lol what a loaded ques... stt airport is kinda unpredictable... if your checking luggage you have a better than 50% of it actually showing up. (joking)<< kinda... however its usually fairly quick. 20 to 30 mins. the upside is that you there and there is a bar right at the baggage claim conveyor belt 🙂

The last time we flew into STT, our luggage arrived on the conveyor before I did. By the time I stopped by the rum punch stand and went to the ladies room, my luggage had arrived.

It really varies and may depen don what time your flight comes in. When there isn't a massive crowd, the wait can be really minimal. But, if you land and 2 other jets have also recently landed, it can be crazy!

Lately they have been doing a better job. They were spotlighted in the news a few weeks ago about speeding up the process and they seem to be doing it!

RL

In my visits via air to STT, I have always arrived in a small aircraft from San Juan and our luggage has always been there quickly. This time we are arriving on a larger jet (737 I think) and I am curious if things will go as smoothly as in the past.

Here's a note of caution learned form my experiences....

Sometimes, the airport people will offload your luggage from the belt and place it behind the travel desk at the far end of the belt (at the belt area farthest from the rental car counters). I don't know why they do this, except that maybe they have too much luggage on the belt.

I have had this done with my luggage (no, it was not sitting on the belt for a long time). I thought my luggage was lost and I was frantic. Once the airport cleared, I saw my pieces sitting behind the desk.

If your luggage doesn't come around on the belt after a reasonable time, go and check to see if they've removed it.

This has happened to me twice. The second time , I saw them lift my luggage off on it's first revolve around the belt. They had a huge pile of luggage sitting there -maybe 60 pieces.

Don't panic until you check!

and then after you've checked, get another rum punch, then panic !
There's no sense panicking on an empty stomach 🙂

J/K - I've never had a problem, and neither have any of my guests.

The time it takes to get your luggage is about an hour, STT time. Which means absolutly nothing. But it does take a long time when flying the big carriers. The small carriers like Cape air do not take long at all.

I think one of the people said it right, there is a bar there so sit back and enjoy life, accept what is happing, and take your watch off.

Bill

As an greeter at the airport, my time at the airport with my guests averages an hour! I have noticed that AA luggage always takes longer than any other carriers (just a tip). My suggestion is: If you are getting a rental car, go to that counter first (provided you went thru a car rental agent on property) and then go to get your luggage. This usually saves time. Blu's suggestion is also valid.
Also like the tips on going to the bar and getting a cocktail! Relax, you are now on Island Time!

Last night it was less than ten minutes!
RL

Our USAirways flight landed on a Saturday, 2 pm, which is probably the most congested time of all. The luggage area was insanely crowded. John went for the bags and I went on the Avis line. We were both ready to roll at the same time...about 15 minutes total. Fantastic!!

I suppose a lot depends on whether your bags are among the first or last to be unloaded. I guess we got lucky.

Gerie

Looks like the airport is in for at least a couple of changes:

http://www.onepaper.com/stjohnvi/?v=d&i=&s=News:Local&p=1201842507