Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US

With all the flights cancelled and still probably 1000's of US citizens here, something needs to be done to get flights in and the stranded/abandoned people out. I am NOT at all a fan of government "fixing things" (and NO politics in this) but I think it is time they step in. The incompetent airlines have to know how many people they are stranding down here and it needs to be dealt with.

I even contacted the US Embassy for the Eastern Caribbean. Below is the response I just received.

Good Day,

We would advise you to first work with your airline and if that doesn’t work, you can book a flight to another island and take your flight to the U.S from there.

Regards,

American Citizens Services

US Embassy Bridgetown & the Eastern Caribbean

Email: BridgetownACS@state.gov

AGREE, for sure, and on all counts.

Didn’t the government ultimately step in after Irma to assist in an airlift of expat?

I’ve been thinking since I first heard the SXM decision to close their airports to US flights on such short notice that The US government might have to step in. It won’t be pretty and probably not convenient to most but they’re gonna’ have to do something.

I think they did after Irma.

The response from the US Embassy is totally non-responsive to the situation and is but one more reason to make me wonder, “Why?”

Our US tax dollars at work.

Aruba and I think Curacao have also made similar rulings, so SXM is not the only place where people are stranded..

Correct Carol. This is not a problem just in St. Maarten. It is a problem all over the world where flights have been restricted and Americans are left stranded in foreign countries. Not a simple problem to resolve although I understand the frustrations of those who are stranded.

I booked passage home through San Juan for cheaper than my original fare.

We will see if it goes...

I know I'll be attacked for this but don't you think common sense should have kicked in and people should have considered how they would return from anywhere not just SXM and should have cancelled travel, if for no reason other than coming in contact with the virus, thought of a quarantine for 14-21 days as time went on?
My opinion. And I feel better having stated it.

Respectfully, no one could predict what has happened here and how fast it has happened. Come on people, please do not criticize choices that other people have made!!

St. Maarten Government did the right thing stopping tourists from arriving to SXM but this is like the Titanic sinking right now with not enough lifeboats. Seniors, Women and children first?

Rondon. Get your head out of the sand. Things have changed dramatically in the past two weeks

OK, people, let's be calm here.

I've been on SXM for eight weeks, as I am every winter. I am not a mind reader.

Incompetent NO.

This is unchartered territory.

I'm watching the government statement. I posted a link. Planes are allowed to bring those allowed to come here (not tourists) and taking them back

Sorry, don't know what that means, but again, PLEASE people, do not attack each other.

Elaine--but will the airlines fly in the planes empty? That's the question.

Aircrews are at risk. You are going to see domestic flights shutting down.

People everywhere should keep trying to get where they want, but need to have a long-term hunkering down plan where you are. Like 8 week long-term.

They will bring back St Marteners, health workers , helpers

I was saying the airlines are not incompetent as OP adjectives. I would not fly on an incompetent airline.remain calm all and minimize exposure/spread.

Incompetent as my wife was with Delta agents and supervisors yesterday and again today in person and at the airport and they were basically useless. She also tried to book and pay for a ticket on United at what used to be known as a "ticket counter" and was told it had to be done on the phone (6 hour hold times) or online.

Easy to armchair quarterback when you are not personally impacted at the time.

Perhaps you should read other posts I have made pertaining to this and what my wife was told by counter personnel.

I have virtually spent the last 2+ days online trying to work on my own situation of getting home and also providing information here. Thanks for the appreciation.

Carol, You’re right. I was just trying to say where have some people been the last couple of weeks.

If you have the resources plus if I was in your situation I would try and charter a plane to St. Thomas or even Antigua plus book tickets to your destination in the US or nearest. And do it fast if possible.

and your point is what? when were rsvp's made? three weeks ago? Four weeks ago? When? This started in December and was obvious to escalate if you think not then it's your head in the sand. "Easy to armchair quarterback?" If not for common sense I too would be scurrying to find a way back home.= this week or next, or wondering where I'd get food. Sorry for those who thought to go but it's not the governments job to get them home. The advise to contact airline is sound.

News reports say planes are deadening so perhaps some will fly empty to SXM to pick people up. But don't expect to fy same routes you booked. You may find yourselves in Miami or NY in quarantine. Was that considered by anyone? No need to answer.

I do understand/appreciate your plight and it is Literally life and death for everyone involved.

I will say here and applies to anyone else in your situation reading.

Keep trying but:

You are stranded. Do you have a place to stay on the island for an extended time with provisions. I might look for one.

There are U.S. citizens all over the Earth right now.

I’m not sure where SXM ranks on a rescue flight compared to those other countries and cities. It is not the Hurricane story this is everywhere.

If you get into the U.S. you might get stuck in that city. Is that better than SXM?

As some one else mentioned, possibly a charter directly to home.

Thanks for the advice, I have taken steps if I do not get off the island this week or any time soon.

Part of the "stranding" is on the airlines and what they are and are not telling people.

It is not what I would view as life of death but unless one is living it, easy to armchair quarterback the situation.

I spoke to a bunch of visitors yesterday and nearly all said they will stay and go when they can. I understand there are folks who HAVE to get back. But seems many don't.

When you choose to travel when virtually every major health agency in the world is advising against it and particularly when you fly into a country that has restricted travel that includes your return date, I have no sympathy.

Yes we are fortunate to have the option to stay and to us it seems the logical thing to do.
Avoid the panic and hysteria of both the airline situation and the fear of what is going on in the US.
For others who must go the fear is real.
Our thoughts are with you.

Yes and if I did not have a wife who works full time and animals at home, I would consider staying IF I thought I could get out within the next two weeks. That does not appear to be the case. and waiting until May is something I would like to avoid.

I hope they understand it may be 4-6 weeks before they get out from the way it sounds (at least AA) the airliens are handling this.

I have a couple of options for lodging if I do not get out and with being a 29 year visitor, I do know a lot of people here and could get by. Finances are another concern as well.

With no one coming in, should be plenty places open once folks start leaving. And we do have ATM's

Lots of places had many cancellations in the past week. Have a friend with 4 apartments available!

RonDon--This is what YOU posted on 3/9/20

"CJIMI tell her you are going anyway with or without her. That might change her mind.

Tell her DR OZ said no problem with flying but no to cruise . Most people respect Dr OZ. He said to Amp up the overhead air nozzle. Plane air is not outside air. It's filtered to 99.9%. You can use google to verify this.

We are booked for arrival 3/14 and our ages put us in the "elderly" group. Our doctor says we are in excellent health and because we have no underlying problems we are good to go. And we hope to see you in SXM!."

PLEASE cease from criticizing other's decisions.

Hdrdr--the VAST majority of people who are on island right now flew out before there were any such restrictions.

Unfortunately its human nature for our worries and concerns to sometimes escalate out of control and say things we don't mean and a few here should respect what Carol is trying to say. She also has her own concerns just like everyone else but has to maintain, control and supervise this site as to occasionally restore order and civility so lets all gang together as best we can. Respectfully.

To put this into context. Have a neighbor in his late 80's whose wife is in assisted living with Dementia(perhaps a few days left) and he is now not allowed to see her. I can't even tell you what he is going through! I, a few hours ago managed to slip into her room with a card from him to her. I don't know what he wrote, but he will be asking me later tonight what her reaction was if at all and I am now discussing with the wife what to actually tell him and how much I might have to make up. This to me and thousands of others going through this now is life changing, whereas for many of us, it will continue.

bran--that is so sad. I understood that there were exceptions being made for persons in hospice care, but perhaps that is not correct. I was able to see Eric's mom on Friday, but of course now all visits have been stopped. My sister has been able to see her husband in Indiana, as he is in hospice care...

Someone leaving today and at the airport said a much bigger plane came in to take more people out.

Carol.. can’t go into detail but I managed to sneak in for a few minutes. Thought I was in a movie. Normally I would have laughed with the subterfuge and planning and I even dressed up differently. I was nervous at the time but now feel good or rather better.

I saw that mentioned on one of the FB group pages but when I checked the flight they were referring to, it was the standard 757 AA usually flies in and as per previously scheduled. Lots of misinformation out there, sadly. Looks like AA just landed.

The point I was trying to make was when things started going downhill in the US and Europe it should have dawned that it could happen where ever one was going including SXM.

I advised CJIMI in jest to tell his wife he was going. At that time I too was going but when USA escalated I asked myself "what if...in SXM and cancelled. I would have loved being stranded on SXM but for how long and where would my return be to or to what conditions. That was my point about "common sense" think things through.

But now that one is in a situation consider rural carriers sound advise.

But as I pointed out, Rondon, when you said you were still going, was on March 9, only a week ago..

That may or may not be true. This has been going on for quite some time. I do feel for those who came before the government had to step in and enforce comment sense. But those who claim this is no more than a cold or the flu simply are not paying attention and putting others at risk. The medical resources on the island cannot possibly handle tourists and thier own people.

Since the restrictions I'm talking about went into effect on March 14, effective for March 17, my statement is exactly correct. AGAIN, PLEASE do not criticize other's choices.

My wife was told this by a United agent at the airport this morning, he said "that if we came to the airport everyday witn our luggage we "MAY" be able to get on one of those flights returning stateside. Didn't say how many flights or what airlines. We just opted to stay longer and see what pans out.

I could agree with you but then we would both be wrong. Not arguing with you. I stand by my observation. Nothing is gained by pursuing this. My apologies to all those offended by my observation. I sincerely wish everyone gets home safe and sound. Cheers