Denied boarding on one way ticket?

[MissCrabette]

I just made my reservations to St. Maarten on the American Airlines website. It turns out I made a mistake and I called them to rectify it. I was told that I would be denied boarding on a one way ticket if I didn't have immigration papers. Now I'm curious about other people's experiences. Help.

[sheikh1]

Just get two way ticket.........

[MissCrabette]

I'll get a refundable ticket to San Juan. Crisis averted.

Now that I had a chance to calm down I realize that this has been discussed before, but it's still a good reminder to the incoming class.

[tpw2k]

you can get a one way ticket. In the acceptance packet, there is an immigration letter which you bring with you and show the ppl there.

[knowwhen]

It's not just the immigration people that can give you problems. The airlines have their own internal policies set up based on how long countries allow you to remain as a tourist. When I was checking in at San Francisco, US Air wanted me to buy another ticket for a flight home, even though I had already paid for a round trip ticket, simply because my return home was booked 3 1/2 months out (for the end of the semester) and the island only allows you to remain for 30 days as a tourist. After a 15 minute discussion, showing her my school paperwork and her attempting unsuccessfully to reach her supervisor, she finally decided to allow me to check in!

[MissCrabette]

That's a good point. It doesn't matter what papers you have in hand if your check in person decides to stick to the airline's rules. And besides, the papers the students and spouses have are simply requests for immigration, so you'd be hard pressed to prove that you will actually be granted temporary residence. I think we'll err on the safe side.

[bhs2a]

Yikes! I have only purchased one way tickets. I thought the immigration letter would suffice. ;(

[tpw2k]

this is what I plan on doing, first buy a roundtrip ticket, get your temporary stay permit, then when you go back to your home, buy one way back to saba.

[rdecastro]

Don't sweat it. If worse comes to worse, be prepared to buy a full-fare, one-way return ticket without restrictions.

Then cancel it as soon as you get to Sint Maarten, for a full refund (thats why you get a full-fare unrestricted ticket).

I've never had a problem, even with a variety of 1-way (not round-trip) tickets that I've used to get to SXM. It's never even come up. I've flown on American Airlines, American Eagle, US Air, and Jet Blue (as far as Puerto Rico).

[MinnesotaMed]

I flew one-way to St. Maarten, and I never once got asked why I only had a one-way ticket. I didn't even have to take out my immigration letter. They just stamped my passport in St. Maarten, and I was on my way.

[GFLIP]

The school letter didn't work for me - the ticket agent told me that she had to abide by the rules of the airlines.... so I bought a $400 ticket that was easily refundable online.

[AUCMD2006]

depends on the person...these policies are enforced randomly. if you are stopped before boarding you are aout of luck and have to get the refundable ticket but if you are allowed to board and make it to sxm manke sure you stand in the line with the woman...she could care less who comes and goes..you can also go to travelocity the day you leave and put a 24 hour hold on a return flight then print that and show them that you have a ticket on hold.

[MissCrabette]

I just looked to see if I can do that on Travelocity and they clearly say that you cannot put a hold on tickets and that all tickets have to be paid for upfront. I think you can do that through some airlines directly, but do you really want to be put in the position of having to debate the airline's regulations when it comes to one way tickets and how a hold is just as good as a ticket?

[GFLIP]

just buy a refundable ticket at the counter (if it comes down to it) - you can refund it online. it's easy.

[AUCMD2006]

I just looked to see if I can do that on Travelocity and they clearly say that you cannot put a hold on tickets and that all tickets have to be paid for upfront. I think you can do that through some airlines directly, but do you really want to be put in the position of having to debate the airline's regulations when it comes to one way tickets and how a hold is just as good as a ticket?

maybe its the type of ticket. i always got business or first class and was able to hold them for 24 hours..maybe it has changed since..it seems like just getting a refundable ticket is the way to go

[50ishdoc]

That pretty well sums it up, just fly first class.