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Traveling to SXM part one
#257136
06/02/2021 07:38 PM
06/02/2021 07:38 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 600 Eastern NC, N Topsail Beach
SXMFOX
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 600
Eastern NC, N Topsail Beach
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So this is the story. We planned a last min trip, started on Friday afternoon for a early Monday morning departure from ILM with a connection in CTL. We went and had our COVID test at CVS late afternoon on Friday, and were assured the results would be back in 1 to 2 days. When there, we were asked if it was for travel and we replied yes, she gave us a thumbs up and said that we would have our negative results back soon. So how did she know we would test negative? I guess because we were traveling.
Step two. Then we made arrangements for lodging and secured all that. Next we checked for airfare and secured that with air miles, 15,000 apiece each way, not bad.
Easy peasy, right so far.
Fast forward, woke up early on Sunday morning and received our COVID test results from CVS. All negative results, imagine that! (Shocker) then we navigated the Sxm portal to upload our information. We used the same email address for both applications and made mistakes on one of them so it would stand out. Once summited the applications and paid for our FHONY healthcare at $30.00 a pop, we received a Pre-Approveal notice via email from the ministry of health from Sxm within 30 mins from submission! What a shocker!
Step three. Woke up early and drove to Wilmington for our first flight. Arrived at the airport for check-in. Simple right. Spoke to the aging desk agent and submitted all of our paperwork to her, she denied us travel! Imagine that. After many countless attempts at her looking at her computer screen and asking us where the bar code was and showing her the countless emails with Sxm Gov, she finally called over a supervisor, (now all of this being said, we were not worried in the least. We always take matters into our on hands and do not allow others to lead us around by our nose). Her major complaint was that our paperwork said PRE-APPROVED, NOT APPROVED! We really didn’t understand that she didn’t know the distinction between the two. Finally after her supervisor looked at the paperwork (for one second) he nodded to her and said that we were ok to travel. The world of COVID!
Step three. So we finally arrived in CLT, our connection flight to Sxm and thinking surely they will re-check all of our paperwork. What a laugh. They just wanted our passport and ticket, and on the plane you go! Good for us, bad for others.
SO YOU SEE WHERE THIS IS GOING. We want this to be as educational as possible and pictures will follow in the next segment. This will clear the air for everyone, hopefully.
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Re: Traveling to SXM part one
[Re: SXMFOX]
#257138
06/02/2021 07:43 PM
06/02/2021 07:43 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,734 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,734
Central Florida!
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OK, since this is Wednesday, and you were in Charlotte on Monday, I'm guessing you have arrived. where are you staying?
Carol Hill
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Re: Traveling to SXM part one
[Re: SXMFOX]
#257157
06/03/2021 05:37 AM
06/03/2021 05:37 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,527 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,527
Ohio
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Thanks for the update, interesting details. I bet you test negative prior to returning to the US.
J.D.
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Re: Traveling to SXM part one
[Re: SXMFOX]
#257165
06/03/2021 08:49 AM
06/03/2021 08:49 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,527 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,527
Ohio
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Tough choices for sure. Hope you have a great time. Hopefully you do not have to use the mandatory insurance.
J.D.
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Re: Traveling to SXM part one
[Re: SXMFOX]
#257176
06/03/2021 10:28 AM
06/03/2021 10:28 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,527 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,527
Ohio
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Let me tell you, that insurance is a load of bull! A complete money grab! It goes to a firm in FL, IMAGINE THAT! I thought it was a few local companies/agents who had their hand in the pot? It seems to be a good deterrent to Covid for tourists. Not one reported case that I am aware of. I fully expect this will be like the airport departure fee/tax. It will continue to be mandatory and will eventually be built into the price of an airline ticket. Doing it this way will allow for price escalations and they will be hidden until someone actually looks at all the fees/taxes they pay on a ticket. People used to mention the (former) $30 departure fee/tax. It is now $39 and most are unaware since it is built into the price of the ticket. BEWEARE, it IS coming!
J.D.
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