St. Thomas Airport Porters

My son and daughter will be leaving out of St. Thomas during the Christmas holidays and we thought that the porter help option would be a good idea. I've read the many post on this forum and generally understand how they work, but a couple quick reminders would be helpful.
Where do you find them and what is a common tip? Thanks.

I give them $20 for two of us, and they whisk you right through, helping you avoid the long time-consuming lines. Well worth it.

It used to work great, but I think the secret is out. A few weeks ago, we went through the regular Customs line while the other 2 in our group got a porter because they had luggage. We made it through security a good 30 min. before they did. Your mileage may vary.

Porters help if have a large group with checked luggage. For two, we go even faster with carryon only, preprinted boarding passes and pre-filled customs & immigration forms. Bypassing the airline counter is key. There is a separate line after the checkpoint for carryon only that takes you past the luggage check in and then a separate line for TSA Precheck.

Cheers, RickG

The porter option has been changed and it doesn't operate as well as it used to. During peak times it can be difficult even getting a porter.

I have never been able to print boarding passes ahead out of stt....have always had to go to the big line....only have carryon....what am I doing wrong?

searose, which airline? We make it work with United. AA, Delta, Jet Blue and Spirit.

Cheers, RickG

Searose: They have those self-serve kiosks at the front of the American line. You print your boarding pass, pay for luggage, etc. there. Then your name is called for the luggage tags and you are off to the Customs/Immigration line...

Delta has never been a problem in printing boarding passes before you get to the airport as long as you have access to internet and printer.

Thanks....taking aa back after years of using jetblue....will use a kiosk....could never print them from estate LindHolm or from a cruise ship....only do carry on...