Porter at the Airport

lovestj · Post by **lovestj** » Wed May 02, 2007 12:29 pm

I have read about getting a Porter in the STT airport...can anyone tell me a little more about it. When we get there to check in - do we go to the Continental/American gate to check in? Or, where do we find the Porter?
Thanks...sounds like it will be really helpful, since we are traveling with a toddler this year.

Bill in Va · Post by **Bill in Va** » Wed May 02, 2007 12:44 pm

Hi there. When you arrive at the airport you should see the guys with the carts right by the taxi unloading area. We use them because you get to go through a short cut in the security line. Instead of going to the left from the counters you go from the right side down the hall to a short hall on the left and bingo you are looking at the security guy....God bless...Bill

Beachboy · Post by **Beachboy** » Wed May 02, 2007 12:45 pm

It is pretty easy. If you have a rental car just pull in as close to the check in point as you can. When you get out of the car unload the luggage and wave to a porter. They are always near the curb. While they load everything on the cart return your car and meet them at the check in area. They will take all the luggage at curbside, check you in, and get you and luggage to your airline inside of customs.

Sometimes they tell you the cost per bag and tell you they accept tips, and other times they will say to pay them what you think the service is worth.

If you arrive by cab it works the same way.

Ron in South Texas · Post by **Ron in South Texas** » Wed May 02, 2007 1:21 pm

Do you have to have your boarding pass or can the porter help with that, also?

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Wed May 02, 2007 1:23 pm

The porter waited for us to check in and get our boarding passes.

waterguy · Post by **waterguy** » Wed May 02, 2007 1:57 pm

I've had it both ways them geting your boarding passes and us getting them

CShell1019 · Post by **CShell1019** » Wed May 02, 2007 1:58 pm

hate to give the secrets away since they'll now be so popular but they've always checked me in and in fact in March we went right to the electronic terminal and she checked me in there immediately. Lots of stares from the long line but sure cuts down that wait time!

Ron in South Texas · Post by **Ron in South Texas** » Wed May 02, 2007 2:31 pm

nobody know 'cept us in this little ole forum. I shure ain't gonna tell nobody in that long stinky line. Y'all keep it hush, hush.

(That's my weak attempt at writing a Texas drawl)

Pickle · Post by **Pickle** » Wed May 02, 2007 3:28 pm

We’ve seen the porters at the airport but have never used them. How much do you normally pay them? Could you give us a general idea of the cost/tip?

waterguy · Post by **waterguy** » Wed May 02, 2007 3:35 pm

They ask for 2 dollars per bag But I give them 20 for our 4 bags

flip-flop · Post by **flip-flop** » Wed May 02, 2007 3:57 pm

We used a porter for the first time on our last trip (and incidentally the first w. the little one). That dude saved my life and my marriage. We had at least 6 bags + 2 boxes full of liquor + a kid + a stroller. He saw us getting out of the taxi and beelined to us. We were like sure. He only asked for $2/bag but I like someone else gave him a $20. WORTH EVERY PENNY.

He took us to a spot said stay there and then went around the other way. We were like...there goes our stuff... but then he reappeared told us to follow him and we breezed right though.

Pickle · Post by **Pickle** » Wed May 02, 2007 4:23 pm

Thank you very much for the information about the cost/tip.
We never really had a sweating experience (like standing in line forever) departing from STT airport either on weekdays or weekends. We normally arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to our departure and end up sitting at the gate for over an hour. Well, we never know what it will be like the next time, so good to know there is a service we can use.

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Wed May 02, 2007 4:31 pm

I understand exactly what you are saying Flip-Flop.

It never would have occured to us to use an airport porter pre-kid. Post-kid, they are my airport angels. Between pleasure trips and family visits, hubby and I have the division of travel labor down pat, he knows to immediately secure a porter.

coral babe · Post by **coral babe** » Wed May 02, 2007 5:38 pm

we gave them $20 for 2 or 3 bags, would have given double, we were late and only had an hour before flight time. the line was huge and snaking, and we never would have made it. so it was desparation, how are we gonna get on this flight? and the woman at the United counter said the magic words 'you can get a PORTER'. the people in front of us were equally as desparate and hysterical, blaming each other loudly. they were as incredulous as we were about the PORTER system. next time, we will simply leave A LOT of extra time before our flight. was so upset i only reported $12 to customs, forgot to report that Skinny Legs tee shirt, and the throwaway camera, arrest me!

BabaAus · Post by **BabaAus** » Wed May 02, 2007 8:01 pm

Good stuff to know.

I'll keep my mouth shut, too. Finally dawned on me NOT to encourage folks to visit StJ. Let 'em go to Aruba.

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