Princess Juliana International Airport took some major damage during Hurricane Irma, but they have done a wonderful job of having temporary solutions to get travelers on their way quickly.
When you land, you will deboard the plane directly, so make sure you’re not still wearing your sweater as you will instantly get to feel the Caribbean heat.
Once you have exited, you will be directed to the shuttles (unless your plane parks closer to the arrival area). The shuttles are large and they always have enough waiting so they are loaded quickly. You then travel to the arrivals area. The drive is the length of the airport building and takes about 1 minute.
Upon entering the arrival area/customs, which is in a temporary building, you will proceed through the line and speak with a customs agent. They will welcome you to St. Maarten, ask if you are staying for business or pleasure and find out what location you are staying in. The line moves quickly and they have plenty of agents set up.
Directly behind the customs agents is the baggage claim. This process is all done manually, and it’s quite efficient.
Once you have your luggage, follow the exit signs and it will lead you outside, directly in front of the parking lot and next to the car rental shuttles. This is where we will pick you up.
Our partners at Thrifty have plenty of cars to choose from and their facilities faired well from the storm.
So while they continue to rebuild the large international Princess Juliana Airport, the temporary solutions will make your arrival quick and you’ll be on your way to the beach in no time!
