Also, Continental out of Newark: $298. + taxes/fees.....a little less than AA ($310. + taxes/fees).

Future, would that be a direct flight? When I checked AA, the prices were pretty good, but we'd have a couple layovers (Miami!!) and it would take about 9 hours. The flights coming home were even worse. I just stopped looking. I'm sure it could work for somebody, but that continental deal sounds good!

Connie:

No. It's a mid week flight........change planes in San Juan...both ways. I checked for October 15, return 22.

F.I.

Maybe I'm wrong but the link which Islander posted was an AA deal for flights to STX and not to STT?

Mid-week flights in and out of the USVI (from what I'm reading) are still more economically feasible on all the airlines which service the USVI.

Friday/Saturday mainland departure to USVI and Saturday/Sunday departures to the mainland rates are rising every day/week.

And please don't accuse me once again on prophesying doom and gloom.

It simply doesn't look good for tourism, all in all. Cruise ship statistics are actually up for this coming year and the numbers remain strong for both this year and next year. But the majority doesn't rely on tourism dollars for their well-being. Good for those tee-shirt vendors but the average cruise ship passenger actually spends very little.

The exodus this year of people has been alarming to me even discounting the regular seasonal youngsters who come here just to work and play for the season. Three close friends, residents for well over seven years, have sold their businesses and returned to the mainland because they saw the writing on the wall.

I can only hope that prospective visitors and returning visitors will find a way to get here to enjoy the very special experience that we in in the USVI have to offer. We truly are the American Paradise whether you care to be on St Thomas, St John, St Croix or Water Island. Cheers!

I have also seen a lot of people leave who have been living here a long time AND they are leaving for financial reasons. Don't know if it is better where they are going but they will find out.

STT:

The AA sale is for the Caribbean....including STT.

Yes, the mid week fares are lower.....so fly mid week if cost is an issue.

Prophets are only recognized after the fact (wink).

I know, I tend to be more optimistic on tourism to the VIs.....after all the cruise ship bookings are up....that means someones spending $$$ on vacations.

So, as VI residents, business owners and like me, seasonal residents, let's start to encourage those visitors who come to this web site for suggestions/recommendations. Many visitors who, in the past, went to more expensive international destinations might just come here (USVIs) and spend their vacation dollars due to the depressed economy. After all we have the best weather, beaches, water recreation, history, culture, food, scenery, etc.....we're not a "steel & concrete island" but a more natural relatively undisturbed Caribbean paradise. Anyway, this is what I see when I'm there.

Just my two cents.

F.I.

As for me and mine, we'll be returning as often as possible. I'll cut back somewhere else, if necessary. But the thought of no VI fix gives me the shakes.

They might not find it any better where ever they head, but they may find more opportunity. The hard fact is that the economy is very, very stagnant. I won't use the 'r' word since that requires certain economic events to occur. But it's close. Even people with quite a bit of money suffer. They see the decreasing value of their financial portfolios. The value of their real estate investments decline. And the bad part is when it happens when you're in your '60's it makes it a lot more worrisome, with less time to make up. Add the very tightness of money which directly affects business expansion and well...............she ain't no profit of doom.

I would think a lot more folks will be curtailing vacation plans and a lot more of those island residents might consider relocation back.

I have been watching fares closely for several weeks and they are the same now even advertised as a "sale"..am I missing something?? Looking for flight from DFW to SJU (or STT-whichever is cheaper) Oct 18-26...Thanks

bnsilly: Best you lock into an airfare now and that's the best advice I can give you the way that fares are rising and the airlines are cutting back on flights. And, when you do lock into something, keep checking and double-checking because horror stories abound all over the internet about air travel and the switches they're imposing upon pre-booked passengers. Cheers!

I found a site that seems pretty decent. CostJet.com I just spent hours over the past 3 days getting my guy a ticket to Portland, Maine on short notice (one of his kids had a motorcycle accident, he's lucky...no helmet! ) . I had a problem with my Visa/debit card...they said it was declined because of the daily allowance of $500, told me to call the bank to increase it, which I did. The bank (1stBank) said that for ATM machines the allowance is $500, but for all INTERNET purchases, such as tickets, the allowance is $3000, assuming of course that the funds are in your account.
To shorten the tale, CostJet called me back when they said they would and were professional and polite. I was able to keep the original ticket (Sun depart. return in 10 days, each way one day travel with good times) but lost the 3 day adv. notice, all for $1021. with insurance.
I'll let you know if there are any problems or if he takes off on Sunday.