It really depends on time of day and number of flights at that time. Remember you are operating on island time and that applies to TSA/Customs as well. If you are leaving during a 'down' time, 1 hour is fine but higher number will mean more time is required. We have quessed needing 2 hours and sat around drinking (hard luck huh?) and then got it wrong again on the short end worrying if we would make it.

I vote for the bar time myself...much less stressful. 🙂

If you are leaving at peak times (when most flights are leaving) between 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm, yes you need to be there 2 hours before, sometimes no problem getting through Customs/Immigration and other times very long lines, also I have heard of them denying boarding if you are not at the counter at least 1 1/2 hours before flight time (remember it can take 30 mins to reach the counter) but if your flight is at say 8/9/10 am then 1 hour 15 mins is usually - not always - OK. It also depends on who is working the counter that day as to what kind of "rules" they are enforcing 🙂

Our flight leaves at 1:28pm on a Saturday, do you think that qualifies as needing to be there 2 hours early? I'm so glad I read this post...didn't know that!!!

We had a 2pm departure and arrived at the airport exactly 2 hours ahead. We ran into a traffic jam on the way to the airport that took over an hour to get around. I was concerned about getting to the airport on time so we didn't even stop to grab lunch. This was Easter week and it was very busy. The US Airways line took 20 minutes to get our boarding pass. I returned the rental car while my husband stood in the customs line. The customs line took 40 minutes. Security check about 10 minutes. Quick restroom break. By the time I got through the lunch line at the terminal and ate it, they were calling us for a gate change and then we were boarding.

It was my experience that you need at least two hours with an afternoon flight.

We had an afternoon flight also on a Wednesday afternoon. We were there a little over 2 hours before our flight. By the time we checked in bags, went thru customs, security ( i was the lucky winner of a full search) we had time to go to the bathroom and grab a snack before they started boarding.

Play it safe and not worry about it. Less pressure on you.

Yes - Saturday for a 1:28 pm flight I would be there by 11:30 am - better safe than sorry 🙂

What about for an 11:30 flight? Can we catch the 9am ferry from St John and still make the flight or should we just make sure we get on the 8am ferry?

We have to return a car that morning and they do not open until 8am.

Thanks! 3 days and counting.

I'd take the 8 am ferry to be safe. By the time you go from Red Hook to STT, it would be 10 am or so. Not enough time for an 11:30 flight. Do you return the car in STJ? Surely they can allow you to drop off. Otherwise, you could return it the night before.

What about for a flight on a Tuesday around noon.

Thanks, everyone!! I had no idea that the afternoon flights were "peak time." I will definitely revise my plans and make sure I'm at the airport well in advance. I certainly do not need stress on my last day in paradise!

I would suggest 2 hours + been my experiences it is always backed up & I don't like missing my plane or getting stressed out. The airlines even tell you 2 hours from STT. Last time we wasn't assigned seats even though I booked 5 months earlier. Kept changing flight # & time. Told I had to get seats assigned both at IAD & from STT. I called the night before I left for home & the lady said at airport to get there 3 hours ahead. Good thing.
MHO rather sit at airport than waiting in line hoping you are going to miss plane.

Remember...they start boarding 1/2 B4 the flight leaves!!
Don't sweat the headaches....get there 2hrs. early!!

I had a 4:10 flight out of STT and we got to the airport about 1:30. We were in the terminal waiting for our flight by 2 and were bored out of our mind for the next hour and a half. I guess it's better to be safe than sorry....but I wouldn't have minded getting stuck there for a little while longer!!

We get there when we get there. Last year we arrived and heard our name being called thruout the airport, didnt bother us at all. Ya miss your plane well hey thats good news ya get to stay another day. Then again this is all great if you arent on a schedule.

Absolutely you have to be there 2 hours before the flight. My wife and I decided to cut it a bit short and TSA wouldn't even let us through the gate.

St. Thomas has a small airport, that is only staffed to deal with passengers when they arrive 2 hours before the flight. If you don't give them the required time, they will not be able to accommodate you.

Also, I'm going to tell you the truth, trying to reschedule flights from St. Thomas is a BEAR. For some reason, I've never been able to explain to the international desk at US Airways, that I cannot, "just fly out of the closest airport in Puerto Rico."

JFP

Yes.

Shoot for 2 hrs. With the island time of the drivers, etc, you'll proababy get there a little later. I find that the TSA lines move swiftly, but the security lines are slllloooooow. Two belts for everyone....ugh.

And, if you miss your flight, you're done!

If you email me I can let you in on a little secret on how to cut your time at the airport.

Oh come on - just post it 🙂