Hi Mark,

I think that you would have plenty of time to enjoy Emerald Beach. If you checked your luggage and just bring a swimsuit in your carry on you should be fine. It is a short walk to get there from the airport. I'd get back to the airport at minimum an hour before your flight leaves for STX, maybe even an hour and a half to be on the safe side.

Word to the wise, I would definately have someone watching over your bags while you are in the water.

Have a great trip!

Molly

Thank you Molly!

mkingstone wrote:
Hello

We are connecting through STT en route to STX and will have a five-hour layover on the return. Is it reasonable to leave the airport, go spend a few hours, say at the Best Western Emerald Beach, and return to clear inspection for the flight to the mainland? If we do this and our luggage is checked through to Newark, how long should we leave to clear security/passport control? Our flight from STT leaves at 1:40 PM.

Thanks!

Mark

This thread has taken a couple of strange turns to say the least. Back to the original question. I don't think you'll be allowed to leave the airport but when you get there you can check. Emerald Beach would be the best option if they will let you leave.

What airline are you flying between St Thomas and St Croix? If it is Seaborne sea link or one of the other smaller inter island flights your bags won't be checked through. You will actually have to come through the airport and claim bags then recheck onto your stateside flight. If that's the case yes you could go to the beach for a couple of hours. If they are checked through you won't be able to leave the secure terminal as customs is involved. Also if you do get to go you need to be back at the airport two hours prior to departure as your bags have to clear customs one hour prior to departure to get on the plane. You will not be able to check your bags before the beach trip as you have to personally carry them through customs during check in.
I know that's clear as mud.
Jay

Thanks Jay. Clear enough! 😎

We changed plans - will just lay over for a couple of days in STT, then on to STX. Now to decide where to stay!

Emerald Beach n Lindberg Bay s still good.

Thanks guys - but I think with more time, I'm moving on to somewhere other than runway-adjacent! 🙂

That'll be my next question... 🙂