New Departure Rules at STT for AA

Looks like this will be a problem for ferry users <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

I'm kind of confused as to this 'show up three hours early'. Does that mean 'check in three hours early'?? Because if so, you can check in online if you have access to a printer or a mobile app..

Regardless of using advanced check in I think the crux of the matter is AA will not accept baggage after 90 minutes before a flight. Not sure if that means when they tag the bag at the counter or you drop it off at the TSA inspection machines.

First sentence:

ST. THOMAS - American Airlines passengers flying out of King Airport soon will have to show up at the airport at least three hours early to catch their flights out of the Virgin Islands.

AA has so messed with us the last few years that we are trying Delta in May. Finger's crossed... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Flying Delta in December. AA no longer, even in the winter per my inquiry, has direct non stop flights from either Newark or JFK. From the NY area, you would need to fly through either Miami or San Juan. United also ended their non stops to STT and also requires transfer. Seems now that Delta is the only sane alternative in the NY area unless you want to connect to Beef Island which is much more costly than non stop to STT and ferry.

FYI, I think they could recommend you show up 3 hours early, but I don't think they could enforce that.

I'm glad we are flying in on AA but out on United during our next trip!

I think you're right, that's probably only a recommendation for 3 hours early, unless they enforce it by requiring you to check in 3 hours early. But I think that Glen probably has it right--where the 'rubber meets the road' is that they won't accept any checked bags after 90 minutes before the flight. So, what does that mean, if you only have carry on bags, what time do you have to be there?

AA has no way of enforcing anything other than a boarding deadline if you have your boarding pass and you're carryon only. On 9/14 I arrived at 6:30am for an 8:05am flight. Boarding for the sold out flight started around 7:30am. The first time I interacted with AA was at the gate for the ticket check.

Cheers, RickG

How can you show up 3 hours early for the 8:10 MIA flight if the airport opens at 6am? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

The thing about arriving an hour before the airport opens and the statement that the new policy that "came down from above" leads me to believe that the decision was made by some exec looking at MIA late arrival statistics and has never actually been to STT.

You should also know the A/C is being worked on -- today from the Port Authority:

Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) Executive Director Carlton Dowe assures the travelling public and tenants at the Cyril E. King Airport that VIPA is working to resolve air conditioning problems experienced at the terminal today.
The system at the King Airport Terminal is currently at 50 percent capacity. Dowe said that the authority’s contracted repair company, Trane Puerto Rico, has found that a sensor on the main chiller needs to be replaced. The part is being shipped from Puerto Rico and installation will begin tomorrow, according to a press release issued on Friday by the VIPA.
VIPA will complete the repairs as soon as possible.

AA and LIAT are the worst airlines in the Caribbean, they have no respect for the client and the employees at the counter are smug and nauseating to look at for the most part.

I'm flying American again in June, after Delta for the last 6 trips. I've got miles that they insist will expire in 2017, so... We will be doing American for a few trips between now and then.
I am the captain, responsible for the safety and overall well-being of those on board for our two week trips in January and June, so there are just too many things that I MUST HAVE on board to ever really be able to do carry-on only. That said, Delta gives me free carry-on - not so with American.
So, at the risk of offending some (hijacking?), I would appreciate any current pointers to information on Tortola storage bins, where "semi-frequent" charterers can store their "precious" boat essentials. I never use everything that I bring, but I always use several things; my self-made 24x4 sunshade, and various mechanical/electrical devices; always boat and maintenance dependent. Yes, you can wait for a chase-call response, but if you can fix it yourself (and update the maintenance staff at turn-in), you have saved everyone some grief.
I did a few searches, but have not found the old threads on Tortola storage bins.
If I can get a storage locker/bin deal done during my January trip (probably on Delta), I might be able to actually do carry-on only in June for my AA flights.

We ship our boat stuff to STT. You can send general delivery to the Red Hook postal service. We had a P.O. Box for $20 a month, but not necessary. I believe Glenn, sent an anchor down general delivery. I know there are storage bins in BVI, but they are quite pricey.

USPS has gone up a little but I sent several 70 pound anchors priority general delivery to STT for under $70. Took 4 days. It would be really nice if the PO on Victory Drive next to the ferry station handled general delivery but you have to go the main PO half way to Red Hook to claim it.

I am not sure where 'Victory' Drive is? - the main Post Office that handles General Delivery is in Sugar Estate - west of the Hospital and next to Charlotte Amalie HS, not far from town and near the cruise ship dock - the PO half way to Red Hook is in TuTu Mall and near big Kmart and does not handle General deliveries.

If you could use storage facilities in St Thomas there are quite a few options available - both Delta and AA land there.

Another reason to be happy that we switched to JetBlue; and have been happy to leave AA behind. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Victory Drive runs in front of the ferry terminal. The PO is on the other side of the seaborn terminal. All my anchors ended up at the Estate Thomas branch which I now see is near the hospital but the USPS map shows it near Tutu Mall.

I think you mean Veteran's Drive. Not Victory Drive, which I've never heard of.

Store-it BVI

Thanks to all for your information and suggestions. I've got some sorting and sizing to do, and will have a plan in place before my January trip.

AA does have a non-stop at 9 AM Starts Sometime in Feb

Does anyone have any recent experience with the new AA 3 hour departure rule that supposedly went into effect 10/1?

guaranteed, if you have a 9am flight no one will even be at the counter at 6am, the rule is ridiculous and unenforceable. I have never arrived at STT more then 1 1/2 hours early, never a problem

What if we check our bags 4 hours before the flight, and then go back to st-thomas for the shopping. Or is this baggage Gauntlet one way or the boarding passes one time use at the airport ?

You have to bring your bags through customs before relinquishing them, so this isn't an option. Once you're in, you're in.

The baggage will only be actually checked after you pick it up and go through C&I and you put it on the conveyor belts yourself - you won't be able to exit the airport after that.

you can check them at the ferry dock for a few hours

^^^that's what I would recommend....

As I read the new rule you have to be there 3 hours before your flight to check in but if you check in on line you only need to be there 90 minutes prior.

...they won't accept checked bags starting 90 minutes before the flight. If you have a preprinted or electronic boarding pass, its up to you to get to the gate for boarding. They give up seats 15 minutes before scheduled takeoff.

Cheers, RickG

As long as you get your bags checked 90 minutes prior you don't need to be there 3 hours prior. Two hours should allow you plenty of time to complete the process.
G

But when you turn over your baggage you are then condemned to the gate area for a minimum of an hour and a half.

I should have said checked in with bags at the counter by 90 minutes. They close the checkin at that point. They can be dropped at security as long as there is 30 minutes before departure.
G

Maybe this should be moved to the post "How to treat and not treat your customers". Just a thought

I flew AA home from STT on November 1. I laughed at the three hour notice thing; we arrived 2 hours in advance like always. No issues and ended up rotting in that waiting room for an hour and 45 minutes. I think as long as you get the checked bags in timely its business as usual.

Ditto PP....we flew home on 4 Nov - same deal

I have a crew member flying a United flight out of STT at 3:15. Can she make the flight taking the 12:00 ferry out of Road Town and arriving at Charlette Amalie at 12:50? She only has carry on luggage.

For a 3:15, I'd be on the 10 am. Never know if the boat is actually going to run,so you have no fallback position. Also, depends on what boat is first in to the dock in St Thomas. If you are the second boat arriving, you could be waiting for quite a while for the first to clear.