Cheap tickets to STX?

Try kayak.com. I know people who have found tickets for under $300.00. We use U S Air or American for direct short flights out of Virginia but they are a little pricey.
Tammy

Lindsay - It depends somewhat on where she would be flying out of. There are discount airlines like Jet Blue and Spirit that have wonderful prices into San Juan from some of their hub cities. Then you transfer to American Eagle or Cape Air for the hop to St. Croix. The thing about these flights that might not be ideal for you mother is that you have to transfer your own luggage from one airline to the other in San Juan. Sometimes for older travelers it is easier and worth the extra $$ to fly on American and their partner airlines all the way so that the luggage is automatically transferred all the way to STX. If your mother is still young/active enough for that not to be a concern, then you may be able to save some $$.

Try looking into buying one-way tickets rather than round trip. I got a significantly lower price (several hundred dollars) by buying two one-way tickets rather than round trip. The only downside is that Homeland Security red-flag's you. So be prepared for a little more hassle at security.

Jen C

Buy from "AA.com", they guarantee that on the day that you fly, they will have the lowest fare available, either for themselves or from other airlines. I fairly well versed in flying, 330,000 miles last year, St Croix to the states more 50 times in the year, and about 30% of the flights were via SJU.
If you purchase more than 23 days in advance, that is the lowest computer listed pricing.
I do not recommend purchasing open tickets, or one ways, they are generally much higher price. Open ended or non-dated returns usually are always full fair coach or what is listed as a "Y" fair. If you don't use, then you get full refund. Plus it doesn't cost extra to transfer a full fair ticket.
Pick you dates and let the computer give you the pricing, by picking several different rates, then you can see when the price goes up or down for which dates and flights.
Remember too, day just prior to Thanksgiving is the most travelled day in the United States, and the following Saturday and Sunday are right up there also. If you can travel the weeks before and the weeks after, then you will get the lowest fare.
Generally the AA.COM computer will try to put you through SJU instead of the direct flight #695 MIA-STX since the hub costs are greater profits than the directs. If they route you through SJU, talk to the ticket agents, sometimes they will put you on the direct STX-MIA if you wish to stand by without paying the $100 service route change fee. It all depends upon Eagles attitude on the island when you fly.

PZ,
I'm flying AA to STX through SJU on Thanksgiving. My flight out of SJU on Am Eagle is 2 and 1/2 hrs. after my scheduled arrival. There is an Am. Eagle flight 1 hour after our scheduled arrival. My question is, do you think it's possible for us to get on the earlier fight to STX like a stand by passenger? If yes,do you think our luggage would make the same flight? Yes, I do feel that running in the airport is worth an extra 1 1/2 hrs. on STX.

>Buy from "AA.com", they guarantee that on the day that you fly, they will have the lowest fare available, either for >themselves or from other airlines.

Not true. American only guarantees that you will find the lowest fare for the same exact American flights on their website - within $5.

In other words, for the same exact flight itinerary with the same flight numbers on the same exact day they guarantee that no other website will list it for $5 or more cheaper than aa.com.

You could certainly try at the Am Eagle counter to get on the earlier flight. But don't count on your luggage arriving with you. I would wager a bet that your luggage WILL NOT arrive with you if you change to the earlier flight. Most of the AmEagle flights I've ever been on out of SJU to STX on my scheduled ticket have not had my luggage on them. Just one of the prices to pay for living in paradise!

Lindsay, what city are you flying out of?

Bassman, I've been in your situation before and yes it is possible to switch to the earlier flight if there is space. I am 100% sure your luggage will not arrive on the earlier flight.

Thanks for the responses. I'll go back and pick up the bags after we grocery shop and check into Cottages by the Sea. We won't be very far from the airport.
Thanks again.

I believe that is now against federal regs. to transport luggage on a sep. flight than its owner - there must be some kind of get-out clause for all the lost luggage that has to travel around the world all on its little lonesome.

I apologize it has taken so long for me to respond.. My internet has been out! *boooo*
She would be flying from Austin TX... I really appreciate everyone's help.
Take care,
Lindsay