When flying out of Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport, I had the chance to stop into the VIP Lounge near Gate 8. My visit was short, but long enough to see what the lounge offers and snap some photos.
Entrance Rules
The Aruba Airport has 2 VIP Lounges (located near Gate 2 and Gate 8) are accessible through several programs:
- Priority Pass members are admitted (if you don’t already have a membership, here’s how you can get one through certain credit cards).
- Business class passengers on KLM and Avianca also have access.
- Access can be purchased through the airport’s VIP Departure Service.
Restrictions include:
- Children under 12 are not permitted.
- Depending on how busy the airport is on a given day, access may only be available to passengers on flights to the US.
Hours
The official hours can be confusing, as different sources list different times:
- Airport website: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
- Priority Pass:
- Gate 8 lounge: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Gate 2 lounge: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Either way, these lounges don’t open early in the morning. If you’re on an early departure, don’t count on lounge access before your flight.
A Note About Timing
One quirk of departing Aruba is that certain gate areas — including where the lounge is located — don’t open until shortly before flights. That can mean you’ll have less time in the lounge than you’d expect, even if you arrive at the airport early. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to relax there before departure.
Amenities & My Visit
Because of the late access, I only had a short time inside, but here’s what I saw:
- Cold slider-sized sandwiches
- A hot plate with fried food
- Pastries and carb-heavy snacks
As for drinks:
- Complimentary beer and wine were available (with other alcohol for purchase).
- Soft drinks were served in glasses only — no cans to take away. I ended up taking a sealed water bottle with me for the flight.
The lounge itself felt bright and open, with plenty of white armchairs and a bar area.
And while I was one of the first people inside, by the time I looked around and left, there was already a line of travelers waiting to enter. Clearly, the lounge can fill quickly once it opens.
The lounge does have its own restrooms, but no shower facilities.
Gate 2 vs. Gate 8
I visited the Gate 8 lounge, which looked fairly spacious. From what I overheard and from checking the airport map, the Gate 2 lounge is smaller. If you have the choice, Gate 8 seems like the better bet for space.
Final Thoughts
The VIP Lounge at Aruba Airport is a decent option if you have Priority Pass or another form of access. It’s comfortable, offers light snacks and drinks, and gives you a place to unwind after clearing all of Aruba’s departure formalities. Just be aware that access to the gate area — and therefore the lounge — may only be available closer to flight time. If you’re expecting a long pre-flight lounge stay, you may be disappointed.
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