Just wondering how long it takes to process through the customs line if you fly in to Aruba or Curacao. On the way home is their another check if your just changing planes? I'll do anything not to do a redeye--lol

I can only speak for Curacao, having flown through there last month. We came in on the Continental flight from Newark (booked before the non-stop announced). It was President's Week, so mostly families of 4-6 people and 4-5 immigration checkers - took us about 15 minutes to clear, we were about midway back on the 737. It wasn't a big hassle, as our luggage was just coming out on the belt as we made it through. (we were the only plane in at that time).

Given Aruba is a busier place, I would expect it might take longer.

We did the Aruba route only once, about two years ago. Upon arrival from the US the customs and immigration lines were very long (almost an hour)because several flights had arrived at the same time. Our flight had arrived about half an hour late so the delay,coupled with the long lines caused us to miss our Bonaire connection. On the way back through Aruba you also clear US Customs/Immigration and that process was also almost an hour -- longer than I have ever spent doing US C/I in either San Juan or Miami. In Curacao the most I have ever spent is ten to fifteen minutes.

Bill it really depends on what day. Weekdays can be quick but weekends are really bad. Especially returning home.

Flying to Bonaire you you have to clear Aruba Immigration, get your bags, then clear customs. The immigration line are the worse especially if you are on a big plane or one arrived at the same time. To get your flight to Bonaire, you check in and check your luggage, then enter the departure building where you clear immigration then security for international flights which is a different line than the US line (much shorter).

Flying home starts the same immigration, baggage and customs. Then check in, immigration, a huge line for security, then find your luggage, clear US customs, and recheck your luggage.

How long it takes is dependant on many factors and how many strip searches you have to endure .

The above is for Aruba. Curacao is very similar but much shorter lines and fewer people.

Thanks to you all--American has an early morning flight from Las Vegas, that arrives on Curacao at 7:30 pm and I was just wondering if I need to book Howard Johnsons'---this could be another chance to portray airport O J--lol

We had a 45 minutes connection from Continental to DiviDivi and made it. (the CO schedule tightened 20 minutes on me from when I made the reservations). It didn't hurt that we were 4 of Divi's 8 passengers. They knew our flight was on the ground, so I wan't too worried. Stressed, but not too worried. I don't think I would cut it that close with DAE.

Hi Sue
I'd like to try DiviDivi but coming in at 7:30 in the evening the only choice is DAE?--

Divi Divi dose not fly in the dark(night)