Accessibility
St. Thomas (STT) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services
Wheelchair assistance at Cyril E. King Airport is provided free by your airline — request it at booking for best results. For security screening help, call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel to have a Passenger Support Specialist waiting at the checkpoint. Family lanes, service animal relief areas, and sensory rooms are covered below.
Airline-provided service
Wheelchair assistance
Request wheelchair assistance directly through your airline — either when booking or at least 48 hours ahead by calling the airline, since Virgin Islands Port Authority's own travel FAQ states that boarding/disembarking assistance is handled by 'your airline (i.e., for wheelchair assistance),' not by the airport itself.
Tip: request at booking rather than at the airport — airline wheelchair assistants are in higher demand at peak times and early requests are filled first.
TSA Cares
Free security screening assistance
TSA Cares is a free helpline and on-site assistance program for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other circumstances that may affect the security screening process.
How to use: Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the STT security checkpoint and guide you through screening at no charge.
TSA Cares is available nationwide, including at STT. Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before you travel, or submit a request online, to arrange for a Passenger Support Specialist to meet you at the single security checkpoint.
Security lanes
STT does not have a permanently signed dedicated family lane at all checkpoints. Ask any TSA agent at the checkpoint for assistance — agents are trained to help travelers with special needs and can route you around standard queue lines.
Service animal relief areas
No dedicated, mapped relief area is published by VI Port Authority for this small single-building terminal. Ask any airline check-in agent or airport staff member before security for the nearest grassy area outside the terminal; there is no confirmed post-security relief area.
Note: service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow individual airline policies — check with your carrier before travel.
Quiet and sensory room
STT does not currently have a confirmed public sensory room. STT does not have a sensory or quiet room — no evidence of one exists at this small terminal, and the airport does not publish accessibility amenities beyond airline-arranged wheelchair service. If a low-stimulation space is needed, ask airport staff about the least-trafficked seating in the upper-floor lounge, or contact TSA Cares in advance to plan around peak security times (busiest 6–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m., with Saturdays the airport's overall busiest day).
Wheelchair and mobility device rentals
No on-site wheelchair/mobility-scooter rental counter is documented at STT. Airlines provide wheelchairs curbside and gate-to-gate on request; travelers needing a personal mobility device for use around the island should arrange rental in advance through an off-airport medical equipment supplier.
Motorized scooters and power wheelchairs are generally available from airlines for gate-to-gate use; contact your carrier directly if you need a motorized device beyond a standard transport chair.
Pro Tip
Because STT is old (main terminal built 1990) and compact with just one crowded checkpoint, build in extra time — arrive at least 2–3 hours early — and lean on TSA Cares and your airline's wheelchair service rather than expecting on-site airport accessibility infrastructure comparable to a major mainland hub.
Frequently asked questions
Is wheelchair assistance free at STT airport?
Yes — wheelchair assistance at STT is provided free of charge by your airline or their contracted ground handler. Request it at booking or check-in. The airline arranges and covers the cost; no tipping is required, though it is appreciated.
How do I contact TSA Cares before my flight from STT?
Call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight. The helpline is open weekdays 8 a.m.–11 p.m. ET and weekends/holidays 9 a.m.–8 p.m. ET. You can also submit a request online at tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the STT security checkpoint at no cost.
Does STT airport have a family security lane?
Cyril E. King Airport does not have a permanently signed dedicated family lane at all checkpoints, but TSA officers are trained to accommodate travelers who need extra time. No dedicated family/special-assistance lane is documented at STT — the terminal has one small checkpoint with three lanes (checked-bag drop-off, standard carry-on, and a PreCheck lane against the wall). If you need extra time or assistance, tell any TSA officer at the checkpoint; with only one checkpoint there is no separate lane to route you to.
Where is the service animal relief area at STT airport?
No dedicated, mapped relief area is published by VI Port Authority for this small single-building terminal. Ask any airline check-in agent or airport staff member before security for the nearest grassy area outside the terminal; there is no confirmed post-security relief area. Service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow your individual airline's policies.
See also: STT TSA PreCheck lanes · Flying with disabilities guide · STT security tips
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