I loved my trip to Aruba! The island is beautiful and full of history. However, the departure home left a lot to be desired. I arrived at the airport 2 hours and 50 minutes before my flight was scheduled to depart. I stood in the American Airline check-in line for an hour. Next stop was the customs area, where I ended up standing in that line for an additional 90 minutes!!!! Hundreds of travelers in line and only 2 windows were open!!!! After standing in line for an hour, they finally opened another window. Many missed their flights due to the long wait in line. My flight was delayed 25 minutes in an attempt to wait for those stuck in line. Something needs to be done to accommodate the increased number of travelers during peak times. Please plan on arriving at least 3 hours ahead of your flight when leaving this airport if you are traveling internationally.

I rarely give one star review and always try to write a balanced review. The one star is for the departing procedures. Now it's time to pay attention and READY CAREFULLY. Departure is HELL!!! We stood in a never ending lines outside for over two hours. While airport personal keep trying to sell us a fast pass for $145.00 per person. Instead of making the lines move faster they try to use the purposly slow lines as an opportunity to make extra cash. Here's another piece of advice... Don't take the shuttle back to the Airport. Take a taxi and leave 30 minutes before the shuttle and at least 3hours before your flight. I noticed most flights departed around the same time and the shuttle buses dropped of large groups of people. I addition, You need to go through Aruba and US customs which involves dropping off checked luggage then picking it up after Aruba customs then going through the US customs. And remember that you're on Island time, nothing here is efficient or fast.

Our experience at the airport today was ridiculously bad. It took 3 1/2 hours to get through the airport and onto the plane. Your system of trying to control departing passengers with color coded arrival times failed. We checked our bags twice, checked our passports twice, scanned our things twice and waited in line after line with very little management control. Makes it hard to go on a week long trip when getting home is such a complete hassle. One happy island had a lot of unhappy passengers today.

Aruba is great when arriving, but leaving can be a bit of a headache. If you're heading back to the USA, make sure to be at the airport 3 hours early. You'll have to check in your luggage, go through security, pick up your bags (no opening allowed), and then recheck them after going through customs again. Unfortunately, there's only one working entryway to customs, even though there are two doors, and there were over 100 people waiting in line. It's 2023, Aruba, let's do better! Some clearer signs would be awesome, too, so people know where to go without asking the airport staff the same questions repeatedly.

worst experience of my LIFE!!! The personal is rude, horrible, and seems not to know what they were doing... They took my phone, and checked all my pictures and messages like if i was a delinquent, when i was just trying to have a good vacation after this pandemic. They took all my information and treaded me super bad. NEVER GOING BACK (It was my second time in the island)

The airport has a separate 4-step process for US citizens (Aruba customs > Aruba security > US customs > US security). Depending on the day of week you travel, you can get stuck for hours. For our 215pm Thursday flight, we arrived at the airport at 1130am and saw a long line to check bags; luckily, we only had carry-ons, so we promptly got our boarding passes from the self-service kiosk and queued in line outside at Aruba customs. We waited in the scorching heat for 25 min before entering the air-conditioned building, then waited another 20 min before proceeding to Aruba security (5 min). US customs then took 20 min and security took 5 min. In total, we waited <1.5 hrs, but I would +30-45 min if checking bags and +1 hr if traveling on the weekend. Global Entry would help shave 30 min. Keep in mind that there is a Priority Pass lounge with refreshments, so don't be afraid to arrive the full 3 hours early vs. risk missing your flight!

Ok I get it, I totally understand why so many people rate this airport so low. You are literally here dealing with extremely long lines. Your waiting upwards up to 3 hours to clear customs, and there’s at least 3-4 customs you have to clear. Before your finally at your gateway. But you know the trick to beating all that hustle and bustle? Getting the earliest flight you can. You avoid standing in long lines, you process so much faster with ALL the custom agents. Matter of fact, depending on how early you got to the airport. The agents are all smiling and are happy. The downside to being early ( in my case 8:30a) the airport doesn’t open fully until 9a. So you can’t check your bags in, and you can’t enter into the first customs check point until 9:30/10a. Also many of the restaurants and coffee shops are not open until 11a.

Very nice airport. The check-in process was smooth even during the end of Thanksgiving weekend. Global entry made navigation thru the 2nd customs a breeze. Allow 3 hours when leaving the island.

Very nice airport. Nice people and easy to get around. Be careful with rental car return they tried to overcharge fort my rental. I went through Enterprise

Nice airport. Friendly staff guided us through quickly ad efficiently. Received our ARUBA stamp In the passport. Taxi within a few minutes. All in all a smooth seamless process. I will update on the return trip. Great views on the flight there.

Arrived 3 hours before our flight boarded and waited in different lines the entire time. Had to go through security twice, removing shoes and the whole deal both times. We purchased drinks after going through the first security check and then had to throw them away at the second. The whole process made no sense. The only reason I didn't give it one star is because it was a holiday weekend and I hope that it's not always like that.

If someone tells you to arrive 3 hours before for departure back to the States they are not joking! Very happy and pleasant like Aruba is famous for...but it takes 3 hours. The normal 2 may not work and you will be stressed...and who needs stress in Aruba! Do yourself a favor and get there WAY early.

When we arrived at Airport a huge line has there with a thousand people waiting on line. The airport put agents to sell VIP Pass at $145 us per person to skip those lines. After the agent negotiate also the price down to $130 us. I feel the airport agents let waiting to discourage us for buy those VIP pass. This is not normal they are do this I am traveling around the world and I never see this.

Very friendly and helpful in these COVID crazy times. Had to get the test done in Aruba as I didn't get my results back in a timely manner. Everything is very well managed.

Friendly staff and they made coming into the country smooth and not intimidating. It’s a small airport so I wouldn’t want to be stuck here during a layover but the experience was fine.

One of the best in the caribbean

Flying from Brazil to Bonaire sleeping in Aruba for 2 days... Man you must pray not arrive here along US inbound flights... the arrival halls get packed and nasty... you should arrange your pick up beforehand to smooth the arrival process... on the way out make sure you arrive early and thank God we don't have to share the terminal with US bound flights, it gets loud and chaotic...

Easy to navigate. A fairly efficient process. People are friendly.

Fast entrance, clean and helpfull staff

Every person we encountered was gracious and kind. This was my first trip to Aruba (and I'm not particularly fond of flying) but the entire process was smooth and the people were amazing. The airport (and its staff are the first and last things we saw on our trip, and it was great) I can safely say I will be back.

Much better than 3 years ago. I have to give it up to Aruba, for their diligence in screening for covid-19. They have a great way of controlling the flow of people, And the way that they test, makes me hang my head in shame towards the American side. Even going to the shopping centers, doing groceries, everything is much more advanced here in Aruba in regards to the national pandemic that's going on now. Hopefully, America can get on board, and start protecting their people, as Aruba protects theirs and their visitors. Thank you Aruba, and we will see you soon!

Arriving and departing process was smooth. Everyone is so helpful. Before you leave Aruba you have to do custom for both Aruba and US. Car Rental just across the street. Make sure reserve you car prior to arrive. Taxi charges around $30 to the Hotel area.

Efficient and orderly. Take note of your departure schedule color code so you don't have to hang around longer outside in the sun, typically 3hrs before flight. Stay safe and enjoy the happy island!

Great easy process. Definitely go early as you will visit both Aruba and US customs. Makes it easy getting back into the US. Global Entry makes it even faster.

Extraordinarily long lines (because only 1-2 booths were open) in each. The process of going through US customs there would be nice, but is unnecessarily convoluted, under-staffed and requires you to go through security (removing shoes, liquids, electronics, etc. TWICE). It took 2.5 hours to get through, which could have been streamlined with better processes and/or more staffing. Also, the airport should update Google Maps with the restaurants available at the gate areas. There was no information on them.

Clean airport. Friendly staff. Make sure you actually get there 3 hours ahead because you’re going to need it. You go through Aruba customs AND U.S. customs over there. Food options include pizza, Chinese food, sandwiches, hot dogs, pretzels, Cinnabon. Great souvenir selections and some even cheaper than what I’d gotten from street vendors!

Caution ⚠️: Be there 3 hours early. I say this now, because it's the most important thing to know when you're departing from Aruba. Now, on to the good stuff. Getting in and maneuvering your way through and down to baggage claim is a breeze coming in. As soon as you get out, you will have a few people hanging out asking if you want a ride. Don't bother because you have plenty of affordable rental spots located directly across from the airport. (Drop-off was just as easy) Departure time: Just be sure to keep your passport out. 😉 I find it much easier and faster to leave out on the weekdays. I even had the luxury of grabbing a perfect old fashion down at the Wine Port. Overall my experience was easy peasy. The reason I gave it a 4 out of 5 was because I really wanted to purchase a Pandora Charm and that was located downstairs 😪 and I didn't want to risk having to go through any unwanted hassle. @according2teau 👽🦄

Aruba is beautiful and I will probably return to spend more vacations in this paradise, with beautiful beaches. But I am very disappointed with Aruba airport. When we arrived, it was very hot and the impression was that the air conditioning wasn't working. Picking up the rental car and returning it is also not the best, the process is slow, each rental company's store is very small, with only 2 or 3 people to assist you and after you complete the process and pay the absurd amount for the rental, you have to stand in extreme heat in a line at the back of the store waiting for your car. But the worst was yet to come. To leave Aruba, it is literally hell. literally the process of checking in and getting to the boarding gate takes 3 hours, the queue starts outside the airport. The heat is immense and time consuming. But it seems like a scam, because during the time you are in line, people who work at the airport pass by with a sign saying, "skip the lines", when you ask what you need to do to skip the lines, you are surprised with the answer, you would have pay $145 American dollars per person and you will be passed over everyone. And if your flight time is getting closer, don't wait for them to call you ahead to skip you over in front of the others, as other airports tend to do, you will actually miss your flight. After standing in line for 3 hours and now, if you happen to be hungry, wait in another long queue to buy something to drink or eat. We are in 2023. But Aruba airport gives us the impression that time has stopped. I think they can improve, but there is no desire to do so.

Unbelievable honestly! I have been to Aruba for vacation over 10 times in 30 years. I never saw such dysfunction before. The airport is longer waiting times to get through customs then JFK in NYC which is known for complete dysfunction. The system is just strange. You wait outside then they check your boarding passes. Then you enter and wait again to go through screening. Pick up your luggage after dropping it off. Then you wait hour’s again to go through customs. Then again wait to drop off your luggage. Then go to your gate. So bad! Takes 4-5 hours. Very inconvenient and very dysfunctional!!!!

Dec 2023: 4⭐: I think today went smoothly as far as the airport is concerned. I had issues with rental car return, but that wasn't necessarily an airport issue even though it was at the airport car rental location. The process to depart country was efficient and timely. There were a few other issues that could be worked out but overall an improvement from the times earlier. July 2022: 3⭐: Tell me the name of it when you go through the same madness over and over again...I see the same thing, but the workers are efficient and capable at keeping the people in the lines moving through to the departure gates. July 2021: 2⭐: I just don't get it. We got here 3 hours early for our flight back to the USA. We just barely made our flight out of Aruba to the USA due to all of the customs, TSA, Aruba immigration, USA immigration, and USA TSA check point after dropping off our bags for a second time before various other checks that seem to be repetitive as we tried to exit the airport and re-enter the cleared portion of the USA travel areas. It seems that there could a more streamlined process to improve the movement of people in a timely fashion.

I have to use wheelchair assist when I travel and their service is fabulous! Ultra friendly people and lightning fast service!

Arrive at 7:30am, Security opens at 8am. Thru security 8:08am, US Customs opens 9am. Early morning flight times AUA not busy. Added a star due to personalized response. Thank you.

Everything very well done. The controls and assistance to the passengers for the Covid-19 situation are working fine. The Electronic card registration for immigration purpose also full reliable.

Easy fast process in airport even took covid test upon arrival

Was a breeze getting in and out upon arrival and on departure.

No problem except that I had knee replacement and I had a card fro. My dr. Still was pulled aside at every point

Awesome people.... First time I have ever had to use wheelchair services and the lady who helped me with was so sweet and patient! Played porter and grabbed my two checked bags, worked me through immigration and customs (where I was busted with too much wine in my bags) and after paying the $10 fee, took me through the health station for my COVID-19 nasal swab and then on out to the curb where I had my ride waiting for me. Fabulous service!!! Also clean and efficient! Always love coming here!

A bit different than normal pre-covid times...but how can arriving in paradise ever be more than a 1st world hassle?!

Everyone is very friendly and cordial, something hard to see in an airport nowadays

(Translated by Google) Excellent (Original) Excelente

Muy bien organizado todo fue muy rápido

Su servicio es eselente

I really like this airport than the United States airports tbh it is small and very easy going to get to your gate on time the TSA and Custom Officials were friendly very good food options while you wait for your flight. And they also practice serious COVID-19 protocols. I can't wait to go back to this airport again next year if things ease up with this virus.

Zoologico Aruba. Excellent.

Those of you new to the island, there is a lounge at Gate 8. It is acceptable with Priority Pass membership.

A really good airport. Not very big and yet it was extremely clean. Friendly staff and was able to get through TSA and customs really quickly. a Number of food and shopping options inside as well.

Impressed with how fast it was

Allow plenty of time to get through especially if going back to USA, it takes a good while. Only one bar and it's packed, all the time. Overall good experience just be prepared when going with enough time.

Beware of the shady duty free scheme after arrival. The cashier would tell you one amount of alcohol that is allowed per person but at the custom control it is different and they will make you pay duties on the difference that are not cheap.

Adequate.

Everyone at The Queen Beatrix International Airport was very accommodating & especially nice to me! I had a super fantastic experience using First Class Experience Aruba! My concierge Steve was the best and made my departure quick & easy!

Clean and efficient airport and immigration.

Nice place!

Very easy to navigate and clean as well.

This is one of, if not the best, airports in the Caribbean!

Confusing process and double or triple security makes for long lines and waits leaving for the USA. At least you do customs there but slow.

What is there to say? It's just an airport

(Translated by Google) I am very upset with the abuse that the Aruba government is having with tourists; I agree that they ask for the Covid 19 test 48 hours in advance as a requirement, in my case I took it with 24 hours but they simply did not take it into account, and they forced me to do it again; but the intention is not to take care of the island; it is only to charge you $ 75 dollars to repeat the exam. Too much abuse and with these rules with the tourist and its inhabitants; With these bad actions they will only ensure that the tourist does not choose Aruba as a travel destination; pity because they have a beautiful island, as my mother would say "a little sky" (Original) Me siento muy molesta con el abuso que está teniendo el gobierno de Aruba con los turistas; estoy de acuerdo que pidan como requisito la prueba del Covid 19 con 48 horas de anticipación, en mi caso lo llevé con 24 horas pero ellos simplemente no lo tuvieron en cuenta, y me obligaron a hacerlo de nuevo; pero la intención no es cuidar la isla; es sólo cobrarte $75 dolares para repetir el examen. Demasiado abuso y con estas reglas con el turista y con sus habitantes; con estas malas acciones sólo lograrán que el turista no elija Aruba como un destino de viaje; lástima porque tienen una isla preciosa, como diría mi mamá “un cielo chiquito “

Very nice chill outdoor style environment

Good airport!

Clean efficient and accommodating!

(Translated by Google) Bon service (Original) Bon servicio

Nice airport. Small. Traveling through customs was a hassle. We are double scanned and TSA'd.

(Translated by Google) There is air conditioning and there are restaurants (Original) Er is airco en er zijn restaurants

Arriving was a horror show leaving not to bad. Good part is you go through U.S. customs before you leave the island.

Horrible airpot workers have no respect and no education and no people skill

Don'tWDon't go there unless you want to wait how in airport

This airport is good, safe, Covid-19 team to ensure the safety of the guests and residents, auto rental, taxi and public bus very close

Very nice airport and the staff members are very friendy. Rent a car from classique to see the island. Had a wonderful time.

Easy to navigate nice shops, clean.

Friendly people. Definitely purchase from the duty free store when you arrive in Aruba and before you head back to the U.S. Excellent prices!

Surprisingly a very clean indoor island airport

Prepare to spend alot of money if you want to buy anything. $12 for a bag of harbour °○°

Never easy experience Airport personnel are not friendly. Always ling lines.

Nice beautiful airport.

On my arrival I asked for a wheelchair because I'm pregnant was not feeling well. They had refused to give me until I almost past out I gave one star because departure was much better. Arrival was a horrible expression

(Translated by Google) Excellent (Original) Excelente

Good little airport, must need your green ED check mark to enter. They should have more than 1 person verifying the green check mark. We stood in line way too long for that. And 14 booths for verifying your passport, and only 3 or 4 were open? Again they should have at least 7-8 open. It would make more sense to get people through the airport expeditiously so they could spend more $$ in your country. Those would be my only complaints. Seems like an easy fix. Otherwise it takes 90 minutes from plane landing to a taxi. That could easily be 30 minutes.

(Translated by Google) No crowding (Original) Sin aglomeración

(Translated by Google) Excellent (Original) Excelente

Pretty small airport that feels a bit dated but it gets the job done. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Only 8 gates. You go through US customs in Aruba so plan extra time for that

Aruba 🇦🇼 United Airlines

Make sure you have your Covid paperwork ready. You will be asked for proof multiple times.

Very be unusual experience during COVID-19. No lines anywhere.

Very clean and everyone was masked!

(Translated by Google) Nice airport, very organized with a lot of services. (Original) Bel aéroport, très organisé avec beaucoup de services.

(Translated by Google) Great airport! Main languages: Spanish and English !! But we seem to be in the Netherlands ??,! (Original) Отличный аэропорт! Основные языки: испанский и английский!! Но мы вроде бы в Нидерландах??,!

Clean and great service

For a small airport you have a variety of shops and food choices.

👌🇦🇼💙💛😍👌

Clean and friendly people. Check in was a breeze.

Nice

Small but efficient, covid safe.

Very efficient especially with all of the regulations due to covid. And relatively empty as well again due to covid

I like that U.S. customs is done there

Not enough staff in busy hours

(Translated by Google) Very slow, it took me 2 hours at the wingo counter even though I had done web check-in (Original) Muy lento, demoré 2 horas en el counter de wingo aunque había hecho web check-in

Clean safe and organized

They are serious about covid screening. Have your paperwork in order before you get here.

Very Covid-19 pleasant. Parking payment is a problem.

(Translated by Google) Excellent attention, they have the greatest possible security to take care of your health and that of other passengers. Thank you! (Original) Excelente atención, tienen la mayor seguridad posible para cuidar tu salud y la de los demás pasajeros.👍😀Gracias!

Fast very organized👍

Passengers flying to the US from Aruba on American Airlines: Be prepared to stand in lines for literally 2 hours to check bags, go through Aruba customs, go through security, pick up your checked bag, go through US customs, then security again. Thank goodness we arrived 3 hours early! I have Global Entry and it was still 2 hours to get through all the hoops you have to jump through to get to the gate (it would’ve been longer if not for that). Not overly efficient!

Nice people running a logistical nightmare. Got here 3.5 hours before my flight and barely made it. Airport was backed up from outside all the way through customs. Think of waiting in a giant line at Disney times 10.....

Queen Beatrix airport was great. The people are so friendly and helpful. It's a great place to be in except when you're leaving.

Great selection of duty free shops, with a wide variety of international and local items. You can even buy the Gouda cheese here to take with you. Only negative is limited food options with Sbarro being on the top of the list. As with any airport food and drinks are expensive. Airport is well laid out with not too long lines for security.

Overall it's a nice airport. Clean and organized. A lot of the airport is outside but shaded. Getting through is smooth especially if you have Global Entry. Staff are kind and accommodating. Note that you cannot bring through any fresh fruits or vegetables. Very accessible location in Oranjestad.

Must have been recently renovated. More restaurants, shops, and new Priority Pass VIP Lounge. Quite honestly of everywhere I have traveled the Aruba's Beatrix International Airport is my favorite. I have been to Aruba three times and my arrivals and departures have been a breeze. The staff are efficient, competent and professional. The best run airport in my opinion! I love ARUBA!!

No water dispenser. Half of the airport was closed to segregate US flights/travellers. Quite disappointing airport in a country that's based on tourism. It kinda ruins a nice vacation.

On a Monday morning we had zero issues getting through the actual airport and customs to our US flight. Honestly we got there based on being told 3-4 hours early, and it was too early for the day we flew out. There is some waiting outside if the lines are long, but we breezed through everything. The airport is well kept and has several food options, souvenirs stores, liquor stores, etc. Everyone working there was super nice when we landed and while we left. I do not recommend trying to do your Global Entry interview here even though its recommended. Our biggest issue, and the only reason why I'm removing a star, isn't about the Aruban side of the airport - our Global Entry interview took forever to wait for. We arrived for the interview and saw someone who had been giving interviews, they said they'd be right with us. Thirty minutes later and the waiting room was completely full of people waiting to be interviewed. We waited over an hour and then finally my husband went to ask someone about it, and they promptly came over and apologized (the woman was very nice) but informed us everyone doing interviews was on lunch break. I definitely understand short staff and needing lunches, but a warning would have been great. We were called in shortly for our interview which went great and easy, the lady helping us was very kind. Later when we were boarding our flight we ran into several people who had also been waiting with us, and they said they waited an hour more after us and gave up - no one else had been called for an interview.

Our family of 5 just returned from vacationing in Aruba. Arrival to and departure from Queen Beatrix International Airport was most comparable to the difference between Heaven and Hell. Upon arriving too Aruba, we were off the plane and on the rental car company bus within 25 minutes. Departing Aruba from Queen Beatrix Airport it took us 2 hours to get from the airline check in desk to our gate. It was one long slow moving line. It’s similar to waiting for the most popular amusement park ride but worse. You have to carry your luggage with you. In addition, there are annoying airport employees dressed in suites trying to persuade you to enroll in their priority pass program so you can skip the lines. Make sure you get to the airport 3 hours before your departure. The airport food was outrageously expensive. Lunch for the 5 of us at Panda Express with no drinks came out to $92. Don’t try bringing food into the gate area. Security will not let it thru.

Since the airport isn't super large, the departure process can be painful. There are 6 different checkpoints you have to go through from the check in to arriving at your gate. One thing that will save you a tremendous amount of time if you are traveling back to the US is to download the app Mobile Passport Control. You can fill our all your information before you arrive at the airport and once you get in the area for customs, show the worker your QR code and you can skip the long line of people and go to a very short line. There were only 2 people in our line while there were over 100 in the regular line. Huge time saver! It took us 1 hour from check in until we reached our gate and that didn't seem too unreasonable.

I'm quite familiar with this airport by now, after having flown into it 3 times. Well, familiar enough.. security levels are a bit redundant.. once with the passport and boarding pass should be good enough but what do I know.. still a fine airport with all places to eat and plenty of spots to get your last minute gifts.

Let me tell you that the people here in Aruba are friendly and the security was superb! I left my credit card in the check-in machine. I went to security about 20 minutes later and let them know. They looked and stated they didn’t find it. Oh well, thankfully the credit cards apps these days will let you lock it instantly. About 45 minutes later, I see the security officer walking to our gate and I jumped up to see if he was looking for me! Yeah!!!! My card was found! I love Aruba!!!

We flew out on a Sunday at 6pm and were warned customs could take 3 hours. Pleasantly surprised we were through customs and security and at the gate in 45 minutes. The VIP lounge was worth the $45 charge since we were there 3 hours before departure. Free food and drinks in VIP lounge and comfortable seating.