caribbean Airways from Aruba , Curacao and Bonaire
* LIAT from Antigua , Anguilla , St. Croix , St. Kitts, St. Thomas , San Juan and Tortola
* Caribbean Star from Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Tobago, Tortolla, Trinidad
* Caribbean Sun from San Juan
* American Eagle from San Juan
* Windward Islands Airways (WINAIR) from, St. Kitts/Nevis, Saba, St. Eustatius, Anguilla, St. Barth's, Dominica and Tortola