Deal alert: Book nonstop flights to the Virgin Islands for as low as $213
It may be time to plan a visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands this fall, because ticket prices are plummeting. Our pals at Thrifty Traveler have let us know about some incredible deals on trips to St. Thomas beginning this September and lasting all the way until June 2022. Some involve connecting flights depending on where you're flying from, but there are also some major savings to be had on nonstop flights, too. United flights in this offer are main cabin as well as some American flights, which gives you free checked bags and seat assignments. Delta's are basic economy, which can be upgraded by paying a fee.
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Airlines: American, Delta, United
Cost: As low as $173 roundtrip for nonstop flights depending on the departure city.
Dates: Book for travel between September 2021 and June 2022.
Pay with: The Platinum Card® from American Express for 5x on airfare booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), the Citi Prestige® Card for 5x on airfare, the Citi Premier® Card (3x on air travel) or Chase Sapphire Reserve (3x on travel), the American Express® Gold Card for 3x on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel, or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card for 2x on travel.
The information for the Citi Prestige Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Round-trip flights to St. Thomas (STT) are available from the following cities:
- Columbus (CMH), starting at $269
- Dallas (DFW), starting at $258
- Denver (DEN), starting at $211
- Houston (HOU), starting at $211
- Houston (IAH), starting at $211
- Jacksonville (JAX), starting at $298
- Miami (MIA), starting at $173
- Minneapolis (MSP), starting at $267
- New Orleans (MSY), starting at $271
- New York (JFK), starting at $223
- Newark (EWR), starting at $223
- San Francisco (SFO), starting at $211
- Seattle (SEA), starting at $232
- Tampa (TPA), starting at $271
- Washington, D.C. (DCA), starting at $211
- Washington, D.C. (IAD), starting at $211
One of the best deals we found was going nonstop from New York City (JFK) to STT in January on American for $223.
Not only is the price substantially lower than usual, but that's the price for Main Cabin. That means you don't have to pay $60 for your first checked bag, like you would if it was Basic Economy.
If you prefer to fly out of Newark (EWR), you can book a ticket at the same price.
Just like with the JFK deal we just mentioned, this one has the added perk of giving you the option to upgrade to Economy class (fully refundable) for just $10 more.
Maybe the best deal we saw in terms of sheer dollar savings was from Seattle (SEA) to St. Thomas, also on American.
That $232 roundtrip price is nearly $400 cheaper than what tickets normally cost for such a trip in October.
Travelers in Minneapolis can also score a good deal right now, with a United flight from MSP-STT with one-stop going for under $300.
We should note that the Minneapolis flight is also for Economy class, which is fully refundable with one free carry-on and a $70 charge for the first checked bag.
You can book Miami to St. Thomas for $173 economy roundtrip on American in October and March.
Keep in mind that you do not need a passport to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands and it is open for and welcoming tourists. You will need to submit a negative COVID-19 test result through the USVI travel portal.
You do not need to take a test for your return flight.
Maximize your purchase
The Platinum Card® from American Express for 5x on airfare booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), the Citi Prestige® Card for 5x on airfare, the Citi Premier® Card (3x on air travel) or Chase Sapphire Reserve (3x on travel), the American Express® Gold Card for 3x on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel, or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card for 2x on travel.
Top offers from our partners
How we chose these cards
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points on Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It’s been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there’s no reason that the foodie shouldn’t add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x).
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel.
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months.
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories.
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits.
- Few travel perks and protections.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points on Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.Earn 60,000 pointsAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It’s been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there’s no reason that the foodie shouldn’t add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x).
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel.
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months.
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories.
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits.
- Few travel perks and protections.