If we book Island Birds from VIJ to STT- do we bypass the cluster that can be customs and immigration if you just walked in from the "outside"? Do they escort you thru any special lines? I felt like they did in SJU when we used them but its been a few years. I realize we still have to clear customs, just wondering if there is another added benefit to booking charter?

I don’t know where Island Birds boards but if you are leaving the US there is no requirement to go through customs and on that size aircraft security. They could legally board you on the other side of the airport at the FBO. They could also board you around the side of the terminal. I would be very surprised if they required you to go through the airport quagmire. If they did what’s the point!

Thanks George. My plan is (as of now) to water taxi from St Thomas to Virgin Gorda (where timing is NOT hugely of the essence and the boat ride would be fun). But then fly the groups on Island Birds as they need to get back to STT. I think (?) that makes the most sense. Thank you for responding!!

I got your direction wrong. If you are flying from the BVI to STT you will have to clear both customs and immigration arriving in the US.

I can ask Nadya at Island Birds but contact can at times be challenging. I'm wondering if clearing C & I is in any way expedited when arriving via a charter. I sure wish STT would at least put some fun bars and restaurants indoor/outdoor so people wouldn't be so adverse to getting there super early Thank you George!! I always enjoy your knowledge.

I looked at the airport directory. Standard aviation offers customs services 24 hours a day at the FBO. I suspect they will clear in there but they could have a facility at the terminal also since I think Cape Air comes in there. Either way it should be painless compared to the mess leaving the STT airport.

We have flown IB to STT from EIS. You clear customs in a separate international arrivals area - the pilot walks you there (you take your own luggage). You then need to check in for your connecting flight and go through the standard departure C&I. Arrival C&I was quick. We fly Delta and have priority and global entry so never have large departure issues at STT.

Thank you. Good info. 👍🏼👍🏼

It feels like you do everything twice. There are separate C&I people at the arrival gate (10?). If you get there too early you will have to wait for them to show up. That is the good part. Once you get through that, you are right back in the lobby with everyone else who just showed up in a cab and you have to go through all the same procedure for your outbound flight. Global Entry usually helps as does TSA PreCheck.

I have global entry but I’m the only one. So that kind of defeats it’s benefit. Seems like a weird system. But good to know. As I mentioned in another post- I don’t think a lot of people would be so put off about STT and arriving super early if there was a fun, nice bar/ restaurant within the airport itself. Can’t fathom why no one has seen the investment potential. Thank you for the information. 😎

The only negative in this (water taxi from STT to VG) is it is into the prevailing seas , therefore rougher ride.... but I understand the boat ride on the way is fun

Oooh. Good point. Didn’t think of that. I have one passenger in one of the groups this would be a problem for. Tough way to start a vacation. Thanks for bringing that up …. Will need to consider that

Don't know if it helps you, but Cape Air flies between STT and EIS. The ferry from Trellis to VG is more protected.