Essential Information - Air Travel

Queen Beatrix International Airport

For all United States bound departures the check-in time is three hours before scheduled departure. The check-in time for other destinations varies from one to three hours. When returning to the U.S. you will pass through U.S. Immigration and Customs upon your departure from Aruba, Upon arrival at your final destination you can just pick up your luggage and go, no need for another Immigration or Customs check. For more information about the check-in times contact your airline. Contact information can be found here.

Peak Hours
The busiest period for United States bound departures starts around 11:00am and continues untill aproximately 3:00pm. If you are travelling in these hours (especially on weekends) please allow extra time for check-in and screening.

When checking in for your flight you will need your passport, along with a ticket, e-ticket receipt or a printed e-ticket confirmation. For some countries a Visa is also required. Please make sure you have all these documents with you when checking in. Restrictions apply for carry-on items for all travellers. See the full details here.

United States Bound Terminal
The building located to the right of the arrivals hall is used for checking in all United States bound flights. After checking in, leave the building through the exit on the left side of the building. When outside, follow the terminal signs to the right towards security screening and the gates.

Travelers Bound For All Other Destinations
The building located to the left of the arrivals hall is used for checking in all non-United States bound flights. After checking in, leave the building through the exit to the right side of the building. When outside, follow the terminal signs to the left towards security screening and the gates.

Check-In Hours
Check-in hours vary depending on airline and destinations. For US-bound departures you have to check-in three hours before the scheduled departure. For more check-in information contact your airline. Airline contact information can be found here.

Checkpoints
At the checkpoints all carry-on items are scanned for inadmissible items. The following advisories help you pass the checkpoint faster.

Attire
Please minimize the metal on your person. Big belt buckles, clothing with metal buttons, jewelry and metal in the toes or heels of some footwear can set off checkpoint metal detectors and will require additional searches slowing you and other travelers down. It is best to put keys, coins, watches and other metal items in your carry-on baggage until you clear security.

Shoes
All shoes must be screened. Please remove your shoes at the checkpoint and put them in a tray and on the belt of the x-ray machine. Your cooperation with this process will speed up the screening process and will get you and your fellow passengers through the screening faster.

General Electronics
Mobile phones, PDA's, computers, CD players and other electronic devices should be placed in your carry-on bag for screening. Laptop and tablet computers should be taken out of their case and placed on the x-ray belt. It is a good idea to attach a label on the bottom of your computer with your name, address and telephone number.

Photographic Film
It is advised that you put film in your carry-on baggage. If you have concerns about your film, request that it be hand inspected by a checkpoint security screener.

Food & Beverages In Checked Luggage
Avoid packing foods and beverages in your check-in baggage. Certain foods and beverages have a density that can not easily be identified by the screening equipment. Packing these items in your check-in baggage will result in your luggage being opened by security for inspection.

Food & Beverages In Carry-on Luggage
The following items can be taken aboard your flight in your carry-on luggage: Canned foods and food items that are not spillable, snacks and candy in factory-sealed bags or resealable containers.
There are restrictions on liquids, gels and aerosols in your carry-on baggage. Detailed information may be found here.

Restricted Items When Travelling To The United States
When travelling bound for the United States, you must comply with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA, APHIS, places limits on agricultural items brought into the United States from foreign countries because many items can harbor foreign animal or plant pests and diseases that could seriously damage American crops, livestock, pets, and the environment. APHIS requires that travelers entering the United States from a foreign country declare all fruits, vegetables, plants and plant products, meat and meat products, animals, birds, and eggs.

Your declaration may be oral, written, or both and must cover all items carried in your checked and carry-on luggage. If you are returning from abroad, you will be given a Customs Declaration form on which to declare your agricultural products. You will also be asked to indicate whether you have visited a farm or ranch outside the United States.

APHIS officers inspect passenger luggage for undeclared agricultural products. Failure to declare any items may result in delays and fines of up to $1,000. Agricultural products of U.S. origin such as fruits, vegetables, meats, and birds taken out of the United States cannot always be re-entered into the country. These items should be declared upon returning. Consult in advance with APHIS inspectors.

Food Products (Prepared)
You may bring bakery items and certain cheeses into the United States. The APHIS web site features a Travelers Tips section and Game and Hunting Trophies section that offers extensive information about bringing food and other products into the country. Many prepared foods are admissible. However, almost anything containing meat products, such as bouillon, soup mixes, etc., is not admissible. As a general rule, condiments, vinegars, oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee and tea are admissible. Because rice can often harbor insects, it is best to avoid bringing it into the United States. Some imported foods are also subject to requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Airport Embarkation (Departure) Tax
A Passenger Facility Charge (Departure Tax) of U.S. $36.75 is levied on passengers departing Aruba for any destination. Usually included in your airline fare, if not, you will be charged at the airport ticket counter. Children under 2 years, passengers transiting within 24 hours to a third country, and airline crew members on duty are exempt.

For more details please see the Aruba Airport Authority Website