Windward Islands Airways flights and airline information

Windward Islands Airways, better known by its brand name Winair (IATA code: WM), is a key regional carrier in the North-Eastern Caribbean. Founded over six decades ago, it is owned by the government of Sint Maarten and plays a vital role in ensuring connectivity between the islands of the region. The airline's primary hub and operational base is Princess Juliana International Airport, located in the Simpson Bay area near the city of Philipsburg.

Although the company is not part of global aviation alliances such as Star Alliance or SkyTeam, it actively collaborates with international giants through interline agreements. This allows passengers to make convenient connections with long-haul flights, turning the small airline into an important link in the global aviation network.

One of Winair's unique features is its specialization in flying to airports with extremely short runways. For this purpose, the carrier operates reliable turboprop aircraft such as the De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, which are capable of landing in technically challenging locations like Saba or St. Barts.

The airline's strengths lie in its flight regularity and the high professionalism of its crews, who are adapted to the specific conditions of island aviation. Winair offers both scheduled passenger services and private charter services, providing maximum flexibility for travelers seeking to explore remote corners of the Caribbean Sea.

• Official Website — winair.sx
• Support and Reservations Phone — +1 (721) 545‑4237
• Email for General Inquiries — reservations@fly-winair.com
• Email for Private Charters — charters@fly-winair.com
• Customer Relations Department — customerrelations@fly-winair.com
• Social Media — WINAIR accounts on Facebook, @iflywinair on Instagram, and @flywinair on X (Twitter).
• Mobile App — currently, there is no mobile app; it is recommended to use the mobile version of the official website for booking and check-in.
• Emergency Support and Head Office Address — Airport Road #69, Simpson Bay, St. Maarten (near Princess Juliana Airport).

We recommend checking the latest contact information on the official Windward Islands Airways website before your trip.

Baggage rules at Winair follow international standards but have unique aspects due to the use of small aircraft. Passengers are allowed to take carry-on baggage into the cabin, though its weight and dimensions are strictly limited due to the compact overhead bins and under-seat space. Travelers are advised to check current limits when booking, as they may vary depending on the aircraft type.

Checked baggage is also subject to specific norms that directly depend on the selected fare and route. In more affordable fare plans, baggage may be paid for separately, while premium options often include one or more pieces of free allowance. It is important to remember that due to the regional nature of the flights, weight limits may be lower than on transatlantic routes.

Special rates for overweight items are provided for excess baggage. If you plan to carry heavy bags, it is recommended to pay for them in advance via the website, as airport fees may be higher. It is worth noting that when an aircraft is fully loaded, excess baggage may be sent on the next flight for safety and aircraft balance reasons.

The transport of special items, such as sports equipment or musical instruments, is possible with prior coordination. Strollers are usually carried free of charge but must be checked at the aircraft steps. Prohibited items include flammable substances, dangerous goods, and weapons without special permits.

A practical tip for travelers: try to pack compactly and use soft bags instead of hard-shell suitcases if possible — this makes it easier to fit baggage into small cargo compartments. Always check the current conditions in the Baggage section on the winair.sx website.

Pet Travel in the Cabin and Cargo Hold

Windward Islands Airways allows travel with pets; however, this service requires mandatory prior coordination. Due to limited space on board regional aircraft, the number of animals on a single flight is strictly limited.

• In-Cabin Travel: Only small animals (cats and dogs) are allowed in special soft or hard carriers that fit under the seat in front of the passenger.
• Cargo Hold Travel: Larger animals are transported as special cargo in certified containers that ensure ventilation and safety.
• Container Requirements: The carrier must be spacious enough for the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down. The bottom must be leak-proof.

Required Documents and Preparation

For successful transport, the owner must prepare a full package of veterinary documents that meet the requirements of the destination and transit countries.

• Veterinary Passport: With records of microchipping and all necessary vaccinations.
• Certificates: A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian shortly before departure.
• Country Requirements: For flights between Caribbean islands (e.g., to St. John's or Bridgetown), specific import permits may be required.

Costs and Restrictions

Pet transport is always an additional paid service. Rates depend on the weight of the animal along with its crate and the specific route. It is worth considering that Winair may impose seasonal restrictions on pet transport in cargo holds due to high temperatures on the tarmac.

To prepare your pet for the flight, it is recommended not to feed them 4–6 hours before departure and to provide familiar bedding in the carrier. Remember that the airline may refuse to transport brachycephalic breeds (e.g., pugs) due to health risks during flight.

To clarify current rules and book a spot for your pet, be sure to contact the reservations service by phone at +1 (721) 545‑4237 or by email.

Winair Loyalty Program

As of today, Windward Islands Airways does not have its own public loyalty program with classic mile accumulation and status levels like "Silver" or "Gold." This is due to the regional nature of the carrier and its focus on short flights.

Partner Agreements

Despite the lack of its own bonus system, Winair actively develops partnerships with major international airlines. Thanks to interline and codeshare agreements, passengers can enjoy the following benefits:

• The ability to issue a single ticket when connecting with flights of major carriers.
• In some cases — earning miles in partner loyalty programs if the ticket is booked through their system.
• Simplified baggage check-in to the final destination when transferring at the St. Maarten hub.

How to Receive Perks

Since earning points directly through Winair is not possible, travelers are recommended to:

• Monitor special fares and promotions on the official winair.sx website.
• Use co-branded bank cards that allow you to earn bonuses for any airline ticket purchases.
• Check the possibility of earning miles in partner airline programs when purchasing complex itineraries.

To stay updated on new initiatives or corporate offers, we recommend periodically checking the news section on the airline's website.

In-flight service at Windward Islands Airways is determined by the fleet's specifics and the short duration of the flights. The airline operates primarily turboprop aircraft with a single class of service — Economy Class. The cabins feature a standardized layout providing the necessary comfort for short inter-island hops, which usually last less than one hour.

Due to the compact size of the aircraft and the brevity of the routes, there are no in-flight entertainment systems or Wi-Fi on flights. Passengers are invited to enjoy breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea from the windows. It is recommended to take care of entertainment in advance by downloading necessary content to your own electronic devices.

On-board catering usually includes light drinks, water, or small snacks. A full hot menu is not provided, as the aircraft often spends only 20–30 minutes in the air. Special meals (kosher or vegetarian) are also not offered on such short segments, so travelers with specific dietary preferences are better off having a snack before departure.

Winair pays special attention to special services. The company provides assistance to passengers with reduced mobility; however, due to the lack of jet bridges and the use of small aircraft, the need for such support must be reported in advance. An unaccompanied minor service is also available for children traveling alone. An important part of the service is private charters, which can be booked for individual flights throughout the region.

Windward Islands Airways specializes in flights across the North-Eastern Caribbean region, providing a vital link between numerous island nations. The primary hub of the entire route network is Princess Juliana International Airport, located in Philipsburg.

The flight geography covers more than ten destinations, including cities such as Willemstad, Bridgetown, Castries, and St. John's. Thanks to Winair, travelers can easily reach remote territories such as Brades on the island of Montserrat or the picturesque Gustavia on Saint Barthélemy.

To purchase Windward Islands Airways tickets at the best possible price, it is recommended to book them in advance, at least 2–4 weeks before the planned departure date. Since the airline uses small planes, seats for popular destinations like St. Barts or Saba sell out quickly. The optimal time to search for deals is mid-week, when demand for regional flights is slightly lower than on weekends.

The main tool for buying tickets is the official website winair.sx. Here you can not only find the current schedule but also familiarize yourself with the rules of various fares. Note that budget fares often have strict refund and exchange restrictions, while more expensive options provide the flexibility needed when planning complex connecting routes.

Online check-in may be available for a number of flights, which saves time at the airport. However, it is worth remembering that on many island routes, the final seat distribution depends on the aircraft's load and balance, so choosing a specific seat may be limited. It is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance, especially if you are traveling with baggage or pets.

Important tip: before purchasing, be sure to check the visa requirements for all islands on your route. Also, do not forget about travel insurance — in the context of island aviation, where weather can change quickly, insurance coverage will help avoid extra costs during delays. Since there is no mobile app, save your booking confirmation on your phone or in printed form.

The history of Windward Islands Airways International N.V., known today as Winair, began in 1961. Founded in Sint Maarten, the airline aimed to establish stable air communication between the Windward Islands. Commercial operations started on July 5, 1962, and since then, the carrier has remained state-owned, working for the benefit of residents and tourists in the region.

Since its founding, the base has been Princess Juliana International Airport in Philipsburg. It was from here that the development of the most challenging Caribbean routes began. One of the main milestones in the company's history was the introduction of Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft to the fleet, such as the legendary De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, which became the airline's hallmark.

The evolution of the Winair fleet has always been closely linked to the region's needs. The airline adapted to operating on ultra-short runways, including the shortest commercial airstrip in the world on the island of Saba. Over the decades, the carrier expanded its network to include cities such as Basseterre, Tortola, and Dominica.

In the modern era, Winair continues to evolve, implementing new safety standards and expanding partnerships with global airlines. Despite its regional scale, the airline remains an indispensable link, providing access to the most remote and picturesque corners of the Caribbean Sea while remaining true to its historical traditions and state mission.