Community Forum

canadianmooners · 10-26-2009, 01:25 PM

So we just returned from our Honeymoon, and thank you to everyone for all the great advice and help. We had an amazing time and loved the island.

Just to warn newbies like myself - when we were leaving we had a 5:30 flight on a Sat, and arrived at the airport at 3:30. We were not aware though that US Customs closed promptly at 4:30 on Saturdays, and if you were not through by that time you could not board your flight. Obviously not a concern for us, as we were early enough, but be warned not too be late for a 5:30 flight!

Tom

Sunny Beaches · 10-26-2009, 02:33 PM

Glad to see you had a great time on a great island for your Honeymoon. When is your next trip, we all know you'll be back right?

*Andrea J.* · 10-26-2009, 03:08 PM

I changed the title of this from US Customs Closes to Closing time
andrea

danadog56 · 10-26-2009, 08:14 PM

that is interesting...we have been flying home on the same 530 flight sundays for the past 5-6 years and never knew that ...although we go home on sunday rather than saturday I would assume the situation would be similar since it is the weekend...however, why would they close knowing the last few flights leave at a later hour ?????

Chadd · 10-27-2009, 12:17 AM

My flight home in April was delayed six or seven hours going home and didn't leave until 8 or 9. Unfortunately, we were unable to even return to the duty free area as customs had closed for the day. The worst part is I actually got there a little early and ended up spending 9 or 10 hours at the airport.

mgenestra · 10-27-2009, 08:50 AM

Thank you. Good to know. My flight leaves at 2:30 onDec 5th, a saturday to come home to Philadelphia, so I should have no problems.

rob o · 10-27-2009, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chadd

My flight home in April was delayed six or seven hours going home and didn't leave until 8 or 9. Unfortunately, we were unable to even return to the duty free area as customs had closed for the day. The worst part is I actually got there a little early and ended up spending 9 or 10 hours at the airport.

How did you eventually get out?

Edronenburg · 10-27-2009, 01:14 PM

Thank you so much for being so concerned about fellow travelers. Of course, it would be an awful experience for not only newbies to Aruba, but also to many of us that try to travel there often.

Ed

pauljsilva · 10-27-2009, 03:27 PM

also be aware that when flying back on a Sat. or Sun. you should be at the airport early (about 2.5 hours before your flight). It gets very very busy not only in Customs but also going thru Immigration after you Check-in. Sometimes a long line will await you there, and since Immigration is done outdoors, it can get very hot, specially if you're traveling with children.

*Andrea J.* · 10-27-2009, 04:08 PM

the airlines all recommend getting to the airport 3 hrs prior to flight time due to the crowds.

10-26-2009, 01:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
canadianmooners Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 25	US Customs Closing Time So we just returned from our Honeymoon, and thank you to everyone for all the great advice and help. We had an amazing time and loved the island. Just to warn newbies like myself - when we were leaving we had a 5:30 flight on a Sat, and arrived at the airport at 3:30. We were not aware though that US Customs closed promptly at 4:30 on Saturdays, and if you were not through by that time you could not board your flight. Obviously not a concern for us, as we were early enough, but be warned not too be late for a 5:30 flight! Tom Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook

ADVERTISMENT

10-26-2009, 02:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
Sunny Beaches Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 500	Glad to see you had a great time on a great island for your Honeymoon. When is your next trip, we all know you'll be back right? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook

10-26-2009, 03:08 PM	#3 (permalink)
Andrea J. Aruba since 1979 Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: renaissance island, eagle beach, amsterdam manor beach bar, alto vista chapel, cooks restaurant, madam janettes, big porch at B55 Posts: 12,026 Images: 74	I changed the title of this from US Customs Closes to Closing time andrea Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Please, I'll have a Grande' decaf Mocha Latte' with a shot of liquid tranquilizer.

10-26-2009, 08:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
danadog56 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: everywhere and anywhere Posts: 1,619 Images: 13	that is interesting...we have been flying home on the same 530 flight sundays for the past 5-6 years and never knew that ...although we go home on sunday rather than saturday I would assume the situation would be similar since it is the weekend...however, why would they close knowing the last few flights leave at a later hour ????? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Okay, so here we go again,,,,,,10 months and counting.....

10-27-2009, 12:17 AM	#5 (permalink)
Chadd Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Arikok Antilla Natural pool Posts: 1,158	My flight home in April was delayed six or seven hours going home and didn't leave until 8 or 9. Unfortunately, we were unable to even return to the duty free area as customs had closed for the day. The worst part is I actually got there a little early and ended up spending 9 or 10 hours at the airport. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________

10-27-2009, 08:50 AM	#6 (permalink)
mgenestra Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: The whole Island Posts: 193	Thank you. Good to know. My flight leaves at 2:30 onDec 5th, a saturday to come home to Philadelphia, so I should have no problems. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook

10-27-2009, 01:14 PM	#8 (permalink)
Edronenburg Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Mariott Age: 79 Posts: 523	Thank you so much for being so concerned about fellow travelers. Of course, it would be an awful experience for not only newbies to Aruba, but also to many of us that try to travel there often. Ed Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook

10-27-2009, 03:27 PM	#9 (permalink)
pauljsilva Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 20	also be aware that when flying back on a Sat. or Sun. you should be at the airport early (about 2.5 hours before your flight). It gets very very busy not only in Customs but also going thru Immigration after you Check-in. Sometimes a long line will await you there, and since Immigration is done outdoors, it can get very hot, specially if you're traveling with children. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook

10-27-2009, 04:08 PM	#10 (permalink)
Andrea J. Aruba since 1979 Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: renaissance island, eagle beach, amsterdam manor beach bar, alto vista chapel, cooks restaurant, madam janettes, big porch at B55 Posts: 12,026 Images: 74	the airlines all recommend getting to the airport 3 hrs prior to flight time due to the crowds. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Please, I'll have a Grande' decaf Mocha Latte' with a shot of liquid tranquilizer.