why duration changes for flights RIC to SXM
 

Has anyone read/heard why there is a huge layover duration for flights to/from RIC/SXM (or any destination?).

I plan to call the airlines (Delta/American/USAir) and question this, but I just wondered if I have missed something.

I have been flying to Sint Maarten/St. Martin for the last 25 years. This year while looking for flights I noticed that there is a huge difference in the layovers for the flights. One direction is only 5-6 hrs, while the other direction is 14 to 21 hours.

Thanks in advance,

When are your dates of travel? Looking at Delta, they only fly to SXM from ATL. There are connections on either end that are manageable for this summer: a 705a departure from RIC that arrives in SXM at 207p (1h09 in ATL) and on return, a 320p departure from SXM that gets into RIC at 1116p (1h46 in ATL, and you need to clear customs/immigration).

AA also has easy connections - Lv RIC at 720a, arrive SXM at 215p (1h30 in MIA); Return at 325p and get into RIC at 1140p (2h40 layover in MIA).

It is likely a cut in frequencies to RIC from the hub serving the SXM flight, meaning that you cannot make a reasonable connection. Or the flights are sold out so you aren't able to book the good connection.

sounds to me like some of the connecting flights to/from ATL or MIA are sold out the day you want to travel. there hasn't been any significant schedule change.