As everyone takes turns at the boarding pass kiosks or stops to take commemorative selfies of your girls trip, youre wasting precious time. You might be able to give yourself a half an hour back if the airport isnt crowded, or if youre not traveling at a large airport, or if you dont have to park off-site. 70 Lindbergh Bay St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00803. Then you end up sitting in the airport for hours. If theres no line, you can get this done in as little as five minutes, easy. Is four wheel drive needed in St. Thomas and should I buy the extra insurance? Transportation from St. Thomas to Virgin Gorda, then to St. John. Can you please chaperone a Humane Society shelter pet on your flight back home? 1) When should I get to the airport? Want to start an argument? On the other hand, you could make a wrong calculation in the other direction. St John's and a possibly a second island? I know, I knowWe have talked about this before! 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. St. Thomas Airport Shuttle Service. To see St. Thomas, expect a 32 square mile island loaded with activities from snorkeling to shopping. St. Thomas Roundtrip Transfer is an available pre-booked service that offers relaxed and capable transportation to your destination. Exceptions Minimum Check-In Times by Airport AIRPORT DOMESTIC W/OUT CHECKED BAGS ON INTL-BOUND FLIGHT Allentown, PA (ABE) 45 minutes 1 hour Atlanta, GA (ATL) 30 minutes 1 hour Aspen, CO (ASE) 45 minutes 1 hour Baltimore, MD (BWI) 30 minutes 1 hour 34 more rows Others are labyrinths of hallways and liminal spaces that seem to go nowhere at all. If your destination requires specific travel documents, remember to bring a completed copy with you to the airport. NORMALY mid week departures are not to bad. But you never know if there is a computer problem or a charter flight or any of a hundred other problem Our fee is as low as $75 per ticket if you book your hotel through us. "Flying out of less familiar airports on return trips is a different story," he says. Our resort is telling us to arrive at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We arrived about 90 minutes early, and there was no line at customs and no line at security. The slowest times of the day are early morning and evening. I see no reason at all to be there 4 hours in advance when you have no bags to check and have checked in online. We always grab extra ones. If you have carry-on luggage and no checked bag, you could be in the clear at 40 minutes. St. Thomas Tourism St. Thomas Hotels St. Thomas Bed and Breakfast St. Thomas Vacation Rentals St. Thomas Vacation Packages Flights to St. Thomas St. Thomas Restaurants Things to Do in St. Thomas St. Thomas Travel Forum St. Thomas Photos St. Thomas Map St. Thomas Travel Guide All St. Thomas Hotels; St. Thomas In April (I forgot what it was, I think it was asking about purchases.) 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. If, though, youre flying on the busiest days of the week or time of day, youll want to add a little extra time to your airport itinerary. There is considerable general aviation types of aircraft associated with this airport due to Ace Flight Center, an aviation school. Originally named Harry S. Truman Airport, and Cookie Policy - Note that it varies: Alaska advises passengers checking bags to arrive at the airport 2 hours before scheduled departure, and passengers without checked luggage to arrive 90 minutes before scheduled departure. So, the bottom line here is, the wait inside the airport isnt that horrible. more. 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. Just flew back yesterday. Plus, if you're a frequent flyer or flying business or first class or otherwise have airport lounge access, it's not such a bad thing to have extra time in the lounge to get work done or catch up on emails before your flight. So its only really news when a great musician or band puts out a turgid stinker. Book our taxicab drivers to take you to the stores with the best bargains. The St. Thomas airport is packed on St Somewhere on Picara Point is 20 minute drive by car from the airport and boasts a 5-star rating. Cyril E. King St. Thomas STT airport transportation. Should we use the Ferry from Charlotte Amalie to West End. > Click here to read the story on ExploreSTJ.com. So, while 45 minutes could be plenty of enough time for a regional, small domestic flight, it is not at all recommended for an international flight, no matter how well you know the airport. AA year-round mandates passengers be at the airport 3 hours in advance, all other airlines 2 hours. Please enable JavaScript to fully experience this site. While it might not seem like it at first consideration, children can slow the airport process way down. We just threw a lot of information your way. You dont want to miss a trip, especially one that will take you to another country. Of course, this is a calculation for a traveler whos traveling with the most headaches possible and who is completely unprepared. Here are our top tips for arriving at the airport right on time. Delta Airlines recommends that all passengers traveling in the domestic U.S. be at the airport 75 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Know your airport inside and out? Have you invested in the CLEAR Expedited Airport Program? Although this is technically an internal flight, do we need to allow extra time for security, or would the standard one hour suffice? Aim for flights with take-offs either before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Tell us about your experience. When shes not writing, you can find her exploring the mountains near her home in the Adirondacks. But then again, as science fiction wri ter Theodore Sturgeon once said, when asked why so much science fiction was garbage, 90% of everything is crap. Updated: How Long to Renew a US Passport in 2023? Take off an additional 15 minutes. And with a record-breaking summer for air travel ahead, it's time to settle this question once and for all. Dont wait in lines that you dont have to wait in! So, now if we could just get those arrival Cruzan samplers back, we will be in good shape both coming and going. The ferry takes approximately 20 minutes to cross over to Cruz Bay, St John. Stretched Limousine Taking vacations in a world class destination, hire our limousine services and enjoy an elegant ride to Bones Rum Shop where you can enjoy the best daiquiris ever. But do you want to risk it? Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines. 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). One strange thing about the STT airport is you don't check your bag at the initial check in counter. Site may not meet accessibility guidelines. While youre all adults, adults in packs are just a little slower. The TSA and airports want you to get there earlier, each for its own reasons. "At very large airports, I may go even longer," he adds. Kellyanne Conway and husband George SPLIT after 22 years following admission in her 2022 memoir that her husband's criticism of Trump was a betrayal Other airlines require you to be on the plane 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. An Online Blog About the Daily Happenings of St. John, USVI. In addition to the Hibiscus Cafe (cafeteria style food court and bar) and the scattering of snack and beverage kiosks that have been around for ages, there is now a lovely little coffee shop and bakery, an extensive gift shop, a duty free shop with an expansive bar and free rum tasting and a ton of new seating! Sometimes you need it. Check-in for your flight ahead of time, online. You might just need a few minutes to look at a map and figure out where your gate is located. Beatrice Murch, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. The extra hour gives you enough time to go through the lengthier check-in process, as well as immigration and passport control if needed. VI All other (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Not checking a bag? If youre not checking any baggage, this eliminates any need to talk to anyone when you first arrive at the airport. It was proposed in 1973, but was delayed in the courts. So how can you appropriately calculate how much time you need at the airport? Close to everything. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. But these guidelines don't take into account the fact that you're dealing with people some with mobility problems, others who are nervous and would arrive a day before their flight if they could. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Is this accurate? For check-in: 180 minutes (3 hours) prior to departure But what very few tell you is that before the snow, ice and subzero temperatures arrive, there is a sustained period of early winter when this region makes the UK look bright, dry and cheery Remember technically, if you arrive at the airport at 3 p.m. for a 3:45 p.m. flight, you dont have 45 minutes. However, if you want an SUV, plan to spend anywhere from $150-$230/day. We usually have them from a previous trip, but you could try the customs office on St John near the National Park Building. There's an exception for flights to certain overseas destinations, which require that you check in earlier. [7] Parking at an off-site lot? We know, we know. I know you all have received this little memo and are not a huge fan of this suggested wait period at the airport. WebI've been traveling to St. Thomas for quite sometime now and the arrival process overall has generally been very efficient. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. First things first, start with your take-off time and then factor for whenever a particular airline stops boarding. This is a reliable door-to-door service and has daily pickup and drop off. Two popular companies are St. Thomas & St. John Tour Company and Islander Taxi Service Inc. Dolphin Water Taxi and St. Thomas Water Taxi offers island-hopping service to various locations like St. John, Crown Bay, Peter Island and Copper Island among others including Exclusive Luxury Transportation. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Holly Riddle is a freelance travel, food, and lifestyle journalist who also dabbles in ghostwriting and fiction. Arrive at the airport at least an hour-and-a-half before your scheduled departure. and not have everything handed to you on a gold platter! Checking ahead of time will keep you prepared. A personal guide to the Caribbean Island of Barbados by Children's Author Helen Burns. Does the STT airport have a TSA Pre-Check line for passengers that have those credentials? Good mention about the food choices. Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines. As of April 2022, please have your mask on when Additionally, if youre flying at any time around any holiday, be prepared for crowds (and the time needed to deal with them). (More or less. News of St. John Villa Rentals Has Launched. Saba Lou - She Is The Keeper Of My Soul 42. Granted, you will still have waiting time, but at least it is not spent waiting in lines. Do you have TSA PreCheck or another similar VIP status provided by your airline loyalty program or credit card? Dont have TSA PreCheck or another status that allows you to breeze through security? The minimum times for check-in and baggage check have changed for St. Thomas (STT): The regional airports where you have to walk out onto the tarmac to get onto the plane. [9] Passenger numbers grew steadily during the first few decades of operation. Link opens in new window. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a2931286410f0f0acb3d2a269867d69f" );document.getElementById("h6ebdf975f").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It does have that line, but you still have to wait in line to go through customs first with all your luggage (including checked bags), then wait in line to drop your luggage off at the TSA screening conveyor belt, then you get in line for Pre TSA. We have been 10 times and always leave earlier than later. Melissa Mary Ahern - Someday Soon 43. Whether youre flying domestically or internationally. Thanks again for this very useful information. Is this a reasonable price? 2 hours B4 flight time always a minimum for me in case of delay along the way. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How to Get to St. John: The Best Airfare Tips & Tricks, BVI Update: Relaxed Entry Protocols and Mask Mandates, A Unique Lens: Crystal Kayaking and Paddleboarding at Maho Beach. WebThe minimum times for check-in and baggage check have changed for St. Thomas (STT): For check-in: 180 minutes (3 hours) prior to departure For boarding passes or to check Also I would like to mention that I love your newsletters in my inbox. Large airports are an entirely different beast altogether. Delta and American could go to the right side of the double doors, while every other airline had to wait in the left line that snaked out behind the bag check-in kiosks and out to the curb. You can do it 24 hours in advance. But I tried several of them in different locations last Wednesday and they all worked just fine. Have your taxi driver find you one, or just call out "porter". We were there 3 hrs early! The lines were crazy long! Never again! Not worth it!! 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. WebFrom Cruz Bay, St. John to Crown Bay, St. Thomas the ferry ride takes about 35 minutes; and arrives at Crown Bay Marina. It may seem like alot, but just think about how much money you will have already spent on STJ, LOL! Could you get from the entrance to your gate blindfolded? Were US citizens, not checking bags, already have boarding passes. 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. In some cases, you might need three hours. Its nice to be updated on all the happenings on St. John. 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. If you find yourself frequently running late for flights, you want to check into what clearances like these can do for you. 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. Yes, its a tedious process. Checking a bag? SEE JD POWER'S 2022 RANKINGS:Which is the best airline in the US? American Airlines Minimum Time When Checking WebInformation About the Airport in St. Thomas. Make sure you know what ID and documents your child needs to fly! 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. Along these lines, consider the traffic youll need to battle as you drive to the airport. Youre both competent adults and know what youre doing. If youre traveling on a traditionally slow day of the week or time of day, you may be able to arrive at the airport a little closer to your take-off time than you might otherwise. Go ahead and take off another 30 minutes (12:45 p.m.). Avoid Being Forced to Gate Check a Carry-On Bag? In general, the minimum time youre going to need for a domestic flight is around 45 minutes before take-off. . WebIf you need to catch an international flight from JFK, you must arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight. Become a TravelSort Clientand Book 5-Star Hotels with Virtuoso or Four Seasons Preferred Partner Amenities! Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. There is a small bar at the airport with sports or whatever on. Verify to immediately update business information, respond to reviews, and more! Shared Ride Van Search and book a shared ride van for enjoying the most popular beach at Magens Bay and enjoy the public park. I shoot for two hours. How early will you need to wake up to make that early-morning flight (or even a mid-morning flight)? WebThe address of STT is No. Marriott Frenchman's Reef All Inclusive vs Non, Marriott's Frenchman's Cove, A Marriott Vacation Club Resort, The Westin Beach Resort & Spa, at Frenchman's Reef. The first flights out in the morning are nowhere near as busy as those in the afternoon, and weekdays are less busy than weekends but the general r Taxi Cab Another plus for Saint Thomas is that it is considered to be the best shopping site in the Caribbean. . Click here to read the story on ExploreSTJ.com. Good Luck! For the most time savings, opt to take a ride share service to the airport, so you can be immediately dropped where you need to go. The Cyril E. King Airport in St Thomas will soon begin a major transformation project. AA year-round mandates passengers If you enjoyed this, join 200,000+ readers: pleasefollow TravelSort on Twitterorlike us on Facebookto be alerted to new posts. Perspective. What music events are happening on St. Thomas and St. John? I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Thanks! Link opens in new window. North Shore: 45 minutes to an hour. Additionally, either print your boarding pass at home or download a mobile boarding pass. Domestic Flight With or Without Checked Luggage: Check in at least 40 minutes before scheduled departure EXCEPT 45 minutes before scheduled departure at Atlanta (ATL), Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS) and Philadelphia (PHL) and 60 minutes before scheduled departure for King Salmon and Dillingham between June 1 and August 31. International Flight With or Without Checked Luggage: Check in at least 60 minutes before scheduled departure EXCEPT 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure at Guadalajara (GDL). And, I will say, my early arrival at the airport for my flight last week kept me stress free and easy breezy as I leisurely made my way through customs and TSA and nestled in at the Hibiscus Caf in the company of an old friend that I happened upon in security. If you are flying American and checking bags, you probably dont need to wait in line for an agent. Try online check-in or enroll in programs like TSA PreCheck to avoid long check-in and security lines. St. Thomas, Helping them go through security, taking unanticipated bathroom breaks as needed it adds up to extra minutes you may not have. Good Morning, Good Morning! Never mind the overpriced airport food, the tacky duty-free shops your local airport wants you to frequent, or the pat-down the TSA agents hope you'll endure. However, this time may be too much or not enough depending on Our plane arrives early in ST Thomas. Airports arent exactly known for their user-friendliness. You can't check bags more than 4 hours before departure when flying from: , Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines. It may help to note the likely motives behind the advice. But if youre traveling from a new-to-you airport even a small, regional one youll want to allow yourself a little extra time, even if its just 15 extra minutes. And, to me, the stress of ALMOST missing your flight is never worth the worry. Many philosophers, such as Isabelle Thomas-Fogiel, claim to have refuted realism. We had many, many things go wrong on our departure flight, not the least of which was 34 passengers bumped and a 3 hour delay wherein everyone missed their connecting flights Best St. John secluded beach to visit during honeymoon week. And that really is the object of this whole exercise: not to miss the flight. 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. Traditionally, some of the slowest days for airports are Tuesday through Thursday. Also, dont forget to leverage your airline credit card to save even more money when you travel. You dont want to make things more stressful on yourself by squeezing all of this into an hour. thanks for the update, maybe you can answer something. ", Did you get to the airport too late or too early? A guide to the Island from celebrity spotting at luxury Sandy Lane to relaxing at Alleynes Bay to horse racing at the Turf Club. A Daily St. John Blog & Island Tours By Jenn Manes. You want to arrive at the airport about two hours before your flight is scheduled to take off. 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. The Virgin Island Taxicab Division sets the rates calculated upon a per person/destination criteria. A couple of new parents in their early twenties are set to become empty-nesters before they hit 30 - after adopting two teenagers. What will the weather be like for our trip? You will need to be at the St Thomas Airport a full 2 hours before your flight.