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Traveling to St. Barth isn't always easy - but it's always thrilling, both in excitement and in the infamous landing on one of the world's shortest, and most beautiful runways. I've done it dozens of times, and it still always makes my heart skip a beat. There are two ways, through commercial means, to enter the island and that is through a connecter plane from Puerto Rico, or, the more frequented and nearby, St. Maarten. Being that I live in New York, I always fly direct from New York to St. Maarten and then hop on my very favorite, St. Barth Commuter, for the ten minute flight over to paradise.
St. Barth Commuter is the island's official airline and is owned by a family who have been there since nearly the beginning. The Grand Caravan planes are usually flown by two pilots and offer flights throughout the day to SXM airport, as well as the French side of St. Martin, to the Grand Case Airport. I have flown all these flights and I always choose St. Barth Commuter because of their friendly demeanor, ease of booking, and safety priority when transporting customers from point A to point B. They also offer charter flights and flights, on occasion, to nearby islands Guadeloupe and Antigua.
Taking off from St. Maarten is easy. When you're connecting, the representatives from the airline typically meet the plane to help you seamlessly make your way through SXM airport to collect your boarding passes and get to the appropriate gate for departure. After only five minutes from takeoff, you can already see St. Barth appear in the distance - beckoning like a beacon of light, it's crystalline waters ready to welcome you.
It's not uncommon throughout the journey to feel some bumps, jolts, or drops - but this is normal, and safe. Landing typically takes place as you feel the plane begin to slow down mid-air and drop-descend into position to glide over the hillside and smoothly onto the runway. It's absolutely a moment you'll not forget. And, St. Barth Commuter will soon be your favorite little airline to take you away.
