For a 12:45 flight, I would recommend no later than 10:45am. Don't forget you can do "self serve check in" for AA at the counter (use one of the machines just like in the States that is next to the counter 🙂 ) and it does save time - you just wait for your name to be called for the bag tags and then proceed with your bags to Customs and Immigration. It always amazes me how many people just stand in line and don't use these machines - as long as they are working 😉

Pia

I would agree with pia, I would try to get to the airport no later than 10:45. On weekdays it can be a little less hectic but this May I left on a Wednesday and the airport was packed, and the weekends are obviously busier than week days.I have never tried the self check in but have found a way to cut the time down at the airport but it's my own little secret. Best of luck and enjoy your time on the islands.

Using the porter service huh Chrisss 😉 oops, not a secret anymore 🙂

Pia

Liquorman,
I took that flight Sunday, 2 days ago. Got there early, 10:15, because we were bored. Not enough time to do anything. We grabbed a porter. He was very helpful. I had already checked in on line so he expedited the checking of our luggage. He brought our checked luggage to the X-Ray machines where I tipped him nicely. We then breezed through customs and security where there were no lines. I thought we were golden. Then the $h_t hi the fan. There was a mechanical problem with the plane. A bird committed hari kiri on the windshield. They had to go into town to find a mechanic to determine if the plane was safe. Long storey short. We took off around 2:00PM, got into JFK at 6:00, luggage came out at 7:20PM. You know, the old FILO, First In, Last Out for the luggage. Other than that we had a wonderful time on STT.

Doubt they went into town to find a mechanic. Probably flew one over from San Juan. That's the usual MO.

RL

Just want to give a shout out for Richie, employed by Red Caps, stationed near AA on STT. With 5 women and all of our crapola, Richie was a godsend a couple of weeks ago when we were leaving STT. He took all of the luggage and carryons from the rental at the curb through check-in and bag-tagging, then through customs and, after giving us back our carryons to proceed through TSA screening, on to the machines. Richie told us he was going to stick with us - that we were all family now - lol. He was great! Thanks, Richie - you are the BEST!!!

I couldn't remember exactly the porter that helped us last Sunday, Ricky, Richie? It must have been Richie. Real helpful. He shows that he wants to help. Make sure you take care of him, $$, as well as he cares for you.

A well greased porter at the airport is a godsend. Well worth it.

You know it, promoguy! I'm old school - bellmen and sky/red caps rule the world! Maitre d's used to be on that list, too, but in these days of chain restaurants and beepers they are getting fewer and farther between.

Maitre d's you say. How about those stupid looking sommeliers who wear that stupid looking bling around the neck, bringing out a bottle of 40.00 of wine with their hand out. Not any more.

Maybe should be transferred to the tip thread but I pay for folks that take care of me, not for those just doing their job. So many jobs pay little and tell their employees to make it up on tips. Yeah, and if they pay more the price of the food goes up. So what I'll pay more if it's good.

/sorry for rant

/sorry to any maitre d's or sommeliers out there