What I quoted above ($724) is a direct flight out of Charlotte. We go down twice a year (May & November). I book my flights about 6 months out or sooner if I can. I have been able to book 1st class tickets out of Charlotte for only about $300 more for the two of us. The upcoming November trip will be our first direct flight post hurricanes. It could be that we usually go Saturday to Saturday and the flights are always full. Maybe that is the most expensive time to fly. But due to work, I have no choice. I am not a fan of American Airlines, but not much choice from Charlotte and we do like the direct to St Thomas. It is just simply not cheap to fly out of Charlotte. I just shake my head, pay the price knowing I will have my feet in the sand within 5 hours.