TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Proof of departure?

For the first time in 20 years of SXM travel I booked separately one way tickets for arrival and departing flights on AA. I understand at immigration they might ask me for proof of departure plans since there is no round trip ticket. Can anyone let me know what I can use to constitute proof? Can I just print out my return trip travel information from AA? Do I need something more formal? Do they really even ask for proof? Any insight would be appreciated! Leaving for SXM mid-August (I can almost say Next Month!!) Can't wait!

They are not asking for proof of departure. You simply walk up to the first outside tent, there are several airline reps there. They take your ID, check your name against the passenger manifests, and give you a ticket. You then proceed into the new building where you give your ticket to the person at the booth. Then you walk down the hallway where they weigh your luggage and apply the proper sticker to it. At this point you go through the door to the ticket counters, stand in line for your carrier and wait your turn. They print your tickets, take your luggage, unless it’s carry-on, and you can either chose to go back outside or proceed to security. VERY EASY, they don’t ask one word about proof of departure.
This is the first time in all of our years going to ST. MAARTEN that we have not received a stamp coming into or leaving.

I understand they can ask, but in all the years we have never been asked. If we were we would just show our AA reservations with the locator number, etc. Any more that is all you have anyway, as it is not like you have paper tickets anymore.

It might be more of a function of how you fill out the immigration forms that would trigger a question like that. For example you always put on the immigration for where you are staying, even if it is generic like beachside villas. Or the name of the private villa that you might be staying at. No address needed, but fill in that question with something, do not leave it blank.

Not filling in that question can create issues at immigration, know from personal experience with my brother several years ago.

Hi SXMFOX,
I think we may be talking about different points of travel. I believe you are referring to the day you actually depart, I am referring to when arriving in SXM I have heard they can ask for proof of departure because you are only allowed to stay for a certain length of time (Up to 6 months?).
Anyway, thank you for explaining the current departure system as I have not yet been to SXM post-IRMA. Sounds pretty easy!

Thank you for that advice Eric! I will definitely write in our SXM address on the immigration form!

SXMFOX gave you an accurate description of departure process. Your asking upon arrival if you need proof of departure. You just need to fill out the form they give you on the airplane stating where your staying and for how long. If your worried I would just have a printout of my return itinerary with the locator code handy.

Will do! Thanks SXMScubaman!

The question of "departure" came in the US. for us. We booked one airline down to caribbean then later another for the return. We had to show our itinerary for the return before leaving. USA.

That makes sense, not sure that we have ever done 2 one ways that were not on the same airline.

I’ve flown both AA and JB both directions alternating carriers based on both schedules and pricing and I’ve never been asked for proof of return on either end, which stands to reason because I’m one of those people who likes to dot all my i’s and cross all me tees and I always carry a copy of my itineraries for both directions, jic. My fear - the one time I might not have them is the one time I’ll come across a totally over zealous and by-the-book CSR who will request them!

Exactly....it was an inquiry by the airline at our home airport to confirm our return. Only happened one to us and we have booked one way fares on two different airlines a few times.

Pat, that is not possible that you would not have them!

We once had flights returning on a different airline. When we checked in to go to sxm from SEA. We were casually asked if we had return tickets. Didn't need to show anything, just a verbal confirmation.

We do the same. Mostly to refer back to when we have to be ready in case WiFi isn't available to check our schedule.

I've been asked frequently, as I almost always book flights seperately. Print out your return info and have it ready to show the check-in agent if you are asked.

For the past three years we've been down on one airline and back on a different one. We are usually asked at check-in in the States about our return flights. I just have the itinerary printed out with the locator number on it. As I take a book on the plane to read, I just use it as my bookmark.
Then it is always ready and available to show on either end if need be.

Yes, the airlines do ask quite frequently and should always. The airline has the burden to put you back on the plane and fly you back to the states immediately if you do not have one. A few weeks ago a friend had to buy an expensive return ticket because they wanted to get on the plane to come here and would not be allowed without it. A copy of your itinerary is sufficient.

We just returned to SXM after a short visit with family. As always, we cannot check in on line for our return trip, nor can we use the kiosks to check in. Have to deal with ticket agents and provide proof of residency. We did buy a return ticket, it just started in SXM.