Newbie questions .. getting to STT -flights/connections

[lk-w00]

I thought STT would be a good vacation choice for Thanksgiving week 2009 .... because we could drive (reeeeeal early ) to Chicago for a direct flight down on a Saturday.... but the direct flight costs $200 each person, driving and parking = 4 hours, and theres no direct flight BACK to Chicago. Flights back to chicago get us there at least at 9 at night, so we would probably have to book an overnight stay before driving home again.
So if I stick with STT, which from this forum and other research looks like a great place to visit, Im now considering connecting flights from either CID, MLI or DBQ, or still driving to Chicago but paying less per ticket for a connecting flight.
The purpose of this post is to ask previous visitors their opinions on flights/connections in Charlotte, San Juan, Miami...any routing suggestions that could include driving to Chicago in exchange for a good price and just one connection vs two.
We are Atlanta and Delta-averse due to the last two trip events in Dec and March.
We tend to travel during holiday weeks which may increase the opportunities for these last two experiences, but thats when we can get away .
I rambled a lot here, but I keep researching the same thing and cant find the one best decision so I need more opinions on where we should connect, what airline etc, with the proviso of no-Delta no-ATL... fire away, any biased opinions welcome as well as facts. Thanks! Laurie

[vi lover]

I've never connected through San Juan because I've read only negative experiences with that route. Others will have to answer you directly on SJU.

I'll do it if I could save big $$$ on a ticket, but absolutely hate the Miami airport. If you are Atlanta-opposed, the I cannot imagine you'll be happy connecting in Miami. It is extremely crowded and as an international gate has an amazing amount of very confused passengers wandering looking for help (and finding none, generally).

I've connected through Charlotte often on business trips, and with family on our last STT vacation. I like the Charlotte airport. It's recently remodeled, clean, has multiple food and beverage options, and is laid out with enough space between gates that you don't feel completely like cattle being herded.

No doubt that a vaction in the USVI is well worth whatever travel inconveniences you may face. Just take is a step at a time and relax. The hot caribbean sun and the crystal clear blue waters will be well worth the effort.

Good Luck! Have Fun!

[lk-w00]

Thanks for the feedback! I looked at the charlotte airport website and do think a trip through there is in order.
New idea : fly out late , stay in CLT overnight ( looks like a few places to choose from ) and get the first flight to STT the next morning?

[crasherino]

Thanks for the feedback! I looked at the charlotte airport website and do think a trip through there is in order.
New idea : fly out late , stay in CLT overnight ( looks like a few places to choose from ) and get the first flight to STT the next morning?

I don't know the flight schedules from Chicago, but if you're factoring in an overnight stay, it may make sense to get to San Juan, stay over there, and then catch an early flight to STT, giving you a whole day on STT or wherever your final destination may be.

If you fly to MIA/ATL/CLT and stay over, you probably won't get to STT until well after noon.

[toes in the sand]

We fly from St. Louis. We usually fly AA to STT. My preference is to connect in Miami. I have never had problems with the airport there.
I have connected through San Juan, I have had to spend the night there a long time ago. I try to avoid SJU only because it tends to add time and cost to my flight. The leg from SJU to STT is as short a flight as I have ever taken. Up and right back down. Nice ride usually.
Have you checked with Spirit Airlines? You can get a flight from Chicago-Fort Lauderdale-St Thomas and the prices are low. I have not flown Spirit and I have heard both satisfied and non-satisfied reports about Spirit.

[aroobagirl]

In my experience, flying through SJU is a far superior to flying through Miami. The only downside to SJU is the lack of restaurants. AA in SJU flies the majority of Caribbean flights through one terminal of the airport making connections a breeze. Miami has flight connecting all over the airport and there always seem to be construction causing detours. Also, the personnel there are less than helpful.
Charlotte is a great airport and easy for connections. Downside is they handle a lot of US Air flights and I would worry about their future as an airline. They are consistently listed as one of the airlines at risk of going belly up.

[lk-w00]

Spirit - a long travel day and not a great enough $ bump ... now trying to figure out how to book a trip with an attempt to find an overnight in sju ... great idea! Yes even if we stay the night in charlotte ( and yes I have heebie jeebies about USAir too) we wouldnt get in til 2-something.