USVI-On-Line

Rick and PJ, that boarding pass thing happened to us last year. So this year we didn't bother printing them on STJ. The porter took care of everything and it was well worth the tip we gave her which she seemed to really appreciate.

Ksea wrote:Rick and PJ, that boarding pass thing happened to us last year. So this year we didn't bother printing them on STJ. The porter took care of everything and it was well worth the tip we gave her which she seemed to really appreciate.

KSea, did you get turned away at the security line? If that's the case the main benefit of going carryon-only (skipping the check in line) is gone.

Cheers, RickG

Rick,

We had a couple of bags to check. The only way to do that was to wait in that very long check-in line. There is no curb side checkin like we have at DCA or Dulles as Im sure you already know! We presented our pre-printed boarding passes to the gal at the counter. She threw them in the trash and printed new ones. Since we have always had at least one bag to check, I don't know what the procedure is with carry-on only. I doubt it has changed since your last visit, but anything is possible. Im sticking with using a porter...so easy and no waiting in any lines.

We started using a porter after our son arrived and I can't see us ever going back to not using one at STT.

I am still amazed that:

1.) the porters can just jump the lines the way they do. Do you think they share their tips with the gate agents?

2.) a riot hasn't broken out in the check-in lines.

In Feb, our porter parted the seas (we later learned the US Air line alone to check in was over 1.5 hours) and marched us to the front of the line. It was almost embarassing. I am sure more than one person in line would have liked to kick our butts.

We will definitely use a porter on our next trip in April. There will be 6 adults and 3 kids. I'm guessing 6 or 7 bags. What would an appropriate tip be in this case. I hate trying to decide if I am being too cheap or too generous. Just looking for a rough idea of those that have used a porter in the past have tipped.

Our porter told us the per bag cost, which I can't remember, and I think she got about $20 per family on top of her fee in tips.

Our porter did not charge a fee. Tip only. It was suggested to us that we give her $20. There were 3 of us and 3 small bags.

DELETED

Hey, Rick, we haven't been to STJ since the 3oz carry-on restriction. We used to just carry-on, but now what do you do about sun-block? I know we'll need more than 3oz.

Pack sunblock in checked baggage. If you're only doing carry on, 3 oz. is it, so I guess you would have to buy it in STT or STJ.

We' started using a porter a few yeasr ago and will never go back. It's the best $20 we spend on the trip. I've never had anyone tell me how much it was. We usually only have 4 bags and we give them a $20. As with most things like this, not having a fixed price usually will yield them more. And if someone undercuts you you can always come back and say it's more.

As for people in line getting pissed off, I don't think people really think much about it. IF they notice, they probably assume you've got some special arrangement or something. I have never heard of anyone saying anything about it from the line.

Like most things in the world these days, ANYONE can take advantage of this service, you just have to pay for it.

I guess if the lines weren't too bad or it was a slow day I'd save my $$$ but if it's busy... "Porter Please!"

As with most things on island I would bet a week's pay that the ticket agent is getting some under the table cash from the porters.

After all, if the gate agents didn't cooperate and print out the boarding passes then there would be little advantage realized for the traveller.

Personally I like the fact that I don't have to haul my bags to security!!

mcdomzal wrote:Hey, Rick, we haven't been to STJ since the 3oz carry-on restriction. We used to just carry-on, but now what do you do about sun-block? I know we'll need more than 3oz.

Chelsea Drugs has a great selection of sun block and other toiletries. On STT K-Mart, Cost U Less and the drug stores are cheaper.

Cheers, RickG

Shhhhh.....don't spread the word.

Pretty soon, everybody will be using a porter and then we'll all have to stand in line for that.

We've used the same porter twice. Her name is Daphne and I have her number if anybody is interested.

I too feel embarrassed by doing this, but we were at the airport on a Saturday, May 2008 2 hours early and if we didn't use her, we would have NEVER made our flight. It was that bad.

Daphne is the Woman!!!