After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. Make sure you know what ID and documents your child needs to fly! If you have carry-on luggage and no checked bag, you could be in the clear at 40 minutes. Does STT airport have TSA Pre lines? Traveling Saturday morning, mid February. You must be checked in at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure and be at the gate at least 15 minutes before scheduled departure. One way to "speed" up the process a bit is to engage one of the porters who are there to help with luggage, etc. Youll want to factor in the time that it takes for you to park at the airport, pay for your parking (if youre pre-paying) and then walk or take a shuttle from the lot to the airport entrance. Intersting Places to Visit: Catherineberg. Go ahead and take off another 30 minutes (12:45 p.m.). Conversely, as someone whos arrived two hours ahead of take-off for an international flight and found themselves panicked and arriving at the boarding gate just on time, its not recommended. Do note, though, again, that this is only feasible at a very small airport. We have been coming for 29 years, The last ten we have rented from Amalie on STT. Makes the day a joy, not a grind. You want to arrive at the airport about two hours before your flight is scheduled to take off. Has anyone flown recently and is 4 hours accurate? Along these lines, consider the traffic youll need to battle as you drive to the airport. I would do 2 hours for sure if this week - crazy busy time of year for departures and you may get backed up in Customs and again at TSA. 3. Check for the TSA apps security lines before you check in. Some require you to be checked in for the flight 30 minutes before your departure. We flew out yesterday, a Saturday, and it took us two hours with a redcap. The longest line was for the baggage drop so if you're only doing carry But this is only a viable option if youre traveling alone or with one or two other capable adults (kids always make the airport process take longer), as well as if youre traveling out of a small airport that youre very familiar with. Taxi Cab Another plus for Saint Thomas is that it is considered to be the best shopping site in the Caribbean. About the porters. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. (More or less. Joe Reimers, a sales engineer from South Bend, Indiana, describes himself as a "conservative" traveler, especially when he's checking a bag. You can also use the CardMatch Tool (Read More: Learn How to Use CardMatch) to see what cards and offers you may already be prequalified for. Local Personal Drivers Ask our local personal drivers the best dining options for local dishes, like the Kallabo. You do not have to worry for your return, our private SUVs has access to any point in the island. WebTheres no need to check in for Eurostar, just scan your ticket at the ticket gate. When we left a couple of weeks ago, they had the line into customs divided by airline, though there were no signs or indication that they were doing this until you got close to the doors. St Somewhere on Picara Point is 20 minute drive by car from the airport and boasts a 5-star rating. Get answers to your questions about St. Thomas. Somehow, once you've completed the long wait to check into your flight, they manage to get you through the rest of the process (up to security) relatively quickly. However, its not at all uncommon to arrive at an airport for an international flight as much as four hours ahead of take-off. The Vacationer does not review or include all possible offers, credit cards or credit card companies. this was my first time seeing it and, although I love the regular airport bar, I wont make the mistake of opting for that one over this new one for my pre-flight libations again! This story was originally published on Feb. 19, 2017. You will need to plan ahead to get to and from the Honolulu airport in the right amount of time. It was the longest customs line Ive ever seen (line went from customs, to baggage claim and wrapped back all the way down past American ticketing counters). He sticks to the airline advice of two hours for international flights and 90 minutes for domestic flights. So, now if we could just get those arrival Cruzan samplers back, we will be in good shape both coming and going. Yes, its a tedious process. This ruling has been in effect for a few years. June 21, 2022 by Hillary Bonner. We'll redirect you to the home page of the country / region site you choose. WebRenting a car in St Thomas is your best option when deciding how to get around. Has anyone else been completely dissatisfied by this dump? Wednesday Thursday: 11 a.m. 4:30 p.m. , Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines. "I always allow two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international flights," he says. This will allow you all the time you need and enough breathing room to not feel overly stressed as you go through security, checking baggage, etcetera. You dont want to make things more stressful on yourself by squeezing all of this into an hour. Goa Tourism Goa Hotels Bed and Breakfast Goa Goa Holiday Rentals Flights to Goa Goa Restaurants Goa Attractions Goa Travel Forum Goa Photos Goa Map Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. All of the above included, youd need to arrive at the airport around 12:30 p.m., or two and a half hours before your flight departs. You dont want to be stuck in the airport at all! If, though, youre traveling with children, especially more than one child or a child thats elementary-age or younger, youll need more time. Click here to read the story on ExploreSTJ.com. If, though, youre parking directly at the airport and your airport has a conveniently connected garage, you might only need an extra 15 minutes or so. The Virgin Island Taxicab Division sets the rates calculated upon a per person/destination criteria. Most frequent travelers know that the rule of thumb for a domestic flight is two hours. NeedAward BookingHelp? Most airlines enable you to check in online, so there's no reason to be rushing to do this at the last second at the airport. All waiting for the a/c to come on! For instance, American Airlines advises passengers to be at the airport three hours before flight time for international departures and two hours for domestic flights. Is this a reasonable price? You can use curbside check-in if you have an electronic ticket (can scan it from your phone). The top factor that will impact how early you should arrive at the airport? If you miss your flight, you have a whole new set of problems. Weve all been there before. Additionally, if youre flying at any time around any holiday, be prepared for crowds (and the time needed to deal with them). The $20 you pay for a porter on your way home will be the best money you will spend in the USVI. Thanks! This will give you just enough time to arrive at the airport, park, check your luggage, head through security, and waltz right onto the plane just as boarding begins. Repeat (I forgot what it was, I think it was asking about purchases.) That means leaving his home at 1 a.m. for a 5 a.m. flight gives him the security of knowing that he won't miss his flight. Traveling for Christmas or Thanksgiving? Do not go to airport at 8PM for your 11PM delayed flight like we did. 2 hours B4 flight time always a minimum for me in case of delay along the way. Want to start an argument? If so, you may be able to skip some lines at the airport, saving yourself, in many cases, up to a good half an hour. International Flight No Checked Luggage: Check in at least 60 minutes before scheduled departure and be at gate at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure, St. Thomas (STT) With or Without Checked Luggage: Check in at least 3 hours before scheduled departure, American Airlines Minimum Time When Checking Bags, 90 Minutes Prior to Scheduled Departure: Caracas, Venezuela (CCS); Maracaibo, Venezuela (MAR); St. Thomas (STT), 75 Minutes Prior to Scheduled Departure: Buenos Aires (EZE); Dublin (DUB), 60 Minutes Prior to Scheduled Departure: San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU); All other international flights except the ones above, which require more time, 45 MinutesPrior to Scheduled Departure: Atlanta (ATL); Austin (AUS); Boston (BOS); Charlotte (CLT); Chicago (ORD); Cincinnati (CVG); Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW); Denver (DEN); Honolulu (HNL); Jacksonville (JAX); Kona (KOA); Lihue (LIH); Las Vegas (LAS); Los Angeles (LAX); Maui (OGG); Miami (MIA); Newark (EWR); New York (JFK); Orlando (MCO); Philadelphia (PHL); Phoenix (PHX); Pittsburgh (PIT); San Franciso (SFO); Seattle (SEA); St. Croix (STX); Tampa (TPA); Washington Dulles (IAD). Make the wrong calculation and youll end up missing your flight. The simple answer is: Two hours for domestic flights, three hours for international flights. My entire family will be on St John for Christmas. One strange thing about the STT airport is you don't check your bag at the initial check in counter. Sunday Tuesday, Friday Saturday: 7 a.m. 4:30 p.m. However, you definitely shouldnt arrive much later than the recommended time. Have you walked this path more times than you can count? One incredibly easy way to save time at the airport? Domestic Flight No Checked Luggage: Check in at least 45 minutes before scheduled departure and be at gate at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Dont wait in lines that you dont have to wait in! ", Did you get to the airport too late or too early? You might just need a few minutes to look at a map and figure out where your gate is located. You don't want to go there. Originally named Harry S. Truman Airport, and January 13, 2021: Friends trying to travel to Switzerland for a ski holiday are stopped at St Pancras. However, this time may be too much or not enough depending on even more factors. You dont want to risk using such a small amount of time if youre flying out of a major air hub. Cyril E. King St. Thomas STT airport transportation. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. And, I was grateful to not be the stressed out mother who was trying to jump the line for her flight that she and her kids were running late for as I was in the security line. I know you all have received this little memo and are not a huge fan of this suggested wait period at the airport. Dont have TSA PreCheck or another status that allows you to breeze through security? Depends on the class. , BASIC ECONOMY:Here's a refresher on those basic economy plane tickets. It is very stuffy in the airport. We usually have them from a previous trip, but you could try the customs office on St John near the National Park Building. Make your travel day to the airport an event instead of a dreaded occurrence. This is very impressive statistic considering it has only one main runway and 11 gates at the terminal. Always get the first ferry we can off STJ, and if its early, hit Magens for a swim, then a little lunch before we head to the airport with three hours to spare. How to enable JavaScript. In other words, larger airports just take more time, even if you do know exactly where youre going. Then theres likely no need for any extra time at the airport. There's an exception for flights to certain overseas destinations, which require that you check in earlier. If you find yourself frequently running late for flights, you want to check into what clearances like these can do for you. Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines. From there, its a few more steps to your gate. Airlines, on the other hand, don't want you milling around the boarding area for too long. [9] Passenger numbers grew steadily during the first few decades of operation. Most airlines require all checked baggage to be checked at least 45 minutes ahead of take-off. And with a record-breaking summer for air travel ahead, it's time to settle this question once and for all. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. Not familiar with the airport? more. There is a small bar at the airport with sports or whatever on. Word. # 5: Arrive in St. Thomas Take off another 15 minutes (1:15 p.m.). If you enjoyed this, join 200,000+ readers: pleasefollow TravelSort on Twitterorlike us on Facebookto be alerted to new posts. It may seem like alot, but just think about how much money you will have already spent on STJ, LOL! You will need to be at the St Thomas Airport a full 2 hours before your flight. Here are our top tips for arriving at the airport right on time. News of St. John Villa Rentals Has Launched. What airports offer direct flights to St Thomas? But if you want to know the minimum time needed to check-in, with and without luggage, fortunately many airlines do provide these details. A guide to the Island from celebrity spotting at luxury Sandy Lane to relaxing at Alleynes Bay to horse racing at the Turf Club. All other (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Before you just take a random guess at how early or late you should arrive at the airport, consider every element that could impact your experience. SEE JD POWER'S 2022 RANKINGS:Which is the best airline in the US? Sometimes you need it. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:What airlines owe you when flights are canceled, delayed. While it might not seem like it at first consideration, children can slow the airport process way down. Head past the nice dancers greeting you towards the baggage claim, this is a great opportunity for you to get a free shot of Cruzan Rum (produced in St. in 2 reviews, Everyone needs to get off their high horse, why not work a little hard burn a few calories than complain and not have everything handed to you on a gold platter! in 2 reviews, Great little airport; friendliest personnel I've seen in any of the (state) airports. in 3 reviews, 70 Lindbergh Bay St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00803. Avoid Being Forced to Gate Check a Carry-On Bag? Address: 2523 Graeber St, Bldg 390, March ARB 92518 is the new deployment center/PAX terminal. Recent statistics state that the airport supports close to 180 planes per day, with half being of the air taxi type. In my experience, the St. Thomas airport is one of the craziest I've flown out of (and have been there for many visits to St. John) and I'd definitely plan to get there at least 2 hours before the flight. The TSA advises arriving at the airport two hours before your flight for domestic travel and three hours before for international travel. If youre traveling during peak times like early morning or evening, or during holidays and other events, please plan accordingly and allow for extra time. Maps, check-in times, services and more will have you traveling like a pro at airports across our network. So, before your flight, check your airlines policy and make sure youre leaving enough time to get to your gate. How early will you need to wake up to make that early-morning flight (or even a mid-morning flight)? Or as suggested, you can leave even earlier and spend some time on St Thomas having lunch and leave your luggage with the taxi driver. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-108779032', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');airlines mandate 2 hours and the same 90 minutes. I shoot for two hours. Check our our Best and Worst Days to Fly for the Holidays guide. With Eurostar, border and luggage checks take place before departure, so we ask our passengers to arrive at the station early enough to complete them. Her favorite travel destinations include Chicago and New Orleans. Having said that, we leave on the ferry that is 3 hours before our flight. St. Thomas Airport- New Updates and Early Arrivals. For sanity's sake, I recommend allowing plenty of time for potential traffic delays in getting to the airport, time going through security (sometimes even the TSA Precheck line is long), and time to get to your gate. And that really is the object of this whole exercise: not to miss the flight. The Future of Caneel Bay Resort is Down to Two Options All or Nothing. The regional airports where you have to walk out onto the tarmac to get onto the plane. For most airports, you must be checked Some have hundreds of gates and none of them seem to be the one youre looking for. If you do not have a travel rewards credit card, our highest recommendation is the Chase Sapphire Reserve. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-108778897', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');St. Thomas airport at least 4 hours before our flight. Book this private ground transportation when going for a picnic with your family at Brewers Bay known for its shallow waters. Also, dont forget to leverage your airline credit card to save even more money when you travel. Other times, you simply go hangout in the new bar that opened up last year. Some are made up of multiple buildings that arent even connected. And forget the seasonal lull, which will probably be over by the time you're finished with this article. We always grab extra ones.