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An article in today's Virgin Island Daily News begins: "ST. THOMAS - A baggage conveyor belt that has been broken at King Airport since late January HAS CAUSED LUGGAGE-CLAIM CHAOS (emphasis added), leaving hundreds of travelers watching and jostling for their bags for up to an hour in overcrowded spaces that airport workers describe as dangerous." The entire article is at: http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/article?id=14028146
According to the article, what began in January is expected to continue for at least two more months (when we're going to be there). USVI Port Authority Executive Director Darlan Brin doesn't sound too concerned; he hasn't even ordered replacement parts yet! "I don't see the big deal." (Quote from the article)
Has anyone experienced this? How bad is it?
I visited STT two weeks ago. Baggage claim did seem extra long, but I thoguht it was because we arrived on a 767. It took about 35-40 mins for bags to arrive on the belt. The crowd didn't seem too bad, given the size of our aircraft.
Guess you just get a drink @ the bar and relax. Nice to have the heads up so that folks can get their "heads" into the right frame before arrival and plan for the 'worst' case delay scenario. No worries. Be happy. The Exec Dir. comment "I don't see the big deal." made me smile and chuckle.
According to an editorial in today's paper no one has ordered the parts to repair the belt and when they do it's going to take 4 to 5 months to manufacture and install according to the company who makes the replacement belts. My suggestion is to get back in line for 2nds and maybe even 3rds at the rum punch counter after getting off the plane.
Heck I won't minding waiting a little longer...as long as my bag gets there!
I do feel bad for the baggage handlers, they said the have to carry heavy bags for long distances.
Also,
Feel bad for people who have to get a ferry and time is tight.
Jimmy Buffett may have to revise his song about "5 Mins. at San Juan Airport is a life time and use S. Thomas instead......
RM
