Seat Selection Matters — Even on Short Flights
On a 20-minute Cape Air hop, seat selection might seem irrelevant. But on a 2.5-hour American Airlines flight to Miami or a 40-minute Silver Airways run to San Juan, the right seat makes the trip significantly more comfortable — and the views out the window are worth planning for.
Cape Air Cessna 402 (STX → STT / SJU)
The Cessna 402 holds nine passengers in a two-plus-one configuration. There's no formal seat selection — you board and choose. A few tips:
- The front-right seat (co-pilot position) is the most desirable — spectacular views and you can watch the instrumentation. Ask if it's available.
- Window seats on either side give you views of the Caribbean on the approach into STT or SJU — worth positioning for.
- The rear seats are closest to the luggage area — slightly more cramped but fine for short hops.
Silver Airways ATR 42/72 (STX → SJU / STT)
Silver's ATR aircraft have a two-by-two configuration with all window or aisle seats. The ATR is a low-wing aircraft, so window views are excellent. Seats in rows 5–12 tend to be the quietest — the engines are mounted on the wings and turboprops can be loud near the front and rear. Bring earplugs regardless.
American Airlines Mainline (STX → MIA / CLT)
On American's seasonal nonstop STX service (typically 737 or A319):
- Best economy seat: Exit row (row 16 on most 737s) for extra legroom — free for AAdvantage status holders, paid for others.
- Best views departing STX: Left side of the aircraft for views of St. Croix and the USVI as you climb out northbound.
- Avoid: Last two rows — they don't recline and are near the lavatories.
Views on Departure
Departing STX to the north or northeast, you'll get incredible views of St. Croix, the USVI, and on clear days, the British Virgin Islands. Left-side window seats are best for the initial climb. On the approach into SJU from the south, right-side seats give you views of the Puerto Rico coast and Old San Juan.