Air Travel in St. Barthélemy

There are no direct flights to St. Barths. Most North Americans fly first into St. Maarten's Queen Juliana International Airport, from which the island is 10 minutes by air. Flights are scheduled several times a day from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM on Winair. Anguilla Air Services is an excellent charter company that flies to any Caribbean destination and runs day trips between Anguilla and St. Barths, at the very reasonable rate of $175 per person (four-person minimum). St. Barth Commuter is a small, private charter company that can also arrange service. Tradewind Aviation offers charters and regularly scheduled, daily nonstop Premium servicefrom San Juan, Puerto Rico. Flights are timed conveniently to meet early flights from the United States.

You must confirm your return interisland flight, even during off-peak seasons, or you may very well lose your reservation. Be certain to leave ample time between your scheduled flight and your connection in St. Maarten—three hours is the minimum recommended. Do not be upset if your luggage has not made the trip with you. It frequently will arrive on a later flight, and your hotel will send a porter to receive it; villa-rental companies may also help you retrieve luggage from the airport, but you may have to beg. It's a good idea to pack a change of clothes, required medicines, and a bathing suit in your carry-on.

Airlines

Anguilla Air Services (264/498-5922. www.anguillaairservices.com). St. Barth Commuter (0590/27-54-54. www.stbarthcommuter.com). Tradewind Aviation (800/376-7922. www.tradewindaviation.com). Winair (0590/27-61-01 or 800/634-4907. www.fly-winair.com).

Airports

Aéroport de St-Jean (0590/27-75-81).