OOPS! Uncertain about adequate connection time between flights....
 

I'm wondering if I've created a problem for myself and my husband. We booked flights on Westjet from YYZ to SXM (St. Martin) arriving Sunday, January 20 at 4:05 p.m.

We also booked a connecting flight from SXM to EUX (St. Martin to St. Eustatius on Winair) for the same day, Sunday, January 20, departing SXM at 6:15 p.m.

It is not possible to check in on-line with Winair and print boarding passes in advance. I realize we have to clear Immigration and Customs in SXM, then pick up our luggage, then find the Winair desk in order to check in. Westjet is not a codeshare partner, so it is not possible to check bags through to EUX.

I did take the added step of emailing Winair with info on our YYZ-SXM itinerary. Is there something else I can do either in advance, or at the SXM airport, to increase the chances of making this connection?

Anyone out there have experience with a similar itinerary? I'm starting to feel very uneasy.........

You have over two hours, and SXM is not a big airport. I wouldn't worry.

Unless your Westjet flight is delayed (or cancelled), then I would worry. Not only will you miss your connection, but Winair may charge you a penalty to fly on a later flight.

I try to never mix carriers that are not in the same alliance.

One option is to buy travel insurance, then you are covered for any expenses due to delay (I have an annual policy, which is much more economical than single trip cover). Normally that connection time is fine, but YYZ is notorious for delays in January and Westjet isn't the most on-time carrier due to its LCC model.

Travel insurance may require a minimum connection time, so if you do go the insurance route, make sure you get one that covers a 2 hour connection, and many will not cover an airline to airline connection on different tickets. Just make sure you are getting coverage for what you think you are getting coverage for.


That being said, if the first flight is on time, you probably have plenty of time, as already mentioned it's not a large airport.

This is a good point, but I have to wonder what the point is of insurance if it only covers what the airlines should cover themselves.

Winair is a trip unto itself. The flight may well be late/cancelled, etc.

I had a flight out of SXM where the whole planeload of passengers walked out to two separate planes, walked back to the terminal, and finally boarded a third plane 2 hours late.

Nice view of the Caribbean through the missing weatherstripping around the door, though.

SXM is one building. I wouldn't worry at all about making your connection.

Considering I was just in SXM this weekend...

Customs were quick, under 10 minutes once I got off the aircraft.

Baggage came out quickly from what I saw (I didn't check bags for a day trip).

You're spit out of the secure area, at one end of the terminal, and WinAir check in is at the other end. 5 minute walk at most. There is a separate customs area for those connecting, but since you don't have onward BP's, I don't think you can use it.

If the flights are on time, I think you'll be okay.

Thank you all for your words of advice/wisdom! I haven't posted much on this board, so I'm a little slow in navigating and responding.

My fingers are crossed that the YYZ-SXM will be on time!

Again, thanks for the feedback.