If you are traveling to St. Thomas with young children, you will need car seats or booster seats for your rental car. Here is what you need to know about car seat policies at Alamo, Enterprise, and National at Cyril E. King Airport (STT).
Child Safety Seat Laws in the USVI
The U.S. Virgin Islands requires child safety seats for young children, consistent with U.S. standards:
- Infants (under 1 year, under 20 lbs): Rear-facing infant seat
- Toddlers (1-3 years, 20-40 lbs): Forward-facing toddler seat
- Children (4-7 years, under 4'9"): Booster seat
- Children 8+ years or over 4'9": Standard seat belt
Renting Car Seats from Alamo, Enterprise, or National
All three brands at STT offer child safety seat rentals:
- Infant seats: For babies up to 1 year or 20 lbs
- Toddler seats: For children 1-3 years or 20-40 lbs
- Booster seats: For children 4-7 years
Expect to pay approximately $10-$15 per day per seat. These fees can add up over a week-long rental, so consider whether bringing your own is more economical.
Bringing Your Own Car Seat
You can bring your own car seat on the plane. Most airlines allow you to check car seats for free. Bringing your own ensures familiarity and that the seat meets your standards. It also saves on daily rental fees.
Tips for Using Car Seats on St. Thomas
- Install the car seat before leaving the rental facility lot
- Verify the LATCH system is compatible with your rental vehicle
- Check that the seat is securely fastened before driving
- Keep a towel or mat under the seat to protect the rental car's upholstery
- Never use a car seat that has been in an accident
Booster Seats for Older Children
Booster seats are required for children who have outgrown toddler seats but are not yet tall enough for a standard seat belt. All three brands offer booster seat rentals at STT.
Planning Ahead
If you need a car seat, reserve it in advance when booking your rental. Do not wait until you arrive at the counter, as availability may be limited during peak season. Specify the type of seat you need based on your child's age and weight.
Airport to Hotel Without a Car Seat
If you arrive without a car seat and have not reserved one, some taxi drivers may have them available, but do not count on it. The safest approach is to reserve a car seat with Alamo, Enterprise, or National when booking your rental car.
