Winair luggage, hotels, and commutes, oh my!

[lekker]

Just to mix it up a bit for all of you VMD lurkers, this is a three-part post:

1) After reading through all of the absolutely <sarcasm> glowing </sarcasm> reviews about WinAir, I figured it would be a good idea to
check out their baggage restrictions. What I turned up was that you are allowed to take (1) one 3kg carry-on bag and (2) some number (I couldn't find the exact number, but I am guessing just one, so if anyone knows, please share the info) of check-in bags weighing no more than 20 kg. I also read on some travel agent/package website that their overweight baggage charge (i.e. if you have to check-in more than 20kg) is about $1.30/excess kg, but found no mention of this on the official WinAir website. As such, can anyone clarify, please? Also, since the carry-on weight limit is sooooo low (my laptop alone weighs about that much), how did you manage to travel with your amenities (i.e. toothbrush, shaving stuff, etc), the extra set(s) of clothes that everyone recommends we bring (because of WinAir's fantastic service) AND a laptop/other electronic/breakable goodies.


2) Has anyone found (and had a good experience with) accommodations on the island for guests (i.e. hotel) for under $100/night?

3) How long does it take to actually get around on the island? I've read all the posts, but I'm still not really getting a sense of how far apart things are...i.e. the school is on/in the Bottom and the dorms are located on a nearby hill? how far is it to Windwardside and the other towns (how long to walk? how expensive by taxi? what do you recommend)? what is a general routine for a first-semester student living in Hillside (for groceries/eating/shopping/etc)?

Cheers!

[mtbd]

To answer your first question:
I am not sure what web site you are referring to, but on Fly Winair (http://www.fly-winair.com) it is clearly specified:

Cargo and Express Pac Service
Winair Introduces a new and improved Cargo and Express Pac service with on time delivery to any destination Winair flies to.
Our cargo and Express Pac services have been carefully designed to meet the requirements of your air transport needs.
Express Pac Service
From St.Maarten to any destination in the Winair route.
Weight (kg) Price/kg (US$)
1 kg or less $15.00 USD
2 kg to 20 kg $6.00 USD per kilo additional
* Excludes applicable local taxes.
Express Pac should be in accordance with and are subject to the following requirements:
Express Pac is not a door-to-door service. Express Pac only delivers shipments to the airport.
Each piece must not exceed 158 cm (62") in overall dimension of Length + Width + Height.
Maximum weight of each piece is 20 kg or 44 lbs. Multiple pieces per shipment will be allowed, as long as they are destined to the same destination and are basically the same commodity.
Customer must tender airport to airport shipments for transportation at the cargo terminal or Express Pac offices at the Passenger terminal at least 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure time of the desired flight.
Airport to airport shipments shall be made available to the customer within 90 minutes of actual flight arrival.
Full address and telephone number will be mandatory for both shippers and consignees. P.O. Box address is not acceptable. Shippers are required to declare a value for carriage on the airway bills, for all shipments. The declaration of value may be in any amount.
Regular Air Cargo
We have regular air cargo service that provides you with fast delivery of your shipment to any of our destinations.
For more information please contact us at the head office by telephone,
e-mail or fax:
Telephone: (599) 545-4237
Fax: (599) 545-2002
XVI. Baggage
Free Baggage Allowance - Winair will transport the fare-paying passenger's baggage between points on its lines for which a valid eTicket is presented without charge, subject to the following:
Checked Baggage - You check your baggage that you wish to check at our check-in counter.
The combined weight of all baggage per passenger that free (no cost) is limited 20 kilograms (44 pounds).



Carry-on Baggage - For the convenience and safety of all passengers the following dimensions will be used to determine the allowable carry-on baggage for each aircraft type:
Each passenger is allowed one (1) piece of carry-on baggage, total weight 3 Kilos (6.5 pounds). Standard size applies to carry-on baggage - 10 x 10 x 14 inches or 25 x 25 x 35 cm. Carry-on baggage must fit under the seat in front of you.

You can use the boat if you wish to bring more staff or ship it to the island. Also, members of the family coming with the student and they carrying his/her staff.
By boat from St. Maarten
Ferry service from St. Maarten is available via Dawn II (http://www.sabactransport.com/) and The Edge (http://www.stmaarten-activities.com/)

Dawn II
Travels between Fort Bay, Saba and Dock Maarten in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten three times a week: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from Saba at 6:30 am and from Dock Maarten at 5:00 pm. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. This means of transportation allows the traveler to spend an extra night in Saba.

Roundtrip Ticket $60.00
One-way Ticket $35.00
Child (2-12 yrs.) Roundtrip $30.00
Child (2-12 yrs.) One-way $18.00

Features a fully air conditioned cabin with 22 luxury seats and 400 cubic foot built in freezer.
Schedule and pricing subject to change please contact Saba C-Transport, N.V. for reservations and information.

Tel: 599-416-3671
Email: info@sabactransport.com
Email: reservations@sabactransport.com
Website: Dawn II (http://www.sabactransport.com/)

The Edge (Wednesday through Sunday)

Travels to Saba from Sint Maarten (from Simpson Bay/Pelican Marina) on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays, departing Sint Maarten at 9:00 a.m. for the 1 hour 20 minute trip and returns from Saba, departing Fort Bay harbor at 3:30 p.m., arriving back on Sint Maarten at 5:00 p.m.

This means of transportation is good for travellers who overnight on Sint Maarten.

The rate is $65 roundtrip for adults. One way trips are available for Adults $45. Children half price. Check in is at 8:15 a.m. on SXM and departs sharp at 9 a.m.

Charters are also available for private groups. Capacity is 62 passengers.

Tel: 599-544-2640
Fax:599-544-2476
Email: aquamania@sintmaarten.net
Website: Aqua Mania - ...just add water! - HOME (http://www.stmaarten-activities.com)

Please note prices and schedules do change, check with the operator before your trip.

Getting Around on Saba
If you choose not to walk or hike, transportation, on and around the island, is easy on the ten miles of concrete roads, secured to the mountainside with hardy stone walls. Taxi drivers in modern vans can be your guide for your trip, or you can rent a car and explore on on your own.

Car rental is available from:
Caja's Car Rental
The Bottom,
Tel: 599-416-2388
Fax: 599-416-3513
Cell: 5227755
Contact: Kennedy Levenstone
Email: takijah77@hotmail.com
Price per day approx. $ 50.00

I also read somewhere (can't find right now) that the taxi fare from the airport to The Bottom is around $13 and to the Windwardside is around $8.
Plus $1 per baggage.

Second question:
On this web site there is a list of all hotels and cottages available on the island:
Saba (http://www.sabatourism.com/stay.html)
Go to this web site:
Juliana's Hotel Saba - Hotel Rates - Specials (http://www.julianas-hotel.com/english/rat_spe_en.htm)
Juliana's Hotel has
Single Garden view $65.00
Single Ocean view $ 70.00
Double Garden view 85.00
Double Ocean view $ 90.00
Included:
Daily Breakfast from tropics Cafe
Welcome Bouquet of Flowers in the room
Welcome drink
Use of wireless internet, pool and Jacuzzi
Hotel tax and service charges
Med Student Special
(http://www.julianas-hotel.com/english/rat_spe_en.htm)Juliana’s Hotel offers discounted room rates for Saba University medical students and their family and spouses. (Must have proof of attendance or relation to Medical school students & faculty.)

I already contacted the manager and she confirm that if you present some kind of paperwork (acceptance letter, deposit slip. etc.) shows your tights to medical school, you will be charged $80 per night double occupansy.
Some of these hotels, like

Scout's Place (http://www.sabadivers.com/)
Rooms
All rooms are basically equipped with cable TV, refrigerator and fan & phone.
Hotel Price
April 1, 2006 - October 30, 2006
incl. breakfast
Equipped
"room" single Cat. 1, standard/1 floor
$72.00US
Balcony with ocean view, refrigerator, telephone, cable TV, bathroom/WC & fan "room, double" Cat. 1, standard/1 floor
$91.00US
Balcony with ocean view, refrigerator, telephone, cable TV, bathroom/WC & fan "room" single
Cat. 2, de luxe/2 floor
$90.00US
Balcony with ocean view two sides, refrigerator, coffeemaker / complimentary coffee and tea, telephone, bathroom/WC, cable tv & fan
"room" double
Cat. 2, de luxe/2 floor
$113.00US
Balcony with ocean view two sides, refrigerator, coffeemaker / complimentary coffee and tea, telephone, bathroom/WC, cable tv & fan
"cottage-room"* single
Cat. 3, separate building
$100.00US
Private balcony with ocean view, refrigerator, cable TV, telephone, fan, bathroom/WC & coffeemaker / complimentary coffee and tea
"cottage-room"* double
Cat. 3, separate building
$124.00US
Private balcony with ocean view, refrigerator, telephone, cable TV, fan, bathroom/WC & coffeemaker / complimentary coffee and tea
Extra Bed
$42.00US
can be added to every room
Prices valid from
01.04.2007 - 31.10.2007
SUMMER pricelist
Prices incl. continental breakfast, & service charge
incl. 5% Gov. Room Tax & TOT
Availability
5 rooms Cat. 1
5 rooms Cat. 2
3 rooms Cat. 3
Ecolodge Rendez-Vous (http://www.ecolodge-saba.com/)
$65.00 in low season (April 16 to December 15)
These rates are for double occupancy. For one extra person in the room add $10 per night. Add $10 per night for a cottage with a kitchenette. On a seven-night stay you have one night free. In these rates 5% government charge and 10% service charge are not included.
El Momo Cottages (http://www.elmomo.com/)
May to October:
- single ocupancy $40 - double ocup.$50 (shared bathroom)
- single ocup. $60 - double ocup. $70 (private bathroom)
- single ocup. $80 - double ocup. $90 (private bathroom, kitchen, larger terrace, larger room, better view)
Our weekly summer special offers each 7th night free of charge.
- gourmet breakfast $7.50
- extra bed or baby bed $10
- airport taxi transfer 1 to 4 persons: $24 roundtrip (+$1 per luggage per trip) complimentary service for families: baby backpack, toys and kids' books.
nanny service: $5 per hour
rental car from $45 per day
All rooms have sea view and additional ocean sunsets from Oct to March.
Cottage Club (http://www.cottage-club.com/)
Summer Rates April 1st - October 31stgular Rates
30 nights: $1,950
14 nights: $1,190
7 nights: $665
Nightly: $105 http://www.cottage-club.com/images/spacer.gif Based on Double Occupancy
Same Cottage - Extra Person $25.00 each per night
7 Nights plus Airport Transfers Included
Reservation Conditions:
F.I.T. /Transient Bookings - A deposit of $100.00 per cottage is required to confirm the reservations with a valid credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & Amex).
Group Bookings (6 persons+) - A deposit of $100.00 per person is required to confirm the reservations with a valid credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & Amex).
Additional $25.00 per person if more than 2 persons, max. 4 persons, per cottage.
Under 16 years of age – No Charge, but must be accompanied by an adult.
Cancellations & Refunds:
45+ days prior to arrival - 100% refund
44 – 15 days prior to arrival - 50% refund
14 – 1 days prior to arrival - 25% refund
No Shows - 0% refund
Holidays - 0% refund

The third question:
If the island is only 5 km, you pretty much can walk everywhere. But I assume that taxi is very unexpensive comparatively to US. Plus, I've heard that locals will stop and gibe you a ride if you are going into the same direction.

Good luck

[sabaspouse2006]

Hey Lekker

First, try not to worry. I know you want to be prepared but try not to worry.

Once you are on campus, there is a small restaurant Family Deli that will help you get by. The grocery store in the bottom "My Store" is definitely within walking distance. The dorms are on the school property so to speak.....All the first semesters seem to clump together and help each other. Don't forget that everyone will be in the same situation. Don't worry about these details so much. Get to know whatever taxi driver that picks you up from the airport/ferry and ask if he'll be around. You can always call and get rides. And honesty, hitch hiking is so very safe.

Secondly, I've flown off and on Saba numerous times now. Not even once has WinAir complained about my horrendously heavy luggage. Once, one of the suitcases was 60 pounds. AA charged me a little extra. WinAir didn't even bat an eye. They simply don't care. What may happen though is that your luggage will be delayed in St Maarten if the planes are very full. They have a strict guideline as to how much luggage they can take. If the plane is full, they simply send extra luggage over on the first plane of the next morning. If you arrive and some of your luggage doesn't, don't panic. All the wayward luggage usually gets dropped off at the school the next day.

And carry on luggage is checked even less. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Good luck and welcome to Saba.

R/

[JeebusLives]

well winair is pretty shady. i booked my flight in early january, probably the week i got here, and i call yesterday to confirm my flight home and they say there have been "scheduling changes". Apparently they dont see a problem with rescheduling a flight without notifyling you. The only reason i called to confirm was because my friend told me that alot of people have been going down to winair's office at the saba airport and getting tickets when every flight says its sold out online. Im grateful that mine got reschduled to an earlier flight rather than a later one because if it was later then i wouldnt be going home that day. Theres a boat being chartered by some students and i think ill stick to that next semester.

[lekker]

Thanks everyone!

By the way, sabaspouse2006, were you travelling alone or with your spouse when you had the overweight luggage? Also, do they have a limit on the number of bags you can check-in for free (assuming that they accept the weight without a hassle)? (i.e. does your free 20kg of luggage have to be in a single bag or can you check-in more than one bag, as long as the weight is ok?)

Cheers

[js_paramedic_1979]

Although my time on the island has passed, I would say you have been very lucky if you were not charged over-weight fees from WinAir... I usually spent around $30 for "heavy" luggage.. Like the above post, I was never charged for my carry-on.. My suggestion would be to use the boats as much as possible.. This gives you the benefit of not worrying when your things will arrive.. Plus, I think the fee is only $5 for extra suitcases.. Just a thought..

[sabaspouse2006]

Thanks everyone!

By the way, sabaspouse2006, were you travelling alone or with your spouse when you had the overweight luggage (although, tbh, 60lbs isn't very much, since I'm used to being allowed the standard 25-30kg in North America. Even more so, since I will be moving!)? Also, do they have a limit on the number of bags you can check-in for free (assuming that they accept the weight without a hassle)? (i.e. does your free 20kg of luggage have to be in a single bag or can you check-in more than one bag, as long as the weight is ok?)

Cheers

When I initially flew onto Saba, I came with my husband and children. Every time I travelled after that, I flew with just my girls (age 5 and 2). Usually we have several bags (lots of stuff when you drag kids around).

As far as I understand, you are allowed two free checked items per ticket and one carry on. If your bags are lighter, they do not allow extra bags to compensate for weight.

60 pounds is quite a bit overweight for a plane that "requires" bags to only be 44 pounds. You would be surprised how light the planes seem.

Having said that, I've always been prepared to pay extra for weight and never had to. I've never had more than two bags per ticket but the bags have been very, very large. RDecastro has given some good advice about using a large type fabric bag for clothes and non breakables. We bought the lightest luggage (Heys) we could to save on weight and have been happy with that choice.

And also, last time I heard, the boat was also requiring luggage to be a certain weight due to damage to their boats. I've never taken the boat though so I can't be sure.

The best thing to do is to contact them yourself if you are worried. You may get different responses to the same questions though. Winair is certainly not consistent.

Or, just show up and be prepared to do whatever you can to get your stuff on island. It will work out in the end.

Good luck!

R/