I just booked American Airlines today from Boston

Boston -Miami- SXM Oct 11 . They confirmed the reservation and took my CC payment. What do they know that the other airlines don't?

Probably nothing. Guessing they'll be happy to refund your fare if they don't fly. Were I a property owner, I'd want to get there ASAP too. Good luck.

Probably nothing. They're willing to take your money on spec. If they have to cancel the flight because the airport isn't open or the government is limiting entry it really doesn't cost them anything. On the other hand, if you find your intended accommodations aren't ready I'm sure they'll be more than happy ding you for a change fee!

Good luck! I hope you are able to have a wonderful trip! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

I was shared this letter so I may share with others. This person does know what they are talking about, And I do believe in what they say....

Dear all,
I have received many inquiries about commercial flights into Princess Juliana Int'l Airport in particular from people - residents and visitors - off island eager to come back to St. Maarten. I understand your frustration.
In the same token, I ask you to take a moment and try to comprehend the situation on the island. Even for those of us who lived through Irma the damage still makes us draw breath when a once familiar spot is seen post-Irma.
Back to the airport, once and for all - it is closed to commerical flights - scheduled or chartered. Only flights into the Dutch side are military and humanitarian ones.
Why is this? The airport terminal is severely damaged. Work to repair it is on the way. The fence of the airport was blown down and ripped up by Irma. It is on its way back up. I know you are a very savvy flier and you are there thinking - who cares about a building and the fence, just land the planes, we get off and go about our business. Fence needed for YOUR safety when landing. A building is need for security and immigration purposes (and to protect your pretty lugguage from things like the rain).
To the flights: I'm no engineer, but common sense tells me for a safe operational airport you need a functioning air traffic control tower. Irma damaged ours. Work to repair and parts are on the way.
Night flights are not yet possible. There are no lights on the runway. But why, you ask, when GEBE "come back" in so many places? Answer: a cat. 5 plus hurricane took a short stop here on Sept. 6. She took the lights, fixtures too! I maybe wrong, but ACE and Kooyman don't sell those lights.
But is what she talkin' 'bout that they ain't have night flights? My auntie cousin sister bestfriend child father brother-in-law grandmother see flights coming in at night!
Well, the Royal Dutch Marines are guiding planes in. Those planes don't required all the special insurances and precautions required by aviation regulation to protect precious cargo - you!!!
For the umpteenth time since Irma, Princess Juliana Int'l Airport is closed until further notice to commercial flights. In our time of great challenge, St. Maarten is living up to her moniker - the Friendly Island - by considering your comfort and safety - from runway to doorway.
So, sit back, relax, enjoy your roof, warm shower, go wonder a large grocery store, go to a spa. We are temporarily closed while we work on our appearance.
In the interim, Grand Case Airport is open. Flights connect out of Martinique and Guadeloupe. Oh, you need a visa? I need a roof. Don't we all need something in life.

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> I do not understand why some people just don't get it?????

Words to take into consideration. I've had similar discussions with smart people who I consider to be fair minded and reasonable island residents and they're saying the same things.

In time, people, in time...handshake: <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Actually, IMO, it is an act of ignorance and stupidity on the part of American Airlines.

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Geez, I'm not very opinionated, am I ? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

</sub>

Such a great letter and so real. I don't know why people insist on going, when things are not ok. Why place an extra burden on the food, water and gas by having tourists there at such a delicate time. Let the islands heal, let the people regain their sanity, let them get back to normal and then go.
I am all for extending a hand, but believe me, we went to Cancun a month after Wilma and we felt bad that we were there, it was a war zone. We did not feel comfortable intruding on their sorrow.

But the real point is that the airport is NOT OPEN for commercial traffic and won't be for some time.

Until it is determined when it will be, any reservations by the airlines or individuals are simply unrealistic and somewhat absurd.

Great thread! Sxmdeepblue speaks with great wisdom! Everything he/she posted resonates with everything I learned in my active flying experiences.

Nuff saud...

Excellent synopsis of the island situation! It is so incredible to me that seemingly intelligent people disregard all that they are told and insist that everything will be OK for them to travel there asap. We visited the island in 1996 after Luis devastated everything in 1995 and lots of things were still in bad shape. It will definitely take much longer than most people think as Irma was a much worse hurricane and she left her mark everywhere!

oh, to be so omniscient...so if airlines were to begin flights, no one should take them?...if hotels open, no one book them?...if restaurants/bars open, give them time?...will you give the OK to return?

"If" is that magic word...
It is really too early to argue this 3 weeks after this much damage. If you want or need or have intentions to come as soon as you can to help get dirty and volunteer or give aid to those who will still be needing it, great! If you're itching to come make the island a driving disaster tour taking pics of the mess and the people, they aren't too keen on this idea and they are already commenting on that subject.

Just passing that along.

Not gonna happen....you just gave them some free cash to use for a couple of weeks.

To keep things in perspective........ we are talking about an island that couldn't handle their trash and debris after a normal weekend....... what are they going to do with this mess.

Read THIS

" Able to function optimally much sooner "

"Island time"

Jenni--badbenni owns two condos in Beacon Hill. I'm sure he's going to try to assess his damage and see what he needs to do to get going on repairs.

Great article, thank you for posting.

Go to AA and check your flight status you will find that flight is canceled. AA would not refund my Oct 28 flight untill I asked them to enter my flight status and then a full refund

Of course I didn't book it, but on the AA website, you can apparently book Miami to SXM, as of October 1. I don't see any way they will be flying by that date though.

Then I'm doubly hoping he has a good trip and discovers that the damage to his property is minimal! (That comments wasn't meant sarcastically.)

Unfortunately I still suspect that flight won't be going....

Thanks for sharing inside info and great article. I visited Cancun several months after Wilma and didn't feel comfortable vacationing around locals scrambling for necessities. We love our holiday time in SXM, but this year we will celebrate in our home and make donation to recovery fund.

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Apparently airport is open soon. I mean, we'll see.

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin...ue-to-irma.html

NO !

read the bottom half, the corrected half, of the link you just posted:

"No date set for restarting of commercial flights

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister responsible for Aviation Affairs Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher has re-iterated that no official date has been announced by government for the resumption of commercial flights into St. Maarten.

The Minister stressed that travelers need to be careful with any information unless it comes from the official source, in other words, the government of St. Maarten. She said there is some confusion being created by, among other things, airlines announcing dates that they hope to resume service to the island.

In some cases, airlines are allowing people to book tickets although the green light has not been given by government to execute commercial flights. “We have stated before and will state again, the Princess Juliana International Airport has to meet various safety and operational regulations before it can handle commercial flights,” the Minister said.

“When we are at that point to accept commercial flights again, we will announce this and in due time. At the moment there is no date. We urge potential passengers abroad and at home to wait on official notification,” she added.

Press Release from the Ministry of TEATT"

badbenni - It looks like you get the last laugh!! Good luck with your properties.

AWESOME!!