usvi-on-line
Departing question
Departing question
We have only flown out of STT on a monday. I remember reading somewhere how bad it is to get thru the airport on saturdays. My question is: we leave at around 4:15 (on the 18th Im dreading that part already) 
What would be the best time to catch the ferry over so we will have time to check in and make the flight on time? We plan on using a porter as I have read this is quicker and there is only Hubby and I.
Thanks...
What would be the best time to catch the ferry over so we will have time to check in and make the flight on time? We plan on using a porter as I have read this is quicker and there is only Hubby and I.Thanks...
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piscesgirl0314
- Posts: 598
- Joined: Thu Sep 25, 2008 12:31 pm
- Location: Chesapeake, VA
Hi there
We've always left out on a saturday and have never had any issues...We do everything leisurly while we're there and always have to be out of the villa by 10ish. I would probably do the Charlotte Amalie noonish ferry...(forgive me folks if there isn't a noon ferry...I added the "ish") and not rush...that would give you PLENTY of time...just my two cents! Have a GREAT time...
We've always left out on a saturday and have never had any issues...We do everything leisurly while we're there and always have to be out of the villa by 10ish. I would probably do the Charlotte Amalie noonish ferry...(forgive me folks if there isn't a noon ferry...I added the "ish") and not rush...that would give you PLENTY of time...just my two cents! Have a GREAT time...
We came home on a 4 PM flight on a Saturday our last trip. Granted, it was "in season" but it was WAY busier than any other time we've left. The ferry over to STT was packed. The line to get tickets went all the way down the street--I don't even know if everybody got on or not. This was for the 11:30 ferry to town.
Then, when we arrived in town, everyone crowded in to a small space to wait for the luggage to be unloaded--and because there were so many people that took a long time too. People were shoving to get to their bags...I could not believe how anxious everyone was to leave! What were they thinking??
Once we actually got to the airport, check in was a breeze. No line at the airport counter, and getting through the customs line took less than 10 minutes. Security was another 15 minites or so, I think. We did end up with what we thought was going to be two hours to wait in the terminal, but we had sandwiches from Deli Grotto, and our flight ended up taking off 45 minutes early anyway.
Go early.
Then, when we arrived in town, everyone crowded in to a small space to wait for the luggage to be unloaded--and because there were so many people that took a long time too. People were shoving to get to their bags...I could not believe how anxious everyone was to leave! What were they thinking??
Once we actually got to the airport, check in was a breeze. No line at the airport counter, and getting through the customs line took less than 10 minutes. Security was another 15 minites or so, I think. We did end up with what we thought was going to be two hours to wait in the terminal, but we had sandwiches from Deli Grotto, and our flight ended up taking off 45 minutes early anyway.
Go early.
It's like looking in your soup and finding a whole different alphabet.
We always travel on Saturdays due to my husband's schedule. Yes, it is busy. I would take the 1:00 ferry to Red Hook or the 1:15 ferry to Charlotte Amalie. You should be fine with that, especially if you get a porter. We leave STJ about 3 hours before our flight (no less) and it has worked for us many times.
Going "home" again October 26th!
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smilesfromMN
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Mon Jan 01, 2007 10:19 am
- Location: MN
Just follow what all the smarties on this board suggest - they've never steered me wrong! 
We just returned this past Saturday 
and I had the same type of question on the board a few weeks back. The timing that they suggested worked out just right - depending on CA ferry schedule, give yourself 3-4 hours. Also, the suggestion of getting lunch/snack/dinner food from Deli Grotto or Baked in the Sun is wonderful! We did this and it made the airport wait and long flight much easier for all of us. Have a super vacation!!
We just returned this past Saturday and I had the same type of question on the board a few weeks back. The timing that they suggested worked out just right - depending on CA ferry schedule, give yourself 3-4 hours. Also, the suggestion of getting lunch/snack/dinner food from Deli Grotto or Baked in the Sun is wonderful! We did this and it made the airport wait and long flight much easier for all of us. Have a super vacation!!