Air Travel to Aruba

Most of Aruba's visitors enjoy the convenience of air travel by flying into Aruba's state-of-the-art Queen Beatrix International Airport.

Served by airlines worldwide, and large enough to accommodate a Boeing 747 jet and 2.5 million passengers each year, this airport makes getting into Aruba almost as easy as relaxing on a beach. Both charter and commercial flights to Aruba are popular travel options.

A state of the art security control center monitors all movement in and outside the airport which includes a sophisticated camera surveillance system with more than one hundred cameras.  Modern x-ray scanning equipment is used, as well has explosive detection devices.

The Queen Beatrix International Airport, located in Oranjestad, has a three level concourse for check-in with eight boarding gates, baggage claims areas and 'holding rooms' for immigration and customs.  Arriving and departing passengers are kept separate for ease and to eliminate congestion.  A wide variety of shops can be found throughout, including restaurants, bookstores, souvenir shops and duty-free products.

The airport phone number is 011-582-4800.

Ground Transportation

Taxis, which are government run,  are readily available at the airport with an average fare of $10-$20 to hotels or downtown Oranjestad; and an average of $25 to hi-rise hotels at further destinations, and travel on holidays.  Privately owned mini-buses easily accommodate up to twelve passengers and are often used on longer routes.  Additional taxi information can be found by clicking here.

There are at least ten major international car rental agencies available in Aruba.  Depending on the size of the vehicle and whether it has a manual or automatic transmission could range from $35 - $65 per day.  For more information about rental cars, click here.

Buses are safe and convenient means of getting around Aruba.  It's station is located in downtown near shops and restaurants, and have routes to the entire hotel districts and beaches.  Click here for more information about the bus service.

Schedules for all ground transportation are located at hotels and resorts around Aruba.

Airlines

While charter flights are as common as commercial flights to Aruba, especially during the high season, plenty of commercial airlines offer service to the island.

Travelers unfamiliar with an airline's reputation may wish to consult the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which carriers based on safety, service, and performance. Contact the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC, 20591 or online at www.faa.gov.

Security

Before leaving for the airport, call the airline to confirm that your flight is scheduled to depart on time. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance.  Make sure that you have ample time to pass through Customs and Immigration.  Baggage checks and passenger screenings, including random passenger inspections could possibly cause further delays.

Bring and keep your passport and boarding pass readily available as they will need to be shown at various checkpoints. You will only be allowed to pass through security with a ticket for travel.  An official confirmation page for an electronic ticket will suffice.  Non-ticketed persons can only pass through if accompanying a child or an elderly or disabled person.  It is best to check with the airline for the possibility of further required documentation.

Avoid wearing heavy jewelry, bulky metal buckles or other objects so that you may pass through the detectors without setting them off.  Be prepared to remove keys, loose change, cellular phones and personal data assistants (PDA's) from pockets.

Should you have metal surgical implants, bring a signed, current note from your doctor to avoid further delays.

Food and beverages to carry on board may only be purchased beyond security clearance.  If you plan to bring gifts or food items to your destination, it is best to have them shipped in advance.  A listing of products which are to be avoided can be found at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website at: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/holiday.shtm.

Carry-On Luggage:

Regulations passed by both the Aruba Civil Aviation Authority and U.S. FAA are in force.  Prohibited items include sharp objects such as scissors, nail clippers and razors, some sporting goods, tools, guns and firearms.  Contact the TSA at 866-289-9673 for a complete listing, or at their website: http://www.tsa.gov.

Liquids, aerosols and gel toiletries are only allowed in 3.4 ounce bottles or less, in one quart or smaller sized clear, plastic, zip type bags.  This bag will need to be placed separately in the bin provided by the airline, so that it may pass through screening.  Additionally, shoes, jackets and sweaters will also need to be removed.

The carry-on limit, per passenger, is one carry-on type of luggage or suitcase, plus one private item such as a briefcase, laptop, tote or purse.  These items must be small enough to fit below your seat or stowed in the overhead compartment.  Check with the specific airline for the most up-to-date carry-on regulations, including specific size and weight restrictions.

Island Hopping

Visitors who want to explore Aruba's neighboring islands must travel via airplane. Short island-hopping flights are available from Aruba to the nearby islands of Bonaire and Curaçao. Since Aruba has a major international airport, connecting flights to other countries are also available.

Keeping these travel facts in mind will help to ensure that your Aruban airport experience is full of nothing but clear skies.