TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums US VI and Puerto Rico STT Departures

Is it still a good idea to use porters for departures at St. Thomas airport? We haven’t been there since 2021 and Covid was still an issue.

Four of our group of six have global entry as well. Is there a separate line for global entry as there used to be? Still recommend three hours? We have a Thursday AA 1:30p departure
Thanks

I speed thro C and I at Stt these days without Global entry..just a quick check of my passport and Green Card look at the camera and go.AA is still requiring the three hours and I do stick to that..others take their chances. A friend of mine did not get past the United desk to his flight with 90 minutes to go..refused to let him thro..spent the night inStt on his dime..

If you do not have Global Entry, using a porter is a good idea. Global Entry is faster than a porter. New since 2021 is the USDA scan of all luggage, including carryon. You have to drop your bags in the USDA scanner after C&I and before the checked bag dropoff / TSA Precheck / TSA security. Pork (lunch meat, sandwich, anything) is currently banned and will be flagged by the scanner, along with fruit & veg.

If you are checking bags, I would recommend getting to the airline kiosk 3 hours before your flight is due to take off. On Saturday 2/1 the STT security line was very long and Delta was recommending arriving four hours before your flight. Weekday departure should be less busy.

Global Entry has a dedicated lane to the right (this has changed before) of security. You must have your Global Entry card, though I have heard a rumor of Global Entry kiosks in planning. You can bypass the primary security line to get in the Global Entry line.

Cheers, RickG

Mal & Rick: Thanks for the great info, I knew y’all would have the 411.
I’ve never traveled with the G.E. cards, as the photo kiosks have been good in MIA, JFK, ATL. (I didn’t even break stride in MIA when coming back from the Bahamas in Nov!) We will be sure to bring the cards with the passports.
I'll suggest that our friends without G.E. should grab a porter. Sorry to hear it still takes so long for checkin. I presume the waiting area is still so utilitarian with ridiculous prices for food and drinks?

There is a new kiosk in the center of the waiting area that has better prepared foods than the cafe. They have roti, sandwiches, pastries. etc. Bottle of water is $4. There is a newer bar in the duty free liquor store that has bar stools and usually has the very good Frenchman Town Brewing beers.

Cheers, RickG

STT is the only airport I was ever asked for my GE card.

I clearly agitated the officer when I asked why as we enrolled in the program since the beginning and never needed the card. I was genuinely curious, giving them an hard time. Another officer pulled us out of line, asked us a few questions and sent us to security.

Take your card.

Great info, see my updated yesterday’s experience in BVI forum under taxi costs.
Used the GE card at TSA Photo ID station. TSA scanned that, didn’t need passport! (though AA counter had scanned earlier)

I am coming back to Tortola in just under 3 weeks after about a 16 year hiatus (life got in the way). I am flying into STT on a Wednesday afternoon and departing the following Wednesday afternoon on AA. I planned it this way to hopefully avoid a crowded airport (and some cruise ships). Should I still plan on the 3 hour before flight to arrive on the way back? I know it's probably a crap shoot, but it has to be much better than flying out on a weekend day.
I appreciate your feedback as this site has always been a wealth of information.

Mainskier, If you do online advance checkin, and only have carryon luggage you should be fine with <2 hours. If you have TSA too that will help. As I outlined over on the BVI taxi forum, grab a RedCap Porter and it will greatly speed and enhance the experience with or without checked luggage.