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Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
#220761
03/14/2020 07:07 PM
03/14/2020 07:07 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586 St Maarten
BillandElaine
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OP
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Posts: 18,586
St Maarten
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Covid-19 St. Maarten Update
As of Tuesday, March 17, all International flights and cruises originating from the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom into St. Maarten are restricted (cancelled) for next two weeks.
As of today, March 14, up until and including Monday, March 16, there is an opportunity for St. Maarten students and residents abroad to return to the country ahead of the two-week travel restriction. All residents and nationals traveling back to St. Maarten from the US, Europe and UK in this period are recommended to monitor their health for 14 days in case of Covid-19 symptoms.
Arrangements will be put in place for visitors to return home with their carriers in the coming weeks.
These travel restrictions do not apply regional (Caribbean) air and sea travel at this time. All Caribbean travel will continue.
Travel within the Caribbean part of the Dutch Kingdom - Saba Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire, and St. Eustatius - remains in place until further notice.
Cargo flights and vessels bring in household supplies, food, oil and gas, and medicines will continue to and from St. Maarten.
Travel of technical and medical assistants will be allowed via commercial or chartered airlines.
No permits for gathering of more than 100 persons will not be issued. Those already issued will be postponed until further notice.
(Source: Prime Minister of St. Maarten)
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: BillandElaine]
#220762
03/14/2020 07:09 PM
03/14/2020 07:09 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 169 southeast tennessee
CLIFFTOPS
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 169
southeast tennessee
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Glad I am out of SXM and in Anguilla in my safe spot. So far no panic here. Was in St Maarten visiting for one week.
Last edited by CLIFFTOPS; 03/14/2020 07:35 PM.
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: BillandElaine]
#220763
03/14/2020 07:09 PM
03/14/2020 07:09 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559
Ohio
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LINKI wonder how this is going to work? "Arrangements will be put in place for visitors to return home with their carriers."
Last edited by ruralcarrier; 03/14/2020 07:11 PM.
J.D.
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: badbenni]
#220767
03/14/2020 07:24 PM
03/14/2020 07:24 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 169 southeast tennessee
CLIFFTOPS
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 169
southeast tennessee
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I live here. Better than other options right now. No disagreement about what SXM is doing. Didnt mean post to be controversial.
Last edited by CLIFFTOPS; 03/14/2020 07:35 PM.
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: BillandElaine]
#220774
03/14/2020 08:27 PM
03/14/2020 08:27 PM
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 73 Warwick, PA
KenNDeb
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Posts: 73
Warwick, PA
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LINKI wonder how this is going to work? "Arrangements will be put in place for visitors to return home with their carriers." I am wondering this as well. I can't see an airline sending an empty plane down just to take people home. I guess we'll just have to see what arises. Fortunately we can stay longer if need be.
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: BillandElaine]
#220779
03/14/2020 09:18 PM
03/14/2020 09:18 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,880 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
Traveler
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,880
Auburn, WA
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Prime minister statement. PRIME MINISTER OF SINT MAARTEN Minister-President van Sint Maarten National Address Date: 14th, March 2020 Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs National Address on COVID-19 MARCH 14, 2020 “People of St. Maarten, I hereby address you, as Prime Minister and Chair of the EOC (Emergency Operations Center), in an update for today Saturday March 14, 2020, as part of the process to keep the community of Sint Maarten informed about the latest developments and the Governments COVID-19 preparedness, prevention, mitigation and response measures. The World Health Organization declared on Wednesday March 11 that the coronaviris COVID-19 has become a global pandemic. Based on this delcaration, the Government of Sint Maarten has stepped up its preparations and today March 14, after deliberation with the Council of Ministers and the EOC a number of decisions have been taken. These preventive measures are to limit the exposure of the Sint Maarten people to COVID-19 due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Europe and the United States of America. Effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020, all international flights and cruises originating from the United States of America, Europe and the United Kingdom to Sint Maarten are cancelled for a period of two weeks. These travel restrictions do not apply for regional air and sea travel at this time. Travel within the Dutch Caribbean – Saba, St. Eustatius, Bonaire, Aruba, and Curacao remains in place until further notice. This travel restriction also applies to other seafaring vessels. Arrangements will be put in place for visitors to return home with their carriers. Cargo flights/vessels bringing in food supplies, household goods, oil, gas, as well as medicine will continue. Also allowed, will be travel by technical and medical assistants whether via commercial or chartered airlines. I would like to reiterate that there is no food shortage on the island. There is no reason to engage in panic buying or hoarding of food. There is a sufficient supply of food and medication on the island. We remain in constant contact with our suppliers and have been assured that replenishments will continue. As of today, March 14th, up until and including Monday, March 16th, there is an opportunity for St. Maarten students studying abroad and residents as well as essential personnel to return to the country ahead of the 2 week travel restrictions. All residents and nationals traveling back to Sint Maarten from the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom during this period, are recommended to monitor their health for 14-days for consistent cough, fever or respiratory problems (consitent with COVID-19) and maintain a social distance for the safety and security of the community. If you experience the aforementioned symptoms, please call your family physician. Do not go to your doctor or the medical center. During the phone call with your doctor, you will be advised further what actions should be taken. The second decision regards large gatherings. With respect to social gatherings throughout the country, new permits will not be granted for gatherings of more than 100 persons. Permits which have already been issued relating to gatherings of more than 100 persons will be postponed until further notice. Government also strongly recommends that persons in a public setting should keep a distance of at least one meter from each other under certain settings. All institutions, businesses, organizations, religious services and other entities should adhere to these recommended advices in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The current situation unfolding at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) has been brought to my attention, as there was some confusion as to the travel history of 6 passengers on the Air France flight which landed today Saturday, March 14th, based on the fact that German nationals were on board. As we know germany has been added on March 11th to our list of restricted areas of travel. In the latest update received, two of the passengers are residents of Switserland and orignated from there and therefore are allowed to travel to St. Maarten as per our current travel restrictions. The other 4 passengers of German nationality who originated in Germany will return on the same flight back to France. The passengers were kept on board until this information was confirmed, and none have any symptoms related to COVID-19. PJIA will issue a press release on this matter. The general public is advised not to allow themselves to be riled up before having all the facts. I will also continue to provide updates as the situation develops. Follow our Government Radio station – 107.9FM. For official information, statements and news updates or visit the Government website at www.sintmaartengov.org/coronavirus and our Facebook Page: Government of Sint Maarten. As Prime Minister of St. Maarten, I wish to encourage all of us to remain steadfast in preparing for what is a world wide pandemic. While we currently have zero confirmed cases, these are all measures aimed at maintaining a COVID-19 status. I pray that we would take our fellow man/woman into consideration while going about our daily activities, and with the knowledge that we are ensuring your safety, refrain from panic buying and fear mongering. Continue to practice proper hygiene at home, at work and in the community. Knowledge is power! Stay informed and be prepared. We are strong, resilient and faithful people and trust that this too shall pass. God bless St. Maarten and her people as we work together; government and community to keep her safe. Thank you.
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: BillandElaine]
#220787
03/14/2020 10:17 PM
03/14/2020 10:17 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
PelicanPirate
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: BillandElaine]
#220790
03/14/2020 10:48 PM
03/14/2020 10:48 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 552 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
KGB
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 552
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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That border lock should’ve been done a month ago, and not only on SXM. All North America should’ve been on a lockdown.
"Often Wrong, Never in Doubt"
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: CanuckTravlr]
#220791
03/14/2020 10:50 PM
03/14/2020 10:50 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 552 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
KGB
Traveler
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Traveler
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Posts: 552
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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No mention of flights to or from Canada or the status of Canadian visitors. I am going to assume the PM knows better than to somehow consider us part of either the USA or the UK. Very odd that there is no mention whatsoever, either in terms of a restriction, or even an exclusion from the restriction, as there was for regional air carriers. Canadians are one of the largest groups of tourists to the island, so it is a little puzzling to leave us in a sort of "legal limbo". Shhhhh.... we are flying out of sxm on the 17.... Wife is already panicking, had to give her a few extra glasses of wine this evening...
"Often Wrong, Never in Doubt"
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: KGB]
#220793
03/14/2020 11:05 PM
03/14/2020 11:05 PM
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Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 246 Toronto, Canada
CanuckTravlr
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 246
Toronto, Canada
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Shhhhh.... we are flying out of sxm on the 17.... Wife is already panicking, had to give her a few extra glasses of wine this evening...
OK. (whispering). Mum's the word!! lol. And feeding the wife wine on vacation is ALWAYS a good strategy.
Last edited by CanuckTravlr; 03/14/2020 11:09 PM.
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: kim]
#220794
03/14/2020 11:27 PM
03/14/2020 11:27 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,976 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,976
Central Florida!
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Kim--hope that works for you to get home. Wow...
Carol Hill
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: kim]
#220795
03/14/2020 11:30 PM
03/14/2020 11:30 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278 Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
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Yes Kim, glad you are going to get home Monday. There is talk now of domestic travel restrictions. Home is the best place to be. Safe and healthy travels.
"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest"
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: foreversxm]
#220796
03/14/2020 11:46 PM
03/14/2020 11:46 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586 St Maarten
BillandElaine
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586
St Maarten
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So is this a ban of USA flights or USA citizens? I have friends and family there And I’d rather sit it out on SXM than the USA. I suppose I could get to sxm or leave via St kitts etc?? Anybody know? It says flights and cruise ships. Nothing about nationality.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: BillandElaine]
#220799
03/15/2020 12:04 AM
03/15/2020 12:04 AM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 916
badbenni
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 916
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I feel safer here at this moment in time than what I am hearing going on in the USA. The public is acting like scared rabbits and not acting in a rational way. Maybe isn a week or 2 the panicking will subside at home and clearer minds will prevail; but for now I am happy to enjoy the fine weather here while waiting things out.
Last edited by badbenni; 03/15/2020 12:05 AM. Reason: additional words.
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: BillandElaine]
#220801
03/15/2020 12:28 AM
03/15/2020 12:28 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 171
CJIMI
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 171
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I had previously posted that my wife made me cancel our 8 day trip, leaving Philadelphia this AM at 9:30. American Airlines would not refund my tickets; but did give me store credit, good for a year.
Had we departed this morning, we would not have been able to return, as AA has cancelled the PHL-SXM flight, as of March 17, 2020.
The owner of the apartment that we were supposed to rent in Orient Village would not refund my 300 euro security deposit, but we did make an arrangement, whereby he will give me partial credit for a stay next November.
We were supposed to fly to Ireland on May 1; but it looks like that flight will be cancelled. No fun paying for trips that you cannot take. Hope that this calms down, and does not get any worse, but I am not optimistic.
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: she314]
#220803
03/15/2020 05:54 AM
03/15/2020 05:54 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559
Ohio
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I am working on changing flights but nothing is available and I was on it last night. A couple of the others supposedly are going out today. Not really sure what to do at this point. Changing/rebooking on Delta online produced no results. No email notification from Delta either, others on AA did get a notification.
J.D.
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: BillandElaine]
#220804
03/15/2020 06:18 AM
03/15/2020 06:18 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586 St Maarten
BillandElaine
OP
Traveler
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586
St Maarten
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Seems Canada has be added, will post when confirmed.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: WLE]
#220807
03/15/2020 06:36 AM
03/15/2020 06:36 AM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178 New Hampshire
Hdrdr911
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178
New Hampshire
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Isn't this some what fear mongering ? Absolutely not. This is real. It's exactly that attitude that makes this situation worse. Think of the residents , medical resources are extremely limited. Why would you go there and potentially add to their burden. Support the island and stay home.
If the phone doesn't ring .... it's me
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: PelicanPirate]
#220808
03/15/2020 06:49 AM
03/15/2020 06:49 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586 St Maarten
BillandElaine
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586
St Maarten
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Dumb clarification here.
Obviously, this means flights are ending. Does it mean vacation visitors MUST leave OR can they hunker down on island assuming they have lodging and provisions to do so?
Good luck everybody. Keep calm and wash your hands wherever you maybe. Gone by midnight tomorrow or hunker down.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: BillandElaine]
#220810
03/15/2020 06:55 AM
03/15/2020 06:55 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559
Ohio
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Dumb clarification here.
Obviously, this means flights are ending. Does it mean vacation visitors MUST leave OR can they hunker down on island assuming they have lodging and provisions to do so?
Good luck everybody. Keep calm and wash your hands wherever you maybe. Gone by midnight tomorrow or hunker down. Read what I just posted in a new topic. It appears inbound flights will be allowed to get previously scheduled passengers off the island. As we know, it could easily change but I am not seeing any good option at this point.
J.D.
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: BillandElaine]
#220821
03/15/2020 07:44 AM
03/15/2020 07:44 AM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 246
BlueGreenWater
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 246
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I am working on changing flights but nothing is available and I was on it last night. A couple of the others supposedly are going out today. Not really sure what to do at this point. Changing/rebooking on Delta online produced no results. No email notification from Delta either, others on AA did get a notification. Pretty much same situation for us. We're scheduled for departure on Friday the 20th. Received email from American last night saying flight cancelled. Tried to change flight last night with no luck. Got on the phone and tried to call American at 3:30 am and was disconnected after an hour (a venture that cost me $25 even with my SXM cell phone). Delta is still showing flights available Wednesday, but I don't know if they will really fly an empty plane down here to pick people up, so I can't decide whether to spring for the Delta tickets. Nerve wracking.
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: BlueGreenWater]
#220824
03/15/2020 08:03 AM
03/15/2020 08:03 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559
Ohio
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Yes, difficult situations. My wife is going to the local airport this morning to see if she can do anything by talking to a person. I tried to book Wed, on Delta but had an issue getting credit card verification. Be sure to read the updated post I made earlier. Good luck.
J.D.
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: Leagle49]
#220833
03/15/2020 08:43 AM
03/15/2020 08:43 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586 St Maarten
BillandElaine
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586
St Maarten
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Near as I can tell, flights coming in won't be empty. Bringing back locals.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: Travel ban to SXM from Europe and USA
[Re: BillandElaine]
#220838
03/15/2020 08:49 AM
03/15/2020 08:49 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,976 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,976
Central Florida!
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Well, that's true, there would be some residents coming home, at least for a while,but doubt they will be very full. It's hard to know what to do, but I guess if you're young and strong, I would go back home to SXM. If you're older, not sure I would risk the medical facilities on SXM...
Carol Hill
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