Aruba Airport Just Launched a New Self Bag Drop Service for U.S. Travelers

A major upgrade has just landed at Queen Beatrix International Airport. Aruba Airport Authority has officially launched its new Self Bag Drop service, a step that’s set to streamline the travel experience for passengers flying to the United States.

The move comes after the airport launched its new US check-in terminal earlier this year.

The Self Bag Drop units, located in the airport’s U.S. check-in hall, went into service today following a successful testing and training period. When paired with the existing self-service kiosks, travelers can now check in and drop their bags entirely on their own, skipping the traditional check-in counter and saving valuable time.

“This is about giving travelers more choice and convenience,” said Jurgen Benschop, Chief Operating Officer of Aruba Airport Authority. “With this launch, we’re offering a more modern, seamless, and passenger-friendly airport experience, step by step.”

A Phased Rollout

The Self Bag Drop program is being introduced in phases, beginning with American Airlines as part of the initial trial launch on Sept. 25, 2025.

Next month, the service will expand to JetBlue, Spirit and Southwest, with other carriers expected to maintain their current check-in procedures for now, while leaving the door open for future integration.

The project includes four dedicated bag drop units, developed in collaboration with participating airline partners and the airport’s technology provider SITA. This phased approach allows for a smooth adoption process while keeping operations safe and reliable.

Part of a Bigger Transformation

The Self Bag Drop launch comes as Aruba Airport continues its ambitious Gateway 2030 expansion and modernization project, a multi-year initiative aimed at creating a more efficient and future-ready airport.

While construction is underway across various areas of the terminal, innovations like Self Bag Drop are already beginning to reshape the passenger journey, offering a glimpse of what the next generation of travel through AUA will look like.

For travelers heading to the United States, it means shorter lines, faster check-in, and more control over the process — all before stepping through U.S. preclearance and security.