Update on U.S. Customs Departing from Aruba?
 

How bad is it departing Aruba these days? I've been reading a lot of online horror stories about extremely long lines, but the most recent complaint I could find was last May. Is it any better now? We will be traveling with my 84-year-old MIL. Thanks for your help!

Upon departure, if you are a US citizen you will "pre-clear" US Customs at the airport in Aruba. It is always recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure on a weekday and 3 hours prior to departure on weekends.

With the US government shutdown, though US Customs is still fully operational, for some reason the Aruban government is now requesting everyone be at the airport at least 3-4 hours prior to their flight.

Saturday October 5th was the only time recently when lines were long and it took the full 3 hours.

If your MIL has issues with walking and/or standing request a wheelchair beforehand from your airline.

Yesterday there was an emergency landing of a small prop plane at the airport which screwed up departures pretty badly, but that only kept people at the gates, it did not prevent them from checking in and then proceeding through the rest of the lines. Totally isolated incident.

Thanks very much, ArubaLisa! We are not leaving for another month. I assume -and certainly hope -(!!) that the government shutdown will be long over by then!

Sometimes when you are traveling with a disabled person they will take you to the front of the line. I would ask that question, but of course arrive early just in case.

P_M,

Thanks, but there are six of us traveling plus small dog. Doubt they'd do it??

That's a good question, but I think at least one person could go with your MIL. The important thing is they will help her and try to make it easy for her. Last year I went to Spain with someone who needed assistance due to a recent hip surgery. She used a wheelchair at the airport and we were always allowed to go to the front of the line together.

Please post back when you return, I think this info could help others.

Thanks so much P_M. I've been reading quite a bit about long lines through security and customs, especially on weekends and during high season. I'm hoping we'll avoid some of that by going in November, mid-week, but who knows!

Will absolutely post when we return!

Funny you should mention the timing, I was there in November 2010 and we flew home mid-week. The lines that day were very short and there was no line at US customs. But I still say to get there as early as possible just to be safe.

I hope you will have better weather than what we had, it rained every day. Still a great trip, just a lot wetter than expected.

Ugh.I am afraid of the weather. I know Aruba has the reputation for being dry, but our last vacation there was marred by several rainstorms, and the taxi driver told us the week before our visit, the streets were flooded! Keeping my fingers crossed.

I was there in December right before Christmas and it was rainy as well. Downpours, then the sun. off and on showers. I am hearing that the weather has been changing there, and they are seeing a lot of rain in nov/dec. One never knows. We usually always go in Jan/Feb. and the weather is great during that time frame.

Getting to the front of the line and with how many family members is more than likely going to depend upon the mood of the airline personnel. When we traveled in 2012 with my 99 year old grandmother and both of my parents all 3 were in wheelchairs. Delta had the 6 of us stay together.

As to the subject of rain, October through mid-January has always been the rainy season in Aruba. La Niña in 2010-2012 did bring more rain to the island however things are now back to normal. The Aruba Department of Meteorology had only recorded 6.27 inches of rain January to August this year. Unofficial rainfall up to October 20 is closer to 10 inches, but still below normal.

Keep in mind, that if there is a tropical storm or low in the area there will be higher quantities of rain. Having said that, the rain in Aruba, even during rainy season falls mainly overnight and early morning with an occasional passing shower (those happen all year 'round) during the day.

We have been to Aruba 3 times during rainy season- Christmas & New Years (twice) and once mid-January. 2 out of 3 trips we saw very little rain. One trip over Christmas and New Years we had rain every single day. HOWEVER, the rain on all but 2 of a 13 day vacation was always over and the sun out shining brightly by 10 am. One day was overcast and one day was morning sprinkles off and on. The day of sprinkles the sun was out and skies clear at 3 pm. We toured the island on the overcast day and snorkeled on the sprinkle day. ;)

Now that the U.S. government is back to normal I would adhere to the general rule of thumb and be at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight if you are departing on a Saturday or Sunday and 2 1/2 hours prior for a weekday flight.

Thanks, ArubaLisa,

Great information! Knowing me, we'll probably be at the airport with plenty of time to spare.

Thanks again!