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Preclearance coming for SXM? #111472
11/05/2016 05:50 AM
11/05/2016 05:50 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline OP
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J.D.
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Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: ruralcarrier] #111473
11/05/2016 06:04 AM
11/05/2016 06:04 AM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
RonDon Online content
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Thanks for posting ruralcarrier.

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: ruralcarrier] #111474
11/05/2016 07:16 AM
11/05/2016 07:16 AM
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Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Tom Offline
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Wouldn't it be terrific for everyone to eliminate the worst part of returning from SXM?
I think the additional time @ Julianna Airport would be so much better than the current frustration and delays upon arrival in US.
Too bad it will take years to put into action.

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: Tom] #111475
11/05/2016 07:26 AM
11/05/2016 07:26 AM
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MotownTim Offline
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Luggage checked to the final destination. Wouldn't that be great!

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: MotownTim] #111476
11/05/2016 08:09 AM
11/05/2016 08:09 AM
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île staten
Bobcat Offline
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The advantage is arriving at your US destination as a "domestic" flight.

The disadvantages depend upon how the clearance is set up at the point of departure. We have used pre-clearance at Dublin and Aruba.

Aruba involves several steps duplicated by local and by US officials including checked luggage that must be reclaimed and re-checked a second time, removal of shoes, belts, etc., twice - the entire process can sometimes take up to two hours but often is less. There is no "express" service on Aruba.


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Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: ruralcarrier] #111477
11/05/2016 08:09 AM
11/05/2016 08:09 AM
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Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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This would be great. But those flying to JFK on JetBlue are spoiled already. We came home on a Monday had carry ons and used the "Mobile Passport". We landed and were in our car in 22 minutes!! Yes I timed it!! We did park in short term not long. But we got through faster than those with Global Entry and they send you in the same lines as GE in customs as well.

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: kim] #111478
11/05/2016 08:13 AM
11/05/2016 08:13 AM
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Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline OP
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Don't get me started on the "benefits" of flying from the East coast. I am looking at $800+ air with a connection and based upon what it has been, this looks like a bargain!


J.D.
Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: Bobcat] #111479
11/05/2016 08:28 AM
11/05/2016 08:28 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Bobcat--thanks for the info regarding how it works on the OTHER end in Aruba. Almost doesn't sound any better at all. I guess maybe if you have Global Entry or whatever, they should have an expedited screening for those people?

Interesting that the US signed the agreement with Stockholm--to begin around 2019!! So, even if there is preclearance in SXM, looks like it will still be several years..


Carol Hill
Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: ruralcarrier] #111480
11/05/2016 08:34 AM
11/05/2016 08:34 AM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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Quote
ruralcarrier said:
Don't get me started on the "benefits" of flying from the East coast. I am looking at $800+ air with a connection and based upon what it has been, this looks like a bargain!


Can you get a direct flight to NYC? JetBlue offers a direct flight leaving JFK around 1:30 (not sure exact). The return could be tricky. But could be less doing that. I just priced a 5 night trip in Januarydyijg in a Wednesday and Monday and it was 368. Our March tickets were really inexpensive also, like under 450 right now (haven't booked return yet) son may be heading to CLT from SXM so holding off.

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: Carol_Hill] #111481
11/05/2016 08:42 AM
11/05/2016 08:42 AM
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Posts: 12,460
île staten
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Sorry Carol - as of this time there is no express service for Global Entry or any other service - everyone going to the US goes through the same process. First they must clear Aruba security, immigration and customs, then US security, immigration and customs.


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Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: kim] #111482
11/05/2016 08:43 AM
11/05/2016 08:43 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline OP
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I will check but anytime I have looked into it in the past there was an overnight involved on one or both ends and/or an airport change. Other airports within 2 hours of me are the same or higher fares also.

kim..I quickly checked and any non-stop from DAY goes into LGA so that doesn't really work. Even if the airports worked (and they don't) the best available fare would still be $737 so I am within $100 of flying from an airport within 15 minutes of my house. Just no easy way when you are not close to a hub airport or the East coast.

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? #111483
11/05/2016 08:44 AM
11/05/2016 08:44 AM
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 80
Maine
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garymoe Offline
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We returned from Dublin this past September. Preclearance made the return trip much easier. Travel days are usually miserable. Getting all the security checks done in one place made it much more tolerable.

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: Bobcat] #111484
11/05/2016 08:52 AM
11/05/2016 08:52 AM
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Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
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Huhm, ok, I guess maybe we should be careful what we wish for then!! Doesn't sound that great. Sounds like it would take longer overall for us personally, even though we don't have GE, as we normally drive the 3 1/2 hours for a nonstop from Miami. Those with connecting flights, it would be easier though.


Carol Hill
Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: ruralcarrier] #111485
11/05/2016 08:53 AM
11/05/2016 08:53 AM
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Posts: 12,460
île staten
Bobcat Offline
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So what you are saying J.D. is that there are no non-stop flights from your main airport and the direct flights all involve one or more stops. That does make it a long tough day and the fares are terrible too.


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Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: Carol_Hill] #111486
11/05/2016 08:58 AM
11/05/2016 08:58 AM
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Posts: 12,460
île staten
Bobcat Offline
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The best part of it Carol is arriving in New York or New Jersey as a domestic arrival. I have seen and been in lines on Aruba that extended out the door into the street on occasion and at other times no line at all. The real problem is the timeshare folks who arrive and depart on Saturdays and Sundays add a lot of time to the process.


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Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: Bobcat] #111487
11/05/2016 09:03 AM
11/05/2016 09:03 AM
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Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline OP
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Quote
Bobcat said:
So what you are saying J.D. is that there are no non-stop flights from your main airport and the direct flights all involve one or more stops. That does make it a long tough day and the fares are terrible too.


Correct Bobcat. Flying from DAY you will either connect via CLT or ATL and pay through the nose usually. You can reduce the fare slightly if you want to overnight (at the airport) but you lose another day or have the expense of a hotel. You can also make 2 connections and make your travel day even longer and that usually involves an overnight on one end.


J.D.
Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: ruralcarrier] #111488
11/05/2016 09:21 AM
11/05/2016 09:21 AM
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Florida
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Even if they sign an agreement, it will take some time to implement since US bound passengers will have be to segregated from other passengers. That will require PJIA to reconfigure the departure terminal.

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: wilsonck] #111489
11/05/2016 09:31 AM
11/05/2016 09:31 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline OP
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This is probably years away at best.


J.D.
Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: Bobcat] #111490
11/05/2016 11:20 AM
11/05/2016 11:20 AM
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Posts: 2,668
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LBI2SXM Offline
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We were very lucky in Aruba the few times we visited. Went right thru. It was great unlike waiting in stinky Newark for hours after all European flights come in. Saturday flights are the worst, best to schedule trips on any other day (unless you own a timeshare which we don't).

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: LBI2SXM] #111491
11/05/2016 11:27 AM
11/05/2016 11:27 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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We have also done preclearance in Nassau, Aruba and Bermuda and I don't recall particularly large waits in clearing at any of these locations but those trips were a few years ago and I guess we may have just been lucky in each place.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: pat] #111492
11/05/2016 12:36 PM
11/05/2016 12:36 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 396
US
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Benefit is that it should make state-side connections flights easier and less stressful.

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: Bobcat] #111493
11/10/2016 01:14 PM
11/10/2016 01:14 PM
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 231
TOTOWA NJ
lina Offline
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WOW ITALY TOO !!! that is amazing. Hope it comes to fruition...


lina and piggy
Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: lina] #111494
11/11/2016 07:04 AM
11/11/2016 07:04 AM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
RonDon Online content
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It may help people that have connecting flights but, to me, it means having to arrive at the airport even earlier than previously because it will done on "island time."

That means less time on beach or lanai with coffee before leaving SXM. Instead we'll be cramped in the airport. Pay now or pay later. Later works for me.

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: RonDon] #111495
11/11/2016 10:15 AM
11/11/2016 10:15 AM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,000
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
RI Bob C Offline
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Direct flights benefit by not having to land at busy, unpredictable gates in international terminals.

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: RonDon] #111496
11/11/2016 11:15 AM
11/11/2016 11:15 AM
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Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
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Nothing removes that vacation vibe more than watching a previously decent connection time eaten up by tarmac sitting on SXM, waiting for a gate at the connecting airport, waiting FOREVER for bags (so we can give them back again), running to wait in a security line, and then the run to hopefully still waiting flight.

I would MUCH rather just get to the airport a tad earlier and not worry about these issues with a connection. Of course if you don't HAVE a connection and are lucky to have a direct flight then this is not a factor at all.

It will help a LOT of travellers

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: boucharda] #111497
11/11/2016 11:39 AM
11/11/2016 11:39 AM
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île staten
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Not all direct flights are non-stop. The best way is to purchase non-stop flights so that you arrive back in the States as a domestic flight at your final destination.


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Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: RonDon] #111498
11/11/2016 01:38 PM
11/11/2016 01:38 PM
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Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
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Yet another reason to have Global Entry. I assume (and we all know what that means) that it would be used in SXM if this does come to pass.

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: GaKaye] #111499
11/11/2016 01:49 PM
11/11/2016 01:49 PM
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Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
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Apparently not, according to what Bobcat posted from Aruba. No special line there, according to him.


Carol Hill
Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: Bobcat] #111500
11/11/2016 01:51 PM
11/11/2016 01:51 PM
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Massachusetts
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Correct..

Quote
Of course if you don't HAVE a connection and are lucky to have a direct flight...


Implies non-stop as ANY "direct flight" from a foreign country to the USA is a non-stop

Last edited by boucharda; 11/11/2016 01:59 PM.
Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: Carol_Hill] #111501
11/11/2016 02:24 PM
11/11/2016 02:24 PM
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Yes Carol , Global Entry is not in operation at this time on Aruba. Everyone going to the USA goes through the entire process. Those passengers not going to the USA have another entry point bypassing the US part of the process.


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Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: boucharda] #111502
11/11/2016 02:27 PM
11/11/2016 02:27 PM
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The terms non-stop and direct flights should not be used interchangeably. A non-stop flight is a direct flight but a direct flight is not always a non-stop flight. It might seem trivial but the difference between the two can be huge.
A non-stop flight is exactly what it sounds like - a flight that goes from point A to point B without any planned stops.
A direct flight is not what it sounds like - it is a flight or series of flights that operate under a single flight number. It could be a non-stop. But it could also be a flight that has a number of planned stops and/or aircraft changes along the way.
For example, United flight 966 is a direct flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Rome (FCO). But it is not a non-stop. First United 966 goes from LAX to IAD (Washington Dulles) on an Airbus 319. Then there is approximately an hour layover in IAD before a plane change to a Boeing 777 when the flight continues to FCO.


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Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: Bobcat] #111503
11/11/2016 03:31 PM
11/11/2016 03:31 PM
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The availability of Global Entry at Preclearance airports appears to vary from country to country. A friend recently flew home from Abu Dhabi, and used a Global Entry kiosk there.

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: Bobcat] #111504
11/12/2016 11:46 AM
11/12/2016 11:46 AM
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LBI2SXM Offline
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Glad you posted the difference. So many people don't know the difference <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> and it could get them into hot water when arranging flight tickets.

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: LBI2SXM] #111505
11/12/2016 11:49 AM
11/12/2016 11:49 AM
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île staten
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Yes, thanks - my neighbor flies direct from Athens, Greece to JFK often and always with a stop usually in Germany and once in London - she can't seem to find non-stop flights to NY or NJ.


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Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: ruralcarrier] #111506
11/12/2016 05:55 PM
11/12/2016 05:55 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
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Schenectady, NY
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Twice recently I have flown back from Europe via Shannon and Dublin, Ireland. Both times we were pre-cleared, but it was still a hassle - just on the other side of the pond. However, it was nice to land in Boston, pick up our luggage, and head out to the street. Unfortunately, I do not fly to enough of the Global Entry airports to make it worthwhile.

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: Bahston] #111507
11/12/2016 10:39 PM
11/12/2016 10:39 PM
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Posts: 1,144
Washington, DC/SXM
Angelface Offline
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I was really excited for this until I learned that Global Entry probably wouldn't work. I know this is super selfish of me, but it would make my travel experience much worse. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: Angelface] #111508
11/13/2016 12:53 AM
11/13/2016 12:53 AM
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The are Global Entry kiosk at some Pre-Clerance facilities. Chances are new pre-clearance facilities would get Global Entry kiosk.

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: Angelface] #111509
11/13/2016 08:29 AM
11/13/2016 08:29 AM
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Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
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Quote
Angelface said:
I was really excited for this until I learned that Global Entry probably wouldn't work. I know this is super selfish of me, but it would make my travel experience much worse. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />


There's nothing selfish about wanting your travel experience to be as easy as it can be; that's why we purchased GE. Since SXM is our primary international destination lately, I'd hate for our GE investment to be for naught.

Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: ruralcarrier] #111510
11/15/2016 03:12 PM
11/15/2016 03:12 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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Sure!! We finally apply and get our Global Entry and they change over to Preclearance for SXM. Well, we'll still get a few trips in on it before they make the changes, I'm thinking.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Preclearance coming for SXM? [Re: pat] #111511
11/15/2016 04:38 PM
11/15/2016 04:38 PM
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Arizona
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marybeth Offline
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Pat - I think you've got nothing to worry about. It sounds like it's years away for SXM, they're not in the 1st group and honestly, can you see the airport really able to accommodate pre-clearance quickly? I have gone thru pre-clearance on Aruba and am not impressed. You have to get to the airport way early as you never know what the lines will be like - and we never travel on a Saturday. Can you just imagine the airport on a Sat. morning with pre-clearance? I've stood in line at the airline counter for almost an hour just to get my luggage tagged! I just don't see any advantage for those with Global Entry.


MB
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