USVI-On-Line

(Although this is not for a trip to St. John, I know I'd get a faster answer from this forum!)

We have a flight from LGA (New York) to SKB (St. Kitts) with a plane change in MIA. When deciding what time we need to be at LGA for check-in, is this considered a domestic or international flight? My husband says domestic w/1 hr. ahead check-in since we change planes in MIA, but our traveling companions say international w/2 hrs. ahead check-in.

Thanks for your help! Hope to get back to the rock soon!!

same airline? if you are checking bags straight thru i think that you would call it international

Yes, same airline and bags will be checked through to SKB.

If you're checking in to both flights at LGA, you check in at the international counter...show passports, fill out forms, etc. But, you're boarding a domestic flight.

I'd allow extra time just because that whole international check-in process can be a PITA if AA has more people working the domestic and are woefully understaffed at the international kiosks

pipanale wrote:If you're checking in to both flights at LGA, you check in at the international counter...show passports, fill out forms, etc. But, you're boarding a domestic flight.

Very good point. I agree that we should plan to check in 2 hours ahead.

jigzmom wrote:

pipanale wrote:If you're checking in to both flights at LGA, you check in at the international counter...show passports, fill out forms, etc. But, you're boarding a domestic flight.

Very good point. I agree that we should plan to check in 2 hours ahead.

you may want to double check with the airline that you don't have to gather your bags and re-check in miami--jus to be on the safe side....

loria wrote:you may want to double check with the airline that you don't have to gather your bags and re-check in miami--just to be on the safe side....

Good point...I think everyone does that on the way home if you're stopping somewhere, right? It's great fun, especially when your flight into ATL was seriously delayed and you're wondering if you'll make the last connection home.

I've never done it going out of the US, but it's worth asking.

pipanale wrote:

loria wrote:you may want to double check with the airline that you don't have to gather your bags and re-check in miami--just to be on the safe side....

Good point...I think everyone does that on the way home if you're stopping somewhere, right? It's great fun, especially when your flight into ATL was seriously delayed and you're wondering if you'll make the last connection home.

I've never done it going out of the US, but it's worth asking.

On the way home we have to clear Customs in MIA so yes, we'll gather bags and do the dance. But going down I believe our bags will be checked all the way through to SKB, since that's where we will clear Customs.

We made the mistake of thinking that same type of flight (Washington to Miami then St Kitts) was domestic. We got a rousing scolding from the check-in agent when we got there 1 hour, instead of 2 hours ahead. She said she almost didn't let us on the flight - and we had first class tickets! They considered it international. I would recommend getting to airport 2 hours ahead.

I think the key here is that the itinerary is international. They check the travel documents before you ever start. That way you are not stuck in MIA with no ability ot go to SKB. I see them checking passports all the time at our regional airport that has no international flights. They note it in the record and then you don't need to do it at DFW/MIA/ATL or wherever you are leaving the US.

Allow the time at LGA and enjoy the trip.

JIM

Thank you all for your replies! The answer was received this morning in the form of on-line check in. I was a bit surprised that I could check in to an international flight on-line, but seems I can, at least on American. Checked us in all the way to St. Kitts, with a reminder to arrive at least two hours ahead of flight time.

Wheels up at 6am. I cannot wait to get out of this miserable weather in Connecticut!

pipanale wrote:If you're checking in to both flights at LGA, you check in at the international counter...show passports, fill out forms, etc. But, you're boarding a domestic flight.

I'd allow extra time just because that whole international check-in process can be a PITA if AA has more people working the domestic and are woefully understaffed at the international kiosks

I don't think LGA has an international desk/counter. The only international flights LGA handles are ones that go to Canada or other close by countries that have customs on the other end (the bahamas I think). At Dorval, for instance, you go through US customs before you board the flight.

So, basically, you check in as you would for a flight to Miami. Perhaps you'll need to show your passport, but that's about it.