Aruba Reina Beatrix Airport

Arrived in Aruba, breezed through immigration which was a pleasant surprise only to find lines of people wrapped around the baggage area waiting to exit the airport. Never in all our previous trips did we ever see anything like this. It took 45 minutes to an hour to exit (they finally opened the doors and let everyone exit no explanation given). This situation should be addressed and corrected as soon as possible so people arriving for the first time have a welcome feeling not frustration.

Terrible treatment on departure. Over 1 hour in line (outdoors under the sun) to get to immigration officials. If this is on a weekday, was is it like during the holidays? We invested in this island with our visit - we benefited the hotels, restaurants, stores and in general the economy of Aruba, in addition to paying elevated airport taxes, how is it possible for us to receive such an inefficient service?

Arriving was a breeze Luggage came out quickly and there were no problems. Departing was a different story. It was terrible. There was a line for everything. Slow is a word that really describes departure. It took easily 3 hours of standing in line. Not only that we had to wait on the plane while stragglers came through customs. The plane was delayed 1 hour (par for the course of all planes to the USA) and we missed our final connection. We'll never go to Aruba again. Certainly not until the departure nonsense is changed for the better.

Arrived in Aruba 15 min early only to sit on plane an additional 45 min due to other plane at our gate. They would not give us another gate and finally pulled over some stairs and they sent us a shuttle to get to terminal. Going home-horrible! We were warned to allow 3 hours which we did. United Airlines had no kiosks to print boarding passes thus we had to wait in line w/everyone checking baggage. Security and Aruba customs are very slow-going only 2 people working. Thankfully we had carry-on baggage only so didn't have to deal w/luggage fiasco. Our departing plane was delayed by an hour but had it not been we would have just barely made it. Beautiful Island terrible airport with not enough people working.

Everything went smoothly as expected. Clean airport air conditioned. Friendly people handling at the gate is accurate. When departing from the U.S. Departures terminal either be one of the first ones out or really take your 3hrs time to follow all the protocols.

Very long wait for luggage and very slow check-in. If you are flying to a place other than the USA you have to check-in in a separate pavilion with only 8 seats for a crowd of people lining up. After arrivals I needed some information about a local car rental company - the lady at information desk continued chatting on the phone paying no attention to me. We got the feeling that we were lucky to fly through that airport without any big delays.

My husband and I arrived at the airport at 2 pm for our flight departing at 4.40 pm. At 2.15 pm we began to hear comments that the flight was delayed until 7.30 pm. The flight monitor was never updated and an announcement was never made. We finally made it to the front of the line at 3.30 pm and asked if they could make an announcement regarding the flight status. A staff member began to re-book our flight. We asked if she could tell us what flight she was re-booking us for. She walked away and never came back. In Aruba you have to pick up your checked luggage and take it through customs which closes at 4 pm and re- check it. At 3.50 pm we stood waiting for our luggage. At 3.58 pm it finally arrived. Cleared customs and again went through security. Two girls stood talking while we're waiting to have our passports checked. Made it to gate 7 at 4.10 pm which still showed our flight departing at 4.40 pm. Asked if we were too late to board and was told it was now departing from gate 8. After several people in line became belligerent at 5.30 pm a staff member stated the flight was delayed until 7.30 pm. Several more people had been unknowingly re- booked to standby. Aruba was great unfortunately we'll never go back because of the horrible airport service.

Departed this airport on a flight that was to leave at 4.20 pm. Our first trip to Aruba and we had a wonderful time until we tried to leave. During our stay other guests told us to make sure we arrive 3 hours prior to departure to allow extra time to clear US Customs and regular security. When we arrived we found absolute chaos! The lines were long and slow no room to move or sit down. Our plane was 45 mins late to leave. No vacation should end this way.

Seems to be a quite pleasant little airport. International arrivals baggage claim and immigration straightforward. On departure although being warned to allow 3 hours to clear check-in & US immigration (as UK citizen) the whole process took 55 minutes kerbside to gate. Gate area presentable a few small shops and snack areas.

Nice airport friendly staff. US pre-clearance is a plus point. Negatives: immigration is slow and the part between check in and immigration is outside (no AC)