Windward Islands Airways

Windward Islands Airways, commonly referred to as Winair, serves as a vital aviation bridge in the Northeastern Caribbean, expertly connecting major international gateways to smaller, picturesque islands. Established in 1961, this government-owned regional carrier has built a legacy of reliability and skill, particularly renowned for its operations into airports with unique and challenging geography. Whether travelers are embarking on a luxury getaway or a quick business trip, Winair offers a seamless and scenic travel experience that captures the authentic spirit of the Caribbean skies.

Winair takes pride in its fleet, which is specifically tailored to the demands of the region. The airline operates De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, which are legendary for their Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities. This allows Winair to safely serve destinations with exceptionally short runways, such as the famous approach into Gustavia in St. Barthélemy. Additionally, the airline utilizes ATR 42 aircraft to provide greater comfort and capacity on longer regional routes.

The airline's mission centers on safety, reliability, and customer service, acting as a crucial connector for the Lesser Antilles. From its hub in Philipsburg, Winair facilitates convenient transfers for passengers arriving on long-haul flights from Europe and North America. Popular routes include frequent services to St. John's in Antigua and Basseterre in St. Kitts, as well as connections to the Dutch Caribbean islands, including Willemstad in Curaçao and Kralendijk in Bonaire.

With over six decades of experience, Winair has maintained a commendable safety record, navigating complex island environments with a team of highly trained pilots and crew. The airline continues to evolve, expanding its network to destinations like Tortola and Castries, ensuring that the diverse cultures and landscapes of the Caribbean remain easily accessible to all.

Contacting Windward Islands Airways in the United Arab Emirates

Travelers in the United Arab Emirates wishing to contact Windward Islands Airways (Winair) should note that the airline functions as a regional Caribbean carrier and does not currently maintain physical offices or local support teams in the UAE. For all inquiries regarding reservations, flight changes, or customer service, passengers must contact the airline's headquarters in Sint Maarten through international phone lines or digital channels.

Official Website

For the most direct access to booking management and flight information, travelers are encouraged to use the official website:

• Official Website: www.winair.sx

Contact Information

As there are no local UAE contact numbers, please use the following international details. Be aware that international calling rates may apply.

• Customer Service & Reservations: +1 721 545 4237
• Alternate Reservation Number: +1 721 545 4210
• Email (Reservations): reservations@fly-winair.com
• Email (Customer Relations): customerrelations@fly-winair.com
• Mobile App: Not currently available. Passengers are advised to use the mobile-optimized website for bookings and check-in.

Social Media

You can also reach out or follow the airline for updates through their official social media platforms:

• Facebook: facebook.com/flywinair
• Instagram: instagram.com/iflywinair
• X (Twitter): twitter.com/flywinair

Local Offices

• United Arab Emirates: There are currently no local offices or airport desks for Winair in the UAE.
• Headquarters Address: Airport Road #69, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten (located near Princess Juliana International Airport).

Support Hours

The airline's call center operates based on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is typically 8 hours behind the United Arab Emirates.

• Call Center Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (UTC -4)

Baggage Policy

Traveling with Windward Islands Airways (Winair) requires careful planning regarding luggage, primarily due to the specific aircraft types used for inter-island hops. As the airline operates a fleet comprising De Havilland Twin Otters and ATR aircraft, weight and balance are critical factors. Policies may vary slightly depending on whether your flight is operated by the smaller Twin Otter or the larger ATR, so it is always advisable to check your specific ticket details.

Carry-On and Personal Items

Due to the limited cabin space on regional aircraft, Winair maintains a strict carry-on policy to ensure passenger safety and comfort. There is a clear distinction between personal items and standard carry-on baggage.

• Personal Item: All passengers are generally allowed one small personal item, such as a purse, laptop bag, or camera case. The maximum weight for this item is strictly limited to 3 kg (approx. 7 lbs).
• Carry-On Bag: Depending on your specific fare class, you may be entitled to one piece of carry-on luggage with a maximum weight of 5 kg (approx. 11 lbs). Passengers should verify their fare conditions to confirm if this allowance is included.
• Dimensions: Baggage must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. On ATR aircraft, small overhead bins are available, but on Twin Otter flights, overhead storage is not present, so items must be stowed securely under the seat.
• Note: If your cabin baggage exceeds these limits, it will likely need to be checked in.

Checked Baggage Limits

Winair offers a standard checked baggage allowance that accommodates the needs of most vacationers and business travelers connecting through the hub in Philipsburg.

• Standard Allowance: Most economy fares include one checked bag per passenger.
• Weight Limit: The standard maximum weight for a checked bag is 23 kg (50 lbs).
• Dimensions: The total linear dimensions (length + width + height) should not exceed 157 cm (62 inches).
• Infants: Passengers traveling with infants (under 2 years) are often allowed a stroller or car seat checked free of charge, though specific weight allowances for the infant's bag may vary.

Excess Baggage Fees

If you plan to travel with more than the allocated amount, excess baggage fees will apply. It is important to be aware that on full flights, especially those to destinations with short runways like Gustavia, excess baggage is subject to space availability.

• Overweight Bags: Bags weighing between 23 kg (50 lbs) and 32 kg (70 lbs) incur an overweight fee. Bags over 32 kg are generally not accepted as checked luggage due to health and safety regulations for handlers.
• Extra Pieces: A second or third checked bag will attract a fixed fee per piece. It is highly recommended to pay for extra bags in advance if possible.
• Standby Luggage: In some cases, if the aircraft reaches its maximum takeoff weight, excess luggage may be transported on the next available flight.

Special Items

Winair accommodates sports equipment and special items, provided they are declared in advance and packed correctly.

• Sports Equipment: Items such as golf clubs, diving gear, and surfboards can be transported. However, due to the cargo hold size of the Twin Otter, large surfboards may be restricted. Standard excess baggage fees usually apply unless specified otherwise.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments can be carried on if they fit within the dimensions. Larger instruments must be checked in as special baggage and housed in a hard-shell case to prevent damage.
• Pets: Winair has very strict limitations on animal transport due to aircraft size. The airline generally does not accept large pets. Both cabin and checked pets are usually limited to a maximum weight of approximately 7 kg (15 lbs) including the carrier. All pets must be reserved in advance and fees apply.

Restricted and Prohibited Items

To ensure flight safety, the following items are strictly regulated:

• Lithium Batteries: Spare lithium batteries and power banks must be packed in carry-on luggage only and never in checked bags.
• Hazardous Materials: Explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids, and other dangerous goods are prohibited.
• E-Cigarettes: Must be kept in carry-on baggage and cannot be used or recharged on board.

Tips for Packing Efficiently

Flying around the Caribbean on smaller aircraft is a unique experience that benefits from smart packing.

• Use Soft-Sided Luggage: Duffel bags or soft-shell suitcases are easier to stow in the compact cargo holds of Twin Otters compared to rigid hard-shell cases.
• Pack Essentials in Carry-On: Always keep medication, travel documents, and valuables with you, even if your carry-on is small.
• Be Prepared for Gate Checking: Even if your bag fits the carry-on dimensions, crew may ask to place it in the hold at the aircraft steps if the cabin is full; ensure your fragile items are protected.
• Weigh Before You Go: Given the strict adherence to weight limits for safety on routes like St. John's or Tortola, weighing your bags at home can save you time and money at the airport.

Pet Travel Policy

Windward Islands Airways (Winair) understands that pets are part of the family and allows the transport of small dogs and cats on its flights. However, due to the compact size of the aircraft fleet, primarily consisting of De Havilland Twin Otters, the airline enforces very strict regulations regarding animal transport to ensure safety and comfort for all passengers.

Transport Options

This is the primary method of pet transport on Winair flights, designed for small animals that can travel comfortably with you.

• Carrier dimensions: The kennel must be soft-sided and small enough to fit comfortably under the seat in front of you.
• Maximum pet weight: The combined weight of the pet and the carrier must not exceed 6 kg (13 lbs).
• Allowed pet types: Only domestic dogs and cats are permitted.
• Limit per passenger: Each passenger is limited to one pet carrier.
• Conditions: The animal must remain inside the carrier for the entire duration of the flight.

Travelers should be aware that checked pet transport is highly restricted on Winair.

• Availability: Winair generally does not accept pets as checked baggage (AVIH) on its Twin Otter aircraft because the cargo holds are not temperature-controlled or pressurized.
• Exceptions: This option may be available on select flights operated by larger ATR aircraft, subject to strict prior approval.
• Container requirements: If permitted, pets must be in an IATA-approved hard-sided crate with adequate ventilation and a leak-proof bottom.
• Documentation: Full health and vaccination documentation is required at check-in.

For animals that exceed the cabin weight limit or cannot be checked as baggage, transport via cargo is the alternative.

• When required: Necessary for larger dogs or other animals that do not fit the cabin criteria.
• Booking procedure: Arrangements must be made through the Winair Cargo department well in advance of the travel date.
• Special requirements: Animals travel on a separate manifest and must be dropped off at the cargo facility, not the passenger terminal.

Required Documentation

To ensure a smooth journey, especially when traveling internationally between islands like Philipsburg and St. Barthélemy, the following documents are essential:

• Veterinary Health Certificate: Issued by a licensed veterinarian, typically within 10 days of travel.
• Vaccination Record: Proof of up-to-date vaccinations, specifically a valid Rabies vaccination certificate.
• Import Permits: Many Caribbean islands require a specific import permit to be obtained before arrival.
• Microchip: Recommended and often required for international travel identification.

Service Costs

Fees for pet travel are charged per sector and must be paid at the airport.

• In-cabin fee: Approximately $50.00 - $75.00 USD per direction, depending on the route.
• Cargo fee: Calculated based on the dimensional weight of the crate and current freight rates.
• Note: Prices are subject to change; always confirm the exact amount during booking.

Preparation Tips

• Carrier acclimation: Let your pet spend time in their carrier days before the flight to reduce anxiety.
• Feeding: Feed your pet a light meal about 4 hours before departure to prevent motion sickness; provide water until travel time.
• Booking: Reserve your pet's spot immediately after booking your own ticket, as the number of pets allowed per flight is very limited.

Restrictions

• Prohibited breeds: The airline may restrict snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds due to respiratory risks at altitude.
• Aggressive behavior: Animals showing signs of aggression or excessive barking may be denied boarding.
• Young pets: Puppies and kittens must generally be at least 10-12 weeks old to travel.
• Service animals: Recognized service dogs may travel in the cabin free of charge but require prior notification and documentation.

Important: We strongly recommend contacting Windward Islands Airways directly at least 48 hours before your flight to confirm availability and review the specific entry requirements for your destination island.

Loyalty Program

1. Introduction

Windward Islands Airways (Winair) has established a strategic partnership with Flying Blue, the loyalty program shared by Air France and KLM. This collaboration allows passengers to enjoy the benefits of a world-class rewards program while traveling on regional Caribbean routes. Rather than operating a standalone frequent flyer scheme, Winair leverages this partnership to offer travelers the opportunity to earn and redeem miles, effectively linking its island-hopping network with a global aviation system.

2. Membership Tiers

Because Winair utilizes the Flying Blue program, members can progress through the standard Flying Blue tiers. Your status is determined by the number of Experience Points (XP) you gain, with each level unlocking exclusive benefits:

• Explorer: The entry-level tier where members begin earning miles and enjoy special offers.
• Silver: Unlocks privileges such as priority check-in and boarding, as well as additional baggage allowances on eligible SkyTeam flights.
• Gold: Provides access to airport lounges worldwide (where available) for you and a guest, along with higher mileage earning rates.
• Platinum: The premier tier offering the highest level of priority service, guaranteed seat availability on eligible flights, and dedicated support.

3. Earning Miles and Points

Travelers can accumulate Flying Blue Miles and Experience Points (XP) through specific booking channels and partners. It is important to understand the earning rules regarding Winair flights:

• Codeshare Flights: Miles are earned on Winair-operated flights primarily when the ticket is marketed by Air France (AF) or KLM (KL). This means you generally earn miles when you book your Winair journey as part of an Air France or KLM itinerary (codeshare) rather than a direct booking with a WM flight number.
• Partner Airlines: Members earn miles on all eligible flights marketed and operated by Air France, KLM, and other Flying Blue airline partners.
• Lifestyle Partners: Boost your balance by booking hotels with partners like Marriott and Accor, or renting cars through agencies such as Hertz and Avis.
• Everyday Earning: Use co-branded Flying Blue credit cards or shop through the online portal to earn miles on daily purchases.

4. Redeeming Miles

The miles you accumulate can be exchanged for valuable travel rewards, including flights across the Caribbean network:

• Award Tickets: You can use your Flying Blue miles to book reward tickets on Winair flights, such as the popular route between Philipsburg and Gustavia.
• Global Travel: Miles can also be redeemed for tickets on Air France, KLM, and other partner airlines to destinations worldwide.
• Upgrades and Extras: On eligible Air France and KLM flights, miles can be used to upgrade to a higher cabin class or purchase extra amenities like additional baggage or lounge access.

5. Alliance Membership

It is important to clarify Winair's relationship with global alliances to manage passenger expectations:

• Partnership Status: Winair is a partner of the Flying Blue program and has interline/codeshare agreements with Air France and KLM. However, Winair is not a member of the SkyTeam alliance.
• Benefits Scope: While Flying Blue elites enjoy specific perks, SkyTeam-wide benefits (like SkyPriority) apply strictly to SkyTeam member airlines and may not extend to all Winair-operated flights unless specified by the codeshare agreement.

6. How to Join

Joining the Flying Blue program is free and open to travelers from the United Arab Emirates and the rest of the world:

• Visit the official Flying Blue website or the Air France/KLM website to register.
• Complete the enrollment form with your personal details to receive your digital membership card.
• Always quote your Flying Blue number when booking codeshare flights via Air France or KLM to ensure your miles and XP are credited correctly.

Services and Classes

Windward Islands Airways (Winair) operates as a regional commuter airline, prioritizing efficiency, reliability, and the unique ability to connect destinations with challenging geography. Unlike long-haul international carriers, Winair’s in-flight experience is designed around short-duration hops between islands. The service is practical and "no-frills," focusing on getting passengers to their destination safely and quickly while offering some of the most spectacular aerial views in the world.

Cabin Classes

Winair operates a single-class Economy configuration across its entire fleet. There are no Business or First Class cabins available. The service is uniform for all passengers, ensuring a streamlined boarding and travel process suitable for the brief flight times.

• Economy Class: This is the standard and only class of service. It provides essential transport with a focus on speed and convenience. On many routes, such as the quick shuttle between Philipsburg and Gustavia, the flight time is less than 15 minutes, making a multi-class system unnecessary.

Seat Configurations and Comfort

The level of comfort and the seating layout depend heavily on which aircraft type is serving your route.

These legendary 19-seat aircraft are the workhorses of the fleet, capable of landing on the shortest runways in the Caribbean.

• Configuration: Seats are arranged in a 1-2 layout (one seat on the left, two on the right) or a 1-1 layout depending on the specific aircraft series. There is no middle seat, meaning every passenger has either a window or an aisle seat.
• Comfort: The cabin is compact and non-pressurized, flying at lower altitudes. Seats are fixed and do not recline. There are no overhead bins; carry-on items must be held or placed under the seat. The experience is often described as an "air taxi" ride—intimate and adventurous.

For longer regional routes, such as flights to St. John's or Willemstad, Winair utilizes larger ATR turboprop aircraft.

• Configuration: These planes feature a standard 2-2 layout.
• Comfort: The cabin is pressurized and air-conditioned with more headroom and standard overhead bins for luggage. The seats offer reasonable legroom comparable to standard economy on major airlines.

In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity

Given the short duration of flights and the regional nature of the aircraft, Winair does not offer modern electronic entertainment systems.

• No Wi-Fi or Screens: There are no seatback screens, streaming services, or Wi-Fi connectivity on board.
• The "Window" Entertainment: The primary source of entertainment is the scenery. Flights to destinations like Gustavia or Tortola fly at relatively low altitudes, offering breathtaking panoramic views of turquoise waters, coral reefs, and lush green islands. Passengers are encouraged to keep their cameras ready.
• Magazines: An in-flight magazine may be available in the seat pocket, featuring regional news and travel tips.

Meal and Beverage Services

Catering on Winair is minimal due to the extremely short flight times.

• Short Hops (under 30 mins): On flights to Gustavia, there is usually no meal or beverage service. The flight is simply too short for the crew to serve passengers.
• Longer Regional Flights: On routes exceeding 45 minutes, such as those to Basseterre or Dominica, a complimentary beverage (water, juice, or soft drink) and a small snack may be served, subject to turbulence and crew discretion.

Special Services

Despite the small size of the aircraft, Winair strives to accommodate passengers with special needs, though some physical limitations apply.

• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: The Twin Otter aircraft are boarded via small stairs (air-stairs) and are not equipped with jet bridges or aisle wheelchairs. Passengers must be able to ascend the steps or be carried by assistance staff. Boarding the ATR aircraft is easier but still involves stairs or a ramp. It is critical to request wheelchair assistance at least 48 hours in advance.
• Unaccompanied Minors: Winair offers a service for children traveling alone, ensuring they are escorted through the airport and supervised during the flight. This service must be booked via the sales office or call center, and age restrictions apply.
• Families: Families with infants (under 2 years) can travel with the child on their lap. Due to the lack of extra oxygen masks in some rows, there may be restrictions on where passengers with lap infants can sit.

Windward Islands Airways (Winair) serves as a vital aviation link throughout the Northeastern Caribbean, connecting smaller island communities with major international gateways. Operating primarily from its hub in Philipsburg, the airline maintains a robust network of scheduled services to destinations across the Leeward and Windward islands, including frequent shuttles to St. Barthélemy and essential connections to Antigua and St. Kitts.

Booking your flight with Windward Islands Airways (Winair) opens up excellent opportunities for island hopping across the Caribbean. To secure the best fares, it is highly recommended to book your tickets well in advance, particularly if you are planning to travel during the peak winter season. Keep an eye out for promotional offers by subscribing to the airline's newsletter or checking their official social media channels regularly. Flexibility with your travel dates can also help you find cheaper flights connecting through their main hub in Philipsburg.

To ensure a smooth journey, take advantage of the online check-in service, which typically opens 24 hours before the scheduled departure. This allows you to bypass long queues at the airport and proceed directly to security if you are travelling with carry-on luggage only. The carrier's mobile-optimized website is a convenient tool for managing your booking, checking flight status, and accessing your boarding pass on the go.

Flights between islands, such as the scenic route to Gustavia or the short hop to St. John's, offer breathtaking aerial views of the turquoise waters and lush landscapes. While a window seat is ideal for capturing these sights, please note that specific seat selection is often restricted on smaller aircraft to ensure proper weight and balance distribution. Crew members may assign seats at the airport to comply with safety regulations.

Finally, obtaining comprehensive travel insurance is always a wise decision. It provides coverage for unexpected delays, cancellations, or luggage issues, giving you peace of mind while you explore destinations like Basseterre or Willemstad. Having insurance is especially helpful when managing tight connections between islands.

History and Development

Windward Islands Airways International N.V., universally known as Winair, has a storied history that parallels the growth of tourism in the Northeastern Caribbean. Founded in 1961 by Captain Georges Greaux, the airline began with a clear and ambitious vision: to provide safe and reliable air transport between the islands of the Dutch Caribbean and their neighbors. From its inception, the carrier faced the unique logistical challenge of operating in an archipelago where rugged terrain and short airstrips demanded exceptional piloting skills and specialized aircraft.

Early Years and the Twin Otter Era

In its formative years, Winair operated a modest fleet of piston-engine aircraft. However, the airline's defining moment came with the strategic decision to adopt the De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter. This rugged Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft revolutionized regional travel, allowing the airline to serve islands with notoriously difficult approaches. This capability became the backbone of Winair's identity, particularly for its shuttle services between Philipsburg and the extremely short runways of neighboring islands. For decades, these operations have served as a lifeline for local communities and a gateway for tourists seeking exclusive destinations.

Government Ownership and Regional Importance

As the airline matured, it transitioned from a private enterprise to a government-owned entity, originally under the central government of the Netherlands Antilles. Following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010, ownership was transferred to the country of Sint Maarten and the Netherlands. This status underscored Winair's role not merely as a commercial business, but as essential infrastructure for the region. The airline maintained continuous operations through various economic shifts, cementing its reputation as a dependable "air bridge" for the Windward Islands.

Resilience and Modernization

Winair has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of natural disasters. The airline played a critical role in the recovery efforts following major hurricanes, often being the first to resume flights to reconnect isolated communities. In the modern era, the carrier has focused on fleet modernization and service enhancement. While the Twin Otter remains the fleet's workhorse for short hops to places like Gustavia, Winair recently integrated larger ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft. This strategic fleet expansion allowed the airline to extend its reach beyond short inter-island shuttles to longer routes, connecting destinations such as Willemstad, Aruba, and Dominica.

Strategic Partnerships and Future Outlook

Today, Winair has evolved from a local commuter airline into a key regional feeder carrier. By establishing interline and code-share agreements with major international airlines—including Air France, KLM, and United Airlines—it has seamlessly integrated the small islands of the Caribbean into the global aviation network. Travelers can now book a single ticket from Europe or North America directly to smaller destinations like St. John's or Tortola, with Winair facilitating the final leg of the journey. This integration marks a significant milestone in the company’s development, ensuring its continued relevance and growth in the competitive Caribbean aviation market.