Island Life Means Mastering the Commute
Living on St. Croix means accepting that travel to the mainland is more involved than hopping in the car and driving to the airport. But STX residents develop efficient systems — and once you know the tricks, the island-to-mainland run becomes routine.
The Two Main Routing Strategies
Most STX residents use one of two approaches depending on their mainland destination:
- Via San Juan (SJU): The most flexible option. Cape Air or Silver to SJU, then your carrier of choice to anywhere. Best for the Southeast, Northeast, and international.
- Via St. Thomas (STT): More limited but faster to specific destinations. STT has nonstop service to Miami, Atlanta, New York, and Newark. Good when timing is tight and the STT nonstop works for your routing.
Book Early and Book Refundable
STX residents learn quickly that inter-island flights are the most vulnerable link in the chain. Cape Air mechanical issues, weather cancellations, and weight restrictions can all disrupt your connection. Booking refundable or changeable inter-island fares — and giving yourself buffer time at SJU — dramatically reduces stress.
Earning Elite Status from STX
Frequent mainland travel from STX can actually accelerate elite status qualification. American AAdvantage miles accumulate on every STX–SJU–mainland segment. Some STX residents reach Platinum or Executive Platinum status within a year of moving to the island, simply from the volume of travel required.
The Annual Shopping Trip
Many STX residents make one or two annual mainland trips specifically for shopping — Costco runs, appliance purchases, and items unavailable or prohibitively expensive on-island. USPS Flat Rate boxes and airline checked bags are your logistics tools. Plan these trips around sales (Black Friday, Memorial Day) and combine them with family visits to maximize the trip value.
Keeping a Car at the Airport
Some long-term STX residents keep a vehicle at the mainland airport they use most frequently — often in their home state. This eliminates rental car costs on frequent trips and gives you the convenience of home turf. STT's long-term parking is another option for residents using STT as their mainland connection point.