SJU or SXM?
 

Which is better, <BR>flying directly into Anugilla through SJU <BR>or <BR>flying into Saint Maarten (SXM) and taking taxi-&gt; ferry -&gt; taxi (hotel).<BR><BR>Please give SPECIFIC and SUPPORTIVE information.<BR><BR>I am planning to stay at Cap.<BR><BR>Thank you.

I prefer flying directly into Anguilla and taking the 15 minute cab to Cap. The airport at Anguilla is smaller, not a huge hub, no waiting on longer lines for customs/immigration, its just the people on your plane, so it was a short line, short wait (5 min). The luggage is placed right in front of you, you grab it and get into a cab, which is already paid for thru Cap Juluca. SJU was not bad at all, we flew American/American Eagle so our bag was checked thru to AXA. We had enough time to get a beverage and a quick snack and freshen up before boarding the flight to Anguilla. The flight was another hour and voila, we were there. We arrived very refreshed and made the most of the remaining day. We were checked in and in the beautiful water by 3:30. We are returning to Anguilla/Cap next year and plan to go the same way. I do not have any info on the ferry, it did not appeal to me, we went for comfort and convenience. I do know that flying directly to Anguilla will cost you more than flying to SXM and getting a ferry. I think it may be a few hundred $ more, but to us it was worth it.

We usually fly into SXM...mainly due to $. There are many flights into Juliana Airport, and we've been able to snag some great fares in the past. Our flight from New York's JFK to SXM is usually non-stop. Leave at 8ish, land at 1ish. Twenty minute drive to Marigot, time to grab a quick plate on rice and peas (and say hello to friends), then the half hour ferry to AXA.<BR><BR>Like I said, the decision is usually driven by $$ saved for us.<BR><BR>I believe that Cap has some sort of &quot;executive service&quot; where you will be met with a hotel rep, escorted to the front of immigration at the airport, and driven to the ferry. Check with them.<BR><BR>Whatever you decide, have a wonderful time on Anguilla. Hands down, our favorite Caribbean destination.<BR><BR>Cheers!

Check the Cap Juluca Website the exeuctive service costs additional $, it is not free!

Agree with SJU-Wellblake (AXA) rather than SXM-ferry.<BR><BR>Going down, going via San Juan you can check bags all the way thru to Anguilla. The airport is easy to get thru and cabs are there to take you to resort. If you go thru St Martin, you have to negotiate immigration at SXM then get a cab to Marigot to ferry and schlepp your bags. Go thru immigration again in Anguilla. Cabs from Blowing Point to Cap plentiful.<BR><BR>Going back, if you go via SJU you check bags all the way thru but have to go thru US Immigration, reclaim bags, go thru Customs, then put bags on conveyer then go to outbound gate. THis can be a breeze or awful depending on how tight your connection is and how many other planes have landed when yours has. It can take as little as 20-30 min or upwards of an hour or more. We always schedule at least 1.5 hr layover for connections.<BR>If you go back via SXM, you have to get from ferry to Princess Juliana airport and check in at (I assume American Airlines) counter then security and gate. (horrible departure lounge, gets very crowded in mid afternoon when all the US bound flights are leaving.)<BR><BR>Going via SJU you will fly on AMerican Eagle. In San Juan you deplane and go to the American Eagle gates. They all leave from one gate area. THey bus you to the plane and on the return, back to the terminal from the plane. (It is a long walk from where they deposit you to Immigration.<BR>This all sounds complicated, but we have found the San Juan connection to be easy (if you preplan connection times) and the American Eagle (prop) planes to be comfortable.<BR>Good luck. To get more info on Anguilla to to www.caribbean-on-line.com

I prefer flying through San Juan as the connection I make gets me on island about the same time the SXM flights would (or slightly earlier due to customs etc in SXM). IF I had to take that late flight and loose a day, I would choose to fly into SXM. <BR>Take swimsuit in carry on since luggage may not make it on the same plane with you (it happens) out of SJU. <BR>Customs and immigration goes smoother now with the new larger facility in SJU but it is a long walk from the Eagle gates to the immigration area so keep carryon light coming back. <BR>Eagle flights close 30 minutes before departure (allow time). Also if departing AXA is delayed signifigantly so that there will be a missed connection, opt to stay another night in AXA rather than overnite in SJU if you have the last flight out of SJU to home.

It appears like I have more flight options if I go through SXM, where I can arrive early and leave late.<BR><BR>If I fly through SJU they seem to only have 1 good flight time slot, arrive in the morning and leave in early afternoon. I am pretty sure this fills up pretty fast though.<BR><BR>Also, if I only go for 4nights. I want to get to Cap as early as possible and leave as late as possible.