It might just be the world’s most expensive ticket — per mile flown. A one-way flight from St. Maarten to Statia costs between $100 and $150. For a flight shorter than most island chats.

What do you get in return? A check-in time. The departure time printed on your boarding pass is really just a suggestion, with a margin of often a couple of hours. Sometimes there’s still a profitable charter hop to somewhere like St. Barth squeezed in first.
And if you bring a suitcase, you’ll pay like you’re flying to New York.
Will you and your luggage arrive together? 50/50. Sometimes your bag takes a detour to another island. You, meanwhile, hope you packed wisely.
Checked through from Amsterdam? That usually means three days in the same underwear. And buying a toothbrush on day two.

Compensation for the inconvenience?
Of course not. But if you’re lucky, your suitcase will be waiting for you on your way home.
As a souvenir.