Flying to St. Barths (SBH) in 2026 is a unique two-step process because the island's runway is one of the shortest in the world (only 646 meters). Most travelers first fly into Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten or San Juan (SJU) in Puerto Rico using a major commercial airline. From there, you must transfer to a "commuter" flight on a small STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft, typically a Pilatus PC-12 or a Twin Otter, operated by airlines like St Barth Commuter or Winair. The flight from SXM to SBH is a thrilling 15-minute hop that ends with a steep descent over a mountain ridge. Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid the small planes, you can take a high-speed ferry from St. Maarten, which takes about 45–60 minutes. In 2026, booking your "last mile" flight early is essential, as these small planes have very limited seating and strict weight limits for luggage.