SXM Accident Compels Authorities to Limit Access to Planespotters
Most Avgeeks dream of plane spotting and 'fence surfing' at Maho Beach, adjacent to the runway at Princess Juliana Airport in St. Maarten (SXM). However, it looks like the days of getting up close and personal with jet blasts from departing aircraft are limited: St. Martin News Network is reporting that the local government will reroute traffic away from the road that runs in between the end of the runway and the beginning of the beach, signaling that it's going to try to end this decades-old hobby. It's not intending, however, to cut off access to the beach.
The crackdown comes about a week after a New Zealand tourist lost her life from jet blast-related injuries at Maho Beach. Danger signs are present to warn beachgoers about potential injury or death from getting too close to jet blasts, though currently there is no physical barrier preventing those who want to fence surf from doing so.
We reached out to the government of St. Maarten for comment, and it does seem that its end goal is to completely restrict access to the potentially dangerous area, perhaps by moving the existing fencing farther away from the end of the runway. However, according to the official we spoke with, it could be weeks or months before anything changes. If you've been wanting to planespot at SXM, you'd be wise to book your ticket as soon as possible.
H/T: Lufthansa Flyer
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The Capital One Venture X Business Card has all the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has to offer and more. It offers an incredible welcome bonus and requires an equally impressive spend to qualify. In addition, the card comes with premium travel perks like annual travel credit. (Partner offer)Pros
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Cons
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- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months
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- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
