It's always a huge PITA to get out of the St.Thomas airport, right? Well, it's going to get more painful. American Airlines this week issued a notice saying it recommends passengers departing the USVI check in at the baggage counter "at least (4) four hours prior to scheduled departure."
And if you're not there early, you may really be out of luck because, says AA, "All flights ... out of St. Thomas will close for check-in ... 60 minutes before any departure." It sounds like, "If your bags don't have tags an hour ahead, you're staying in STT for the night."
Someone leaving on American's flight for Miami at 11:20 a.m., and staying on St. John, is going to have to get the 6 a.m. ferry and pray. The rest of us will have to pray that US Airways, Delta, Continental, and United Airlines don't follow the lead of American.
St. John's Accommodations Council members were surprised by American's new policy statement, some wondering if the Department of Tourism may get involved. After all, having to be at the airport clearly puts the islands at a disadvantage with tourists.