You don't have to go through customs at a San Juan layover, but I would be very cautious about a 35 min layover. SJU is notorious for losing luggage. 35 minutes doesn't sound like enough "island time" to get it all transferred from plane to plane. That could be a recipe for disaster (and also expensive) if all your luggage is lost for your family. I would opt for a longer layover.

I have experienced this 35 min connection in SJU on AA and barely made it after a full out run from one terminal to the small commuter terminal that the connections depart from.
I was not at the front of the large inbound plane that I arrived on (we were on time) but I was not at the back either - but you know how it is when everyone stands up and retrieves "all their worldly possessions" from the overhead bins !!!!! It took quite awhile to exit the plane and as I did so heard my name along with probably 15 other's being called for final boarding !! I sprinted to the gate and was on the last bus out to the plane (only 5 of us made it) You have to keep in mind that the bus stops taking passengers to the plane 10 mins before departure time therefore you would need to be there (imo) at least 15 mins before departure time therefore giving you only 20 mins to exit the plane, and make the 10 min walk to the other terminal before your time is up.
So, after that long winded explanation - it can be done but, not recommended with small children, out of shape people, slow moving "window gazing" shoppers, or the elderly 🙂

Pia

I fly back and forth to the states monthly and in my opinion.......no less than an hour ...........flights from stx and stt are notoriously late and sometimes just canceled.........and with kids I would be safe not sorry.......a day at the airport in San Juan is hell for adults let alone kids.........

No layover could be short enough in SJU...in fact, a zero minute layover is highly recommended. In other words, do all you can to avoid that airport!!! If you're saving some serious cash, then I suppose it's worth it, but overall, San Juan airport SUCKS. A few things to consider: first, avoid travelling on cruise days because the lines at the ticket counters are usually an hour or so...not really going to affect you unless you're switching airlines. Second, apparently the crew doesn't exactly turn on the air very quickly on those little planes flying fron SJU to STT. Also, they have to shut everything down upon arrival to STT to wait for the engines to completely shut down. My point is that it's like sitting in a boiler. If you're claustrophobic you might freak out. Last, I personally spent about 12 hours at that stupid airport following our cruise three years ago. Our flight was canceled, so we had to go to baggage claim and gather our luggage. Then we had to go back through ticketing to try to get another flight. It's just so disorganized. If you have to fly through there, take a xanax and give yourself 1-2 hours. Any more or less will probably drive you nuts. Just keep thinking of the rum punch when you arrive in STT!!!

Once again, thanks for the great information. You confirmed what I already thought. Last time we flew through FLL just to avoid San Juan but the tickets looked pretty good and we figure we need to get to STT by 3pm in order to get a car and make the last car ferry (based on last year's experience). Is Miami airport any better? We could also plan on staying on STT the first night to give us more options. Thanks!

Minimum of one hour if you fly through SJU. I would arrange the extra night in STT and feel less hassled.

We often fly through SJU without problem. But 25 minutes is not long enough.

egads...I just checked our itinerary. Direct flight to STT but a 32 minute layover on our return home. Should I consider trying to have it changed?

yes
and ...I love PR and San Juan airport - it is one of my world favorites!

We are flying down in May and have 1 hour between flights. They do take your luggage from one plane to the next correct? (We have booked AA on both flights..from/to TPA to SJ to STX) On our return flight, I think we are getting the last one to leave SJ back to Tampa. So we don't miss that flight, would it make sense for us to get to STX earlier and at least try to another flight to get to SJ and sit at SJ instead of STX? Thanks.

Yes. Continental did the same to us then advised us several weeks later that 35 minutes was not sufficient.

If at all possible I would not fly thru SJ. We just did last week had 1.5 hours lay over and did not get out luggage for 4 days. Coming home went thru again and did not get for 2 days. If you do have to fly thru SJ TAKE A CARRY ON!

I take a carry-on pair of shorts and t-shirt when-ever I am forced to go through San Juan....I spent 3 days there last year with the volcano on Montserrat............and yes loosing / having your bags looted is very common .........carry everything you don't want to loose on you .......I have had shoes , t-shirts, .jackets ,shampoo, etc....come up missing.........pack light .........you can always wash your cloths or buy what ever you forgot

I'm convinced that the San Juan airport is modeled after Hell.

Hi Everyone!

I actually paid a little more for my airline ticket that stops over in PR. I chose this particular flight because I get to St. John earlier (12:25pm) than all the other flights! Thinking this would be great->get the rental car and head to the villa! After reading this thread I am starting to worry! I really hope our luggage is not ransacked. I really will not be carrying anything of value in my luggage, but would like to take a few nice gifts home.What a way to start a vacation! 🙁 I can't help but feel that this is pathetic. Are most airports like this? How does anyone get away with doing that? I have been flying out of Logan (Boston) for years and never have had anything happen to my luggage. I know I have the option of carry on and I will be carrying my laptop and my camera. Another thing that I am worried about is the layover. We land in PR at 10:10am and leave for St. Thomas at 11:40am, we are going to make it right? Both flights are through American Airlines. Thanks Everyone!

-Darlene

Darlene - surely 90 minutes will be enough time for those guys to get your luggage to the connecting flight (?) Just pack enough in your carry-on, I'm sure your villa has a W/D? no worries, mon! you'll be in the islands! 🙂

Darleen - 1 1/2 hours is fine in PR 🙂

My advise for anyone coming to St John is.....if it doesn't fit in a carry on you wont need it (unless you are getting married then it's different 🙂 )

Pia

Thanks Mountaineergirl/Pia- Yes, I am going to pack extremely lightly! Coordinating this trip has fried my nerves a little, you'll have to excuse me! When I get to St. John I'm going to RELAX! Thanks again!

-Darlene

yikes, that's my flight also. we have the 30 min. layover going to stt. and... I booked thru cheaptickets.com.
Question: i just found cheaper flights on cheaptickets.com and they do not go thru san juan. would they change my flights and credit me the difference or am i just stuck and have to fly thru san juan?