Community Forum

Griswold Family Vacay · 08-04-2011, 10:20 AM

OK, so after reading threads here I was paranoid. Bully picked us up at the Radisson at 9:30 for our 1:00 flight on Saturday. We were at the airport & in line before 10:00. There was already a substantial line at the Continental desk, but ticket counter did not even open for another 20 minutes or so. By then there was a much longer line behind us! Once the line opened, we checked in, checked the one bag, went through security, got through customs, went through security again, and were at gate 7 in about an hour. Now, this may have been the first flight of the day so maybe there were no backups? But, we really had no problems. I was so afraid we would be in line for 2.5 hours and would be stressed about making the flight! Just wanted to let you know we had a good experience

~Amy~® · 08-04-2011, 11:17 AM

You had one of the first flights of the day (1pm). Most U.S. flights leave Aruba between 2:30-4:30pm and that's where the congestion comes from in the security lines.

We took a 1pm flight out of Aruba once and it was a BREEZE compared to the usual 3pm flight we take. If given the choice, I would be more than happy to take the earlier flight.

cupidgirl21483 · 08-04-2011, 01:03 PM

I'm slightly nervous about coming home, but I guess it wouldn't be too horrible to get stuck in Aruba for a few more hours. :-P

We are flying on a Sunday with US Air into Philadelphia with a direct flight. Departure is at 1:30 and from the looks of previous flights from AUA to PHL at that time, the flight usually takes off on-time. As of right now, it looks like the flight is completely booked and the only other US Air flight that day is at 4:40.

I will definitely go early to be on the safe side, but I'm still a nervous nelly about missing it. Do you think leaving our hotel (we're staying at the Tam) at 9am is enough time? I figure we'll get to the airport around 10 with traffic & whatnot.

~Amy~® · 08-04-2011, 01:07 PM

Since you have one of the earlier flights, as long as you're at the airport by 11ish, you'll be fine.

cupidgirl21483 · 08-04-2011, 01:13 PM

Good to know! Thanks Amy!

~Amy~® · 08-04-2011, 01:24 PM

Also, since you're departing on a Sunday, there should be next to no (if any) traffic through downtown because all of the stores are closed. It's a good day to depart.

serene56 · 08-04-2011, 03:58 PM

We have a 1:30 flight and Bully says he will pick us up at 10:30.
(i thought that was too late but he said that the one part (after the duty free store) doesnt open til 11am

*Arubalisa* · 08-04-2011, 08:19 PM

Bully is the expert.

You will be at the airport in plenty of time.

SuperBunches · 08-04-2011, 08:34 PM

Cupidgirl, I will be happily getting off of the flight from Philadelphia to Aruba on Sunday! It can't get here soon enough for me. I will be the one with the big grin on my face....but then again, that will probably be everyone getting off of the plane in Aruba! Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

*Andrea J.* · 08-04-2011, 09:06 PM

safe and fun travels!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperBunches

Cupidgirl, I will be happily getting off of the flight from Philadelphia to Aruba on Sunday! It can't get here soon enough for me. I will be the one with the big grin on my face....but then again, that will probably be everyone getting off of the plane in Aruba! Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

08-04-2011, 10:20 AM	#1 (permalink)
Griswold Family Vacay Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 54	Checking in at AUA for the flight home.. OK, so after reading threads here I was paranoid. Bully picked us up at the Radisson at 9:30 for our 1:00 flight on Saturday. We were at the airport & in line before 10:00. There was already a substantial line at the Continental desk, but ticket counter did not even open for another 20 minutes or so. By then there was a much longer line behind us! Once the line opened, we checked in, checked the one bag, went through security, got through customs, went through security again, and were at gate 7 in about an hour. Now, this may have been the first flight of the day so maybe there were no backups? But, we really had no problems. I was so afraid we would be in line for 2.5 hours and would be stressed about making the flight! Just wanted to let you know we had a good experience Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook Andrea J. likes this.

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08-04-2011, 11:17 AM	#2 (permalink)
~Amy~® Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,631	You had one of the first flights of the day (1pm). Most U.S. flights leave Aruba between 2:30-4:30pm and that's where the congestion comes from in the security lines. We took a 1pm flight out of Aruba once and it was a BREEZE compared to the usual 3pm flight we take. If given the choice, I would be more than happy to take the earlier flight. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ ~Amy~® Cabo San Lucas: March 2012 26th trip to Aruba: April 2012 27th trip to Aruba: Sept. 2012

08-04-2011, 01:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
cupidgirl21483 Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 73	I'm slightly nervous about coming home, but I guess it wouldn't be too horrible to get stuck in Aruba for a few more hours. :-P We are flying on a Sunday with US Air into Philadelphia with a direct flight. Departure is at 1:30 and from the looks of previous flights from AUA to PHL at that time, the flight usually takes off on-time. As of right now, it looks like the flight is completely booked and the only other US Air flight that day is at 4:40. I will definitely go early to be on the safe side, but I'm still a nervous nelly about missing it. Do you think leaving our hotel (we're staying at the Tam) at 9am is enough time? I figure we'll get to the airport around 10 with traffic & whatnot. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________

08-04-2011, 01:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
~Amy~® Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,631	Since you have one of the earlier flights, as long as you're at the airport by 11ish, you'll be fine. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ ~Amy~® Cabo San Lucas: March 2012 26th trip to Aruba: April 2012 27th trip to Aruba: Sept. 2012

08-04-2011, 01:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
cupidgirl21483 Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 73	Good to know! Thanks Amy! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________

08-04-2011, 01:24 PM	#6 (permalink)
~Amy~® Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,631	Also, since you're departing on a Sunday, there should be next to no (if any) traffic through downtown because all of the stores are closed. It's a good day to depart. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ ~Amy~® Cabo San Lucas: March 2012 26th trip to Aruba: April 2012 27th trip to Aruba: Sept. 2012

08-04-2011, 03:58 PM	#7 (permalink)
serene56 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 464	We have a 1:30 flight and Bully says he will pick us up at 10:30. (i thought that was too late but he said that the one part (after the duty free store) doesnt open til 11am Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________

08-04-2011, 08:19 PM	#8 (permalink)
Arubalisa Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Boca Catalina Posts: 10,685 Images: 174	Bully is the expert. You will be at the airport in plenty of time. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook Chuckyb68 likes this. __________________ Aruba Bound! ~ Blogging to Aruba ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Pictures of Aruba

08-04-2011, 08:34 PM	#9 (permalink)
SuperBunches Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: I love the beach (who doesn't?), anywhere that I can snorkel, The Donkey Sanctuary (much to the dismay of my daughter), the lighthouse. Posts: 120	Cupidgirl, I will be happily getting off of the flight from Philadelphia to Aruba on Sunday! It can't get here soon enough for me. I will be the one with the big grin on my face....but then again, that will probably be everyone getting off of the plane in Aruba! Enjoy the rest of your vacation. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________