Tradewind Aviation St. Barths Arrival

A recent glorious Journey to St. Barths – yes, it is a long trip to a scrumptious sandy shore, however as I discovered, and you will read in upcoming blog posts, it is WELL WORTH the trek. Hop across the country to San Juan, Puerto Rico – one stop, very workable with several major city gates. I flew Delta which sometimes receives negative press; much has improved, newer planes with Wi-Fi, luxurious lie flat beds, large monitors and Michael Chiarello cuisine…continue on!

It gets better on arrival in San Juan. Tradewind Aviation, based in Connecticut is a luxury charter firm whose VIP ground team literally whisks you from the wing of your arriving jet to their lounge. The employees I met were wildly enthusiastic dedicated team members. On arrival, Yaritza Davila met me at the wing as I was stripping off layers of winter wraps, she graciously welcomed me to San Juan, as she grasped my carry-on bags.  We meandered through long corridors and everyone we passed warmly greeted her. After an overnight flight, it is essential to be met by a professional friendly liaison. Yaritza made sure I was comfortable in the Christmas tree decorated lounge and set off with my luggage claim tags. Cocktails, water, snacks and glammy travel magazines available for Tradewind travelers, gratis.

Minutes later Yaritza returned after retrieving and checking my bags forward to St. Barths, on my Tradewind flight; we soon strolled out to the tarmac to the eight passenger Pilatus PC-12. Two friendly pilots provided safety briefing and buckle in; we were up swiftly soaring through colossal puffy white clouds in the sapphire sky. Ensconced in a comfy leather seat, porthole windows for snapping shots of the islands, 60 minutes floated by.

The short runway at St. Barths runs west/east, and since the predominant winds are from the east the planes typically land over the hill and into the wind. When the winds are light they land over the water, passengers love this approach as the planes take a sweeping left turn around the hills and over the water. The runway itself is on a 3 percent downward slope from west to east. Although the landing is quick, you enjoy a beautiful peek at the white sandy beach; exhilarating welcome to the picturesque French island.

My departure flight was equally efficient – each reservation is confirmed by email 24 hours prior to departure – the firm has your onward flights and provides all details for your departure and arrival. No long lines at check in, passports are scanned at check-in and the data is submitted to CBP (customs and border protection) via eAPIS (electronic advance passenger information system) before each departure. If a name flags, you will be denied boarding. Brief wait in their lounge until the pilots gather the eight passengers and walk to the plane. On arrival in San Juan, guests descend to and from the tarmac in a private elevator and walk directly to the waiting plane. Like having your own private jet. The lovely VIP liaison, Stephanie Sanchez, (a student pilot with a Master’s degree), escorted me to agriculture inspection and bag check and delivered me to my gate (not many VIP lounges at San Juan airport) with her recommendations for pre-boarding dining (limited!).

Overall, Tradewind Aviation provided a seamless experience; in these days of airport delays and disruptions, I couldn’t have enjoyed a better experience. One note – there are multiple methods of arriving to St. Barths, and although I have not landed at other small islands and taken a ferry or plane, initial landing at St. Juan, Puerto Rico seems to be the most reliable in terms of schedules and weather and personal attention. Friends and colleagues have described green faces after a ferry adventure.

Tradewind operates throughout the Caribbean including Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, the French West Indies, the British Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic and Dutch Antilles.  In the Northeast US they fly scheduled to Nantucket Martha’s Vineyard and private charter throughout the Country.

Tradewind Aviation exemplifies the personal touch and a flawless VIP experience; expected from the firms we recommend.