TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Checking in for AA flight from Miami to SXM

Based on Ed's report, I am concerned about checking in for our flight to SXM. He said you can't check in online now for international flights, which I personally didn't know. And if you arrive at Departures, can you check bags outside? Or you have to check bags at the desk regardless? When do they check your paperwork? At the gate??

When I left from MIA in January on AA, there was no curbside check-in. When you went towards the ticket counters, you were asked where you were going, and since I said SXM, we were sent to a separate line where they checked your test results. Only after that did you go to the ticket counter and check in. Fortunately it was a Friday and I was one of the first in line and it really \wasn't a problem.

OK, taking in information. Thanks.

No curbside check-in when we left Saturday 13 March but was able to check-in on line.

OK, I'm confused. SXM has never had curbside check-in that I am aware of. But you were able to check in online from SXM to go home??

I noticed a sign CURBSIDE CHECK IN but the machine beneath the sign were covered up.

Yes, we were able to check in via computer and had Viki at the BSV Office print boarding passes for us.

In my Saturday report I failed to mention that all our paperwork, testing etc was checked as soon as we approached Jet Blue. Then we checked our bag and headed to TSA scrutiny. Passed through quickly after a slight discourse with agent who wanted us to remove our shoes. I said we were both well over 70 and TSA laws says we do not have to. I would have let it pass but hubby has a problem with right leg and can't bend to remove and re tie so I have to help. And this age ruling is a blessing for me.

OK, thanks for the confirmation that one can check in and print boarding passes at BSV!!!

i have always used Curbside at Miami...until yesterday. We were checked at the counter ....where they wanted the results and the pre approval notification. I tried to check in online, and as mentioned, was told we couldn't.

You can still pay for your luggage online, just can't get boarding passes.

On United we were about to complete most of the check-in process online, just not print boarding passes. When we got to the Newark airport SXM travelers were directed to a separate check-in area. An agent at the beginning of the line checked our test results and the pre-approval letter before allowing us to approach the check-in counter were we got our luggage tagged an boarding passes issued. It was a Sunday morning about 6:30am and there were not many people so it went quickly.

Just flew out of JFK on Delta. We did not have to check bags, but could not get our boarding passes because they had to check our papers. It didn’t matter, bags or not, you had to get in that line as if you were checking bags. It was a mess, 90 minutes to be told we were in the wrong line! We had been told by two delta reps to go where we did. Had sent my husband out to explore as we saw people ahead that had mentioned going to SXM leave the line. He went to and found where we were “supposed” to be, but someone there said we won’t make it as they close check in an hour before the flight!!!! So they sent us both to the Santo Domingo line! We made it by 5 minutes! One hand doesn’t know what the other is doing, there really should be another check in for those without bags. And people should weigh their bags prior! The agents shouldn’t allow lines to be held up while people moving belongs around!!! Wish they had scales before you even get in line. It would really help speed up everything!

Wow Kim, sorry for your nerve wracking experience! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks. All good. But we are ALWAYS late and this time we left early to hang in the delta lounge. Not this trip!!! Got to gate 5 minutes before boarding started!!! Happy to have made it!

Wow, it sounds like, regardless of the airport, things are very messed up!!

Jeez, good thing we don't have to deal with that direct flight stuff and only have to fly to DFW and then to MIA and spend the night before heading down. LOL
Signed, your Pacific NW SXM Clan

Yeah, I get it, Todd! Point taken!! If it makes you feel any better, we had connecting flights from when we first started staying in SXM in 1995, until 2006.. And we do have to drive 3.5 hours to get the nonstop, but it surely is nice to have that option!!

Well, if you want an added laugh at my expense this prompted me to check my flights and AA has dropped our SXM to MIA portion of the trip as that would not make the new MIA to DFW time to be able to make the DFW to PDX portion. I am laughing, how do I get to MIA ? Presently in Playa Del Carmen waiting for an AA call back that should happen in a bit over two hours. Have to use wifi calling as you can't seem to call AA from Mexico even on what they list as the Mexico option.

At a minimum this will add a night at a hotel along the way, can live with that as we normally do but I hope they don't give away our First Class seats to MIA or the flights once that portion is figured out. Isn't travel swell ! Added note, only that I looked do I know this, reminds me of flying US Error.

OK, good luck!! As Roseanne Roseanna Danna used to say "It's always something!!"

Could be you'll be on the new SXM to Dallas flight instead.

We flew Jet Blue from Boston and were able to check in and get boarding passes on line, printed before we left. At airport we were directed to a line to check our paperwork Covid tests etc. Then told to go to counter with the bag we wished to check. Checked bag, got claim ticket and off to the gate.

When we left SXM we checked in and got printed boarding passes at the place where we stayed. At airport we were stopped at entry and paperwork checked include covid results then in line to JB counter to drop off bag before going to TSA. At end of TSA our boarding pass was checked and on to waiting area which had some places to eat. Beyond that a few stairs and a ramp down to gates. In same area at back was a large bar and restrooms.

Solution, stay two more nights. OK, if I have to.

so SXM directly to Dallas wasn't an option or suggested?

I’m sure it about breaks your heart to have to stay any longer. Yeah! Right!

No, understand that I am in Mexico dealing with this so don't have my normal resources but I don't see that flight operating in late April.

I will make the best of AA making me, against my will, an extra two days on island. Damn them! Lol.

Exactly the way we took it too Todd! We had to tack a day on either end of the days we had planned for April to make AA flights work, and while it was a bit stressful to reopen that can of worms for both of us career-wise, now the thought of the extra days at BSV has us downright giddy. Didn't hurt getting first class for the price we typically pay for coach either. We typically don't go in April, but we had such a great time in December we just had to do it. It was so worth it, especially once we navigated the EHAS process.

The flights from DFW are only during the summer months, at least at this point.

I wonder what type of beer you drink

It would be easier to name the ones I don't Todd, lol. "There are no good wars or bad beers." D. MacArthur