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STT check in time

Posted By: ggffrr11

STT check in time - 01/17/2016 07:17 PM

Hi: I've seen some posts about having to be at the STT 3 hrs prior to departure. Other than common sense, has there been any actual enforcement of this? In the past, if we arrive "abruptly", we just hire a porter. Thanks, rrs
Posted By: Manpot

Re: STT check in time - 01/17/2016 08:09 PM

AA announces it when you arrive in STT and they have sent e mail reminders..dont like it but dont choose to chance it..others will say they arrive an hour before with no problem..I've also seen hysterical familes who have been cut off at the counter..like I said..your choice..
Posted By: StormJib

Re: STT check in time - 01/17/2016 08:29 PM

If you are not in possession of printed boarding passes with your luggage accepted when the computer crosses the threshold set for that day you are toast. Unless you can find a way to accurately monitor the cut off times for your flight and can predict accurately when you will get to the front of the line. The guidance from the airline is to arrive in the building 3 hours before. 90 minutes seems to be the regular time to have your bags actually handed over with your boarding passes in hand.

We use EIS
Posted By: GoneSailing

Re: STT check in time - 01/17/2016 08:30 PM

My experience has been with no checked bags and a pre-printed boarding pass you are fine with a one hour check in. If I am going to check a bag I would be there at least 1 3/4 to 2 hours ahead. With a larger group and multiple checked bags I would look to be closer to the 3 hour suggestion. Lastly, I would say things have gotten faster since you no longer have to complete the "blue card" customs cards. All of this assumes you are a visa exempt traveler into the US.
Posted By: hallucination

Re: STT check in time - 01/17/2016 11:23 PM

carry on, with pre-printed boarding passes...no problem with 1 -1.5 hours.
add TSA-pre and under an hour is fine, now that they have a REAL pre line.

other hint, if you have a choice, don't go on the Provencestown II ferry. Off loading that beast can be a pain, as they unload ALL the luggage/freight first. and then you get to stand in line with all your new found friends for an hour at customs at the faerie dock. but they do serve beer...sometimes smile

If you want to really find out the airport situation, see if any cruise boats dis-embark on your day of travel.
Posted By: Will_L

Re: STT check in time - 01/17/2016 11:37 PM

Doubt they will enforce a 3 hr checkin/// but given a choice fly delta ..from midsection of country currently much cheaper and haven
heard any 3 hr rules.
Posted By: tradewinds

Re: STT check in time - 01/18/2016 12:31 AM

Quote
hallucination said:
If you want to really find out the airport situation, see if any cruise boats dis-embark on your day of travel.


To my knowledge, there aren't any cruise lines that use St. Thomas for a turn-around.
Posted By: calsail

Re: STT check in time - 01/18/2016 01:17 AM

All the ferries unload all the bags before letting the passengers off.
Posted By: NoelHall

Re: STT check in time - 01/18/2016 02:42 AM

From what I've observed, it seems like nearly all planes land and depart within about a three hour window in the afternoon. I'm not so sure a 3 hour process to check-in is so much a requirement, as it is the problem of a huge mass of travelers arriving and departing within a short period of time. If you are able to use the priority check-in lanes and use the baggage handlers, that is helpful. My wife and I arrived at STT about 11:30 am, about the same time the Delta counter was opening. The terminal was practically empty at the time, and I thought perhaps because it was a Thursday. We checked our luggage, cleared Customs, Immigration, and TSA within 15 minutes. At about 2:00 pm the entire waiting lounge was completely packed, not an empty seat anywhere. I hate to waste 2-3 hours waiting in the lounge, although this is one option to avoid the very large crowds attempting to check-in, clear Customs & Immigration, and pass TSA all at the same time.
Posted By: sail2wind

Re: STT check in time - 01/18/2016 03:52 AM

I would like to defer to George, but does't the FAA makes the rules, not each individual airline. Three hours is ridiculous, DIA is our home airport with more people in a day fly then STT in a month and 1 1/2 hours is always sufficient.
Posted By: GlennA

Re: STT check in time - 01/18/2016 03:56 AM

The problem for AA is the tight connections at MIA. When a flight is late departing STT due to late boarding it causes a major jam up at MIA. They have to make a choice between delaying a lot of flights or paying for a lot of hotel rooms.
Posted By: sail2wind

Re: STT check in time - 01/18/2016 04:02 AM

Glenn, do they have any right to deny boarding 1 1/2 hours early? Bags are checked, customs are cleared and you are in the secured area 1 hour early? I don't think so.
Posted By: NCSailor

Re: STT check in time - 01/18/2016 12:50 PM

AA says 3 hours prior to departure to check in. If you check in on-line its 90 minutes. To my knowledge no other airlines have adopted these rules.
Posted By: caribbeangirl13

Re: STT check in time - 01/18/2016 12:56 PM

If you are traveling during peak season I would get to the airport at least 2 hours early. We flew out on January 2nd and it was mayhem. Many people didn't get to the airport in time and missed their flight. We met a few people who had been denied boarding of their flight because they arrived 1.5 hours ahead of time. One couple was supposed to depart on the 1st but were still there on the 2nd and didn't make it home to Denver until the 3rd.
Posted By: Manpot

Re: STT check in time - 01/18/2016 01:29 PM

I see the inconvenience but dont understand the fighting it..seriously, why chance missing your flight/connections by saving an hour?? The airport bar is not bad..find a seat have a cold one and relax...same to me as folks who risk taking a later ferry. As I said I have seen people in a full blown panic when things dont run like clockwork for them..As a reporter/producer I spent my life rushing through airports for planes..dont plan to do it ever again if I can help it..
Posted By: Cleobeach

Re: STT check in time - 01/18/2016 03:52 PM

I thought American required check-in at least 90 minutes prior, as in bags checked/boarding passes issued. Am I understanding American is denying boarding (as in physically getting on the plane) as well? To not let someone board if they are at the gate on time makes no sense. (Yes I know, we are talking about the STT airport here....)

We are flying thru SJU this trip (to VG) so I don't need to be concerned this time, just thinking about our next trip.

We have been using the STT airport for 20+ years and there are times where it is an absolute zoo. We always use a porter and that doesn't even assure quick passage anymore.
Posted By: Manpot

Re: STT check in time - 01/18/2016 08:24 PM

As I understand it..they will turn you away at checkin and you'll never make it to the gate if they so choose..its more to do with the time it will take to go through customs and immigration, then recheck you bags and they go through TSA security..
Posted By: ski2play

Re: STT check in time - 01/18/2016 08:34 PM

TSA Pre is not always open at STT.
Posted By: cruzan1

Re: STT check in time - 01/18/2016 10:49 PM

If you need to visit the counter - check bags or print boarding pass you had better be there at least 2 hours early. I saw a group of six get denied during christmas holiday. FYI - there is a nice little outdoor bar across the street from the airport parking lot - just because you check in and check baggage doesn't mean you have to go into the terminal...
Posted By: NoelHall

Re: STT check in time - 01/18/2016 10:51 PM

Oh, one nice thing about the seats in the waiting lounge is there are no arm rests, allowing a little snooze if still suffering from a demanding late night charter debriefing. At least until the crowds show up looking for vacant seats.
Posted By: ggffrr11

Re: STT check in time - 01/18/2016 10:54 PM

As OP, I would like to re-direct (I feel like an attorney) > West End is showing a 9:15 am ferry to Red Hook (via Cruz) > What time would I have to leave the Moorings to make this ferry? I am fighting a 2:30 STT AA flight schedule and don't want to spend the last night at the base marina. thanks, rs

(as an aside > a private water taxi quote was at ~$150 per player plus tip/ plus taxi from RH > that is "out there". I flew my wife and family in from STT to EIS on a private 5 seater for $750-800 a couple of years ago))
Posted By: NCSailor

Re: STT check in time - 01/18/2016 11:01 PM

Quote
NoelHall said:
Oh, one nice thing about the seats in the waiting lounge is there are no arm rests, allowing a little snooze if still suffering from a demanding late night charter debriefing. At least until the crowds show up looking for vacant seats.


When we flew out on a Saturday afternoon last month there were no seats available and hundreds of people standing. Couldn't get near the bar. I have never seen it that crowded before.
Posted By: GlennA

Re: STT check in time - 01/18/2016 11:44 PM

I believe that Atlantic Sefood across from the terminal is closed. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: tradewinds

Re: STT check in time - 01/19/2016 12:34 AM

Quote
GlennA said:
I believe that Atlantic Sefood across from the terminal is closed. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />


It re-opened last year under a new name. It's now called Ashley's.
Posted By: StormJib

Re: STT check in time - 01/19/2016 01:39 AM

Quote
sail2wind said:
I would like to defer to George, but does't the FAA makes the rules, not each individual airline. Three hours is ridiculous, DIA is our home airport with more people in a day fly then STT in a month and 1 1/2 hours is always sufficient.


You are arguing the wrong battle. If you can make it to the other side of security, bags all checked in, printed boarding pass in hand you are golden unless you miss the call for your seat it is given away because you did not get through the door and sit in it.

The 3 hour or whatever it is in any given airport is the cut off set sometimes by the day and security level to get a boarding pass or hand the actual bag over. There are many times in many airports where the time you step out of the taxi is many minutes before you make it to the front of the line to get a boarding pass or hand in a bag. When the computer is set at 90 minutes, and 89 minutes you will be refused. It happens all over the world everyday. When the security level is changed and extra screening ordered a 30 minute airport can become an 60 minute airport in an instant.

Here is one sample of the computer cut off time for airports:

Without checked baggage:

The minimum check-in time requirement for customers without checked baggage is 30 minutes prior to departure, except for San Juan, where the requirement is 45 minutes, and Guam, where the requirement is 60 minutes.

With checked baggage:

For all airports within the U.S. and Puerto Rico, the minimum check-in time requirement for customers with checked baggage is 30 minutes prior to departure, with the exceptions noted in the chart below.

Please note that check-in and baggage check must be completed by the specified number of minutes before scheduled departure, but we recommend allowing additional time.

Check-in and boarding requirements for flights within the U.S., Guam, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands

Departure Airport Baggage check-in completed
(number of minutes before departure)
Anchorage, AK (ANC) 45 minutes
Atlanta, GA (ATL) 45 minutes
Austin, TX (AUS) 45 minutes
Baltimore, MD (BWI) 45 minutes
Chicago, IL (ORD) 45 minutes
Cincinnati, OH (CVG) 45 minutes
Cleveland, OH (CLE) 45 minutes
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW) 45 minutes
Dallas, TX – Love Field (DAL) 45 minutes
Denver, CO (DEN) 45 minutes
Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) 45 minutes
Greenville-Spartanburg, SC (GSP) 45 minutes
Guam (GUM) 60 minutes
Honolulu, HI (HNL) 45 minutes
Houston, TX (IAH) 45 minutes
Indianapolis, IN (IND) 45 minutes
Jacksonville, FL (JAX) 45 minutes
Kona, HI (KOA) 45 minutes
Las Vegas, NV (LAS) 45 minutes
Los Angeles, CA (LAX) 45 minutes
Maui, HI (OGG) 45 minutes
Miami, FL (MIA) 45 minutes
New York, NY/Newark, NJ (EWR) 45 minutes
Orange County, CA (SNA) 45 minutes
Orlando, FL (MCO) 45 minutes
Philadelphia, PA (PHL) 45 minutes
Phoenix, AZ (PHX) 45 minutes
Pittsburgh, PA (PIT) 45 minutes
Reno, NV (RNO) 45 minutes
San Diego, CA (SAN) 45 minutes
San Francisco, CA (SFO) 45 minutes
San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) 60 minutes
Seattle, WA (SEA) 45 minutes
St. Louis, MO (STL) 45 minutes
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (STT) 60 minutes
Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL (TPA) 45 minutes
Washington, D.C. – Dulles (IAD) 45 minutes
Washington, D.C. – National (DCA) 45 minutes
All other airports within the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands 30 minutes

Boarding ends 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time for flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Boarding ends 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time for flights out of Guam.


Let me try again...

When you start the day the first item is you checked in with a boarding pass. Every airline computer has a cut off number of minutes for that. The second order of the day your bag fully checked in. Every airline computer has a cut off for that to be FULLY completed.

The third order of the day get yourself through security and in your assigned seat before the airline does their seat count and either gives up your seat or closes the door without you.

STT has many infrequent travelers, hungover, and even drunk travelers. Families will all sorts of junk and overloaded carry on. Everything takes longer there than most business frequent traveler airports. A big checkout departure day will lead to lines and time lost getting to the front of the line where you actually can conduct your business with the computer counting down to the unforgivable cut off second for that flight that day.

Today the computer was set at 90 minutes to stop taking bag at the AA counter in St. Thomas (STT). Tomorrow it could be more, it could be less. One thing is certain. You will not find the person who has the password to change those times.
Posted By: hallucination

Re: STT check in time - 01/19/2016 01:54 AM

Indeed it is "Ashley's" how would I know? My daughters name is Ashley.

a wonderful place to have a bite.
Posted By: StormJib

Re: STT check in time - 01/19/2016 02:06 AM

Quote
caribbeangirl13 said:
If you are traveling during peak season I would get to the airport at least 2 hours early. We flew out on January 2nd and it was mayhem. Many people didn't get to the airport in time and missed their flight. We met a few people who had been denied boarding of their flight because they arrived 1.5 hours ahead of time. One couple was supposed to depart on the 1st but were still there on the 2nd and didn't make it home to Denver until the 3rd.


That makes perfect sense. You can easily step out of at taxi 90 minutes before your flight and not get into the lines and have the computer fully execute your work for a boarding pass or bag claim before a 90 minute, even 60 minute cut off. Some may also claim I got here two hours before my flight. In reality they took ten minutes getting their crap out the cab and settling the tab. Then another 10 minutes getting themselves to the counter line. The only time that matters is when the agent hits enter for your case. If it takes the agent 10 minutes to open your paperwork, one finger type... all of that is lost time in the countdown to the second of cutoff for the execute key.

If you are just pulling into the airport drive 120 minutes before flight time. You will not always get to the front of the line in time to print a boarding pass or print a baggage claim ticket before the computer locks your flight.
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