Africa World Airlines

Aruba Airlines (IATA code: AW) is the national airline of Aruba. The carrier operates flights linking various destinations and is traditionally associated with travel across the Caribbean, as well as flights to Colombia and Miami. The company focuses on service standards, striving to ensure passenger comfort and safety on board its aircraft.

According to current route network data, the key hub for operating a number of flights is Accra. Flight statistics show a high frequency of departures to Lagos, which is a major economic center, as well as to Kumasi. Additionally, the schedule includes regular flights to Abuja, Sekondi-Takoradi, and Tamale. The flight geography also covers Ouagadougou, ensuring transport accessibility within the region.

You can contact Aruba Airlines staff through several convenient methods: online, by phone, or by personally visiting one of the representative offices. The carrier provides comprehensive support to passengers, assisting with booking inquiries, itinerary changes, and baggage transportation. Essential information and ticket management are available on the website: www.arubaairlines.com.

Contact Details

• Customer Support (Head Office, Aruba): +297 583 8300 (operates 24/7).
• Toll-Free Line for calls from the USA: +1 855 527 8221.
• Email for general inquiries: customerservice@arubaairlines.com
• Website Technical Support: webhelp@arubaairlines.aw
• Mobile Services: For managing bookings, it is recommended to use the mobile version of the official website.

Social Media

You can stay updated on airline news and promotions through official communities:

• Facebook: ArubaAirlines
• Instagram: @arubaairlines

Airline Offices

For personal visits or sending correspondence, the following locations are available:

• Aruba (Head Office): Cumana 69, Oranjestad (located near Queen Beatrix Airport).
• USA (Miami): 5600 NW 36th St, Suite 450, Doral, FL 33166.

When planning a trip with Aruba Airlines (AW), it is important to familiarize yourself with the baggage rules in advance to avoid unnecessary hassle at the airport. The airline strives to ensure passenger comfort by offering clear and transparent allowances for both carry-on and checked luggage. We recommend checking the conditions of your fare before departure, as they may vary depending on the destination.

Carry-on Baggage

Passengers are generally allowed to take one piece of carry-on luggage into the cabin. The weight of the bag must not exceed the established limit, which is most often 8–10 kg, and the dimensions must allow it to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. In addition to the main bag, Aruba Airlines typically allows one personal item: this could be a handbag, a briefcase with a laptop, or a small camera bag.

Checked Baggage

Free baggage allowances depend on the class of service and the route:

• Economy Class: The standard allowance usually includes one piece of luggage weighing up to 23 kg.
• Business Class: Passengers can expect an increased allowance — often two pieces of luggage weighing up to 23 kg each or one piece up to 32 kg.

Please note that on flights via the base airport Accra or when connecting with other airlines, the rules may differ slightly. Always verify the information on your electronic ticket.

Excess Baggage

If your suitcases exceed the allowable weight or size, a surcharge will apply. Excess baggage fees are charged per kilogram over the limit or for an additional piece. You can pay for excess baggage in advance online or directly at the check-in counter at the airport, though prepayment is often more cost-effective.

Special Baggage

Aruba Airlines provides for the transport of non-standard items:

• Sports Equipment: Bicycles, diving gear, or golf equipment are accepted for carriage but may require prior approval and an additional fee.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments can be taken into the cabin instead of carry-on luggage if they fit within the dimensions. Large instruments (e.g., cellos) may require purchasing a separate seat in the cabin or checking them in a hard case.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

For safety reasons, it is strictly forbidden to transport explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gases, and toxic materials in any type of baggage. In carry-on luggage, restrictions on liquids apply: containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml must be packed in a transparent resealable bag with a total volume of up to 1 liter. Sharp objects (scissors, knives) must be placed in checked baggage.

Packing Tips

To ensure a smooth flight, follow these simple recommendations:

• Be sure to attach a tag with your name and contact phone number to your suitcase.
• Always keep valuables, documents, money, and vital medications in your carry-on luggage.
• Use bright covers or ribbons to quickly identify your luggage on the carousel.
• Weigh your suitcases at home before leaving for the airport to avoid unexpected excess weight charges.

Traveling with a pet is a responsible process, and Aruba Airlines strives to make it as comfortable as possible for you and your four-legged friend. The airline permits the transport of domestic cats and dogs; however, safety on board remains the top priority, so strict requirements apply to transportation.

Transport Options

Depending on the weight and size of the animal, Aruba Airlines offers three methods of transport. Choosing the right option guarantees peace of mind for the owner and safety for the pet.

In the Cabin (Carry-on)

• Carrier Dimensions: A soft carrier bag must not exceed dimensions of 40×30×20 cm to fit under the seat.
• Maximum Weight: The total weight of the animal together with the container is up to 8 kg.
• Permitted Animals: Only domestic cats and small dogs.
• Comfort: The animal must be able to stand up and turn around freely inside the closed carrier.
• Limit: Typically, one pet per passenger is allowed (and a limited number of animals per flight).

In the Cargo Hold (Checked Baggage)

• Container Requirements: A hard plastic box complying with IATA standards, featuring a secure lock and ventilation.
• Weight and Size: For animals weighing more than 8 kg or exceeding carry-on dimensions.
• Temperature Restrictions: Transport may be refused during extreme high or low temperatures at departure/arrival airports.
• Preparation: The bottom of the container must be covered with absorbent material.

As Cargo

• When Required: For very large breeds, unaccompanied animals, or when flying to countries with strict quarantine rules.
• Special Requirements: Processed through the cargo terminal, requiring a specific waybill.
• Procedure: Booking is done separately from the passenger ticket; it is recommended to arrange this in advance.

Necessary Documents

To check in for your flight, you will need a set of documents. Requirements may be stricter on international routes, for example, when flying to Lagos or other countries in the region.

• Veterinary Passport of international standard.
• Health Certificate (form depends on destination), issued by a veterinarian a few days before departure.
• Vaccinations: Valid rabies vaccination (administered not less than 30 days and not more than a year before the trip).
• International Certificates: Additional permits from veterinary services for crossing borders (applicable for flights to Ouagadougou and other international points).

Service Costs

Pet transport is not included in the free baggage allowance and is paid for separately. Prices are indicative and subject to change.

• In the Aircraft Cabin: A fixed fee applies (estimated from $70 to $125 per segment).
• In the Cargo Hold: The cost is calculated based on the weight of the animal together with the cage and the destination.
• Route Dependency: Fees are usually higher on international flights compared to regional flights within the Caribbean or Africa.

Preparation Tips

• Crate Training: Introduce your pet to the carrier several weeks before the flight to reduce stress levels.
• Feeding: Do not feed the animal heavily less than 4 hours before departure, but provide access to water.
• Calming: Place a familiar item or toy with the scent of home in the cage; use sedatives only on the recommendation of a veterinarian.

Restrictions

• Prohibited Breeds: Transport of brachycephalic breeds (dogs with snub noses: pugs, bulldogs) in the cargo hold is often restricted due to the risk of respiratory problems.
• Aggressive Breeds: The airline reserves the right to refuse transport of fighting breeds.
• Age: Puppies and kittens under 3–4 months are generally not permitted to fly.
• Exceptions: Service dogs and guide dogs may travel free of charge in the cabin provided they have certificates and a muzzle.

Important: Veterinary control rules and tariffs may change. We strongly recommend contacting the Aruba Airlines contact center before purchasing a ticket to confirm the possibility of transporting your pet.

Benefits for Frequent Flyers

Aruba Airlines strives to ensure a high level of service for all its clients. For travelers who regularly use the carrier's services, choosing one airline often becomes the key to predictability and comfort during trips. Instead of a complex point accumulation system, the company focuses on competitive fares and a convenient schedule connecting the Caribbean region and West Africa.

For passengers frequently flying through the key transport hub in Accra, consistency in choosing a carrier allows for optimized connection times. This is especially relevant for busy destinations such as Lagos or Kumasi, where schedule stability plays an important role for business people and tourists.

Special Offers and Promotions

Although Aruba Airlines does not always announce a fixed loyalty program with plastic cards and tiers, the airline periodically delights customers with special opportunities. To get the maximum benefit from flights, it is recommended to follow the carrier's updates.

• Seasonal Discounts: The airline may offer reduced ticket fares during holidays or low seasons, for example, on flights to Abuja.
• Corporate Rates: For companies and business travelers regularly visiting cities like Sekondi-Takoradi, individual service conditions may be available.
• Group Bookings: When traveling with a large family or group, it is worth checking with the contact center for special prices.

Where to Find Current Information

Information about bonuses and current privileges is best checked via official sources. Conditions may change, and what was valid yesterday may be replaced today by new, more interesting offers.

To avoid missing profitable options for flights to Tamale or Ouagadougou, we advise you to:

• Subscribe to the newsletter on the official Aruba Airlines website.
• Follow the airline's social media pages, where flash sales are often published.
• Check for possible upgrades (class upgrades) at the check-in counter at the airport before departure.

Aruba Airlines strives to make your flight pleasant and untiring, whether you are taking a short domestic flight or embarking on an international journey. The level of comfort and range of services on board vary depending on the aircraft type and flight duration, but attention to passengers remains the crew's constant priority.

Classes of Service

On most scheduled flights, the carrier offers a two-class cabin configuration. This allows travelers to choose the optimal balance between ticket cost and the set of privileges.

Economy Class

This is the most popular choice for passengers traveling on high-frequency routes, such as Kumasi or Tamale. Economy Class offers:

• Comfortable Seats: Standard seats with an ergonomic design and sufficient legroom, which is quite comfortable for short regional flights.
• Carry-on Baggage: The ability to take necessary items into the cabin (according to established allowances).
• Service: Attentive flight attendants will help you settle in and answer questions during the flight.

Business Class

For those who value privacy and enhanced comfort, especially on longer flights to Lagos or Abuja, Business Class is available. Benefits include:

• Priority Service: A separate check-in counter and priority boarding.
• Enhanced Comfort: Wider seats with increased recline and more legroom, often located in the front section of the cabin (configuration depends on aircraft type).
• Extended Service: Individual attention from the crew and improved baggage allowances.

Food and Beverages

The onboard menu at Aruba Airlines depends on the time of day and route duration. The airline strives to offer fresh products, taking regional preferences into account.

• On Short Flights: For flights lasting less than an hour (for example, to Sekondi-Takoradi), passengers are usually offered refreshing beverages, water, juices, and light snacks (cookies, nuts, or chips).
• On International Flights: On routes to neighboring countries, such as flights to Ouagadougou, the service may include more substantial snacks or sandwiches, and in Business Class — a full hot meal and a selection of premium beverages.

Entertainment and Connectivity

Since most Aruba Airlines flights in the region are short-haul, complex multimedia systems (personal screens) in seatbacks are generally not provided. To pass the time en route, we recommend:

• Taking a book with you or downloading movies and music to your personal smartphone or tablet in advance.
• Reading the in-flight magazine, which often publishes information about flight destinations and company news.
• Enjoying the views from the window, especially when approaching scenic coastlines or cities.

Special Services

The airline ensures that travel is accessible to all categories of passengers. If you require special assistance, it is recommended to notify the carrier no later than 48–72 hours before departure via the call center or the office at the Accra hub.

Passengers with Children

Families with infants can count on assistance during boarding. For older children (usually from 5 to 14 years old) traveling alone, an Unaccompanied Minor service is provided. Airline staff look after the young traveler from the moment of check-in until they are handed over to the meeting party at the arrival airport.

Passengers with Reduced Mobility

Aruba Airlines provides necessary assistance to passengers with limited mobility. Services include:

• Provision of a wheelchair for movement through the terminal and boarding the aircraft.
• Assistance with seating on board.
• Individual safety briefing (if necessary).

It is important to remember that some types of small regional aircraft may have limitations on accommodating passengers' own electric wheelchairs in the cargo hold, so please clarify technical details in advance.

The route network of Aruba Airlines is currently centered around the key transport hub in the city of Accra, ensuring stable connections between important economic and cultural centers. Below is detailed information on the most in-demand flights and departure frequencies, which will help you choose the optimal option for your journey.

Planning a trip with Aruba Airlines (AW) requires attention to detail to ensure your flight is as comfortable and cost-effective as possible. Whether you are flying for business or leisure, following simple recommendations will help save time and money, as well as avoid unnecessary stress at the airport.

Booking and Finding the Best Fares

To find the best offers, it is recommended to book tickets in advance. For popular international routes, such as flights to Lagos, the optimal purchase time is 3–5 weeks before departure. On domestic and regional routes, for example to Kumasi or Tamale, prices often remain stable, but booking 2 weeks before the departure date guarantees seat availability at the minimum fare.

How to Catch Discounts:

• Newsletter Subscription: The airline frequently sends promo codes and sale notifications to its subscribers via email.
• Flexible Dates: If your plans allow, check ticket prices for adjacent dates (±3 days). Often, flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) is cheaper than on weekends.
• Social Media: Follow the carrier's official accounts, where "hot" offers for flights to Accra and other key cities in the route network are published.

Online Check-in and Seat Selection

Save time at the airport by using the Web Check-in service. It usually opens 24–48 hours before departure and allows you to select a seat in the cabin, as well as receive your boarding pass electronically. This is especially convenient for passengers traveling without baggage.

Tips for Choosing Seats:

• For Comfort: If legroom is important to you, try to choose seats in the front rows of Economy Class or at emergency exits (note that an additional fee may apply).
• For Views: Lovers of beautiful panoramas should choose window seats. This will allow you to enjoy the views during the approach, especially in scenic locations such as Sekondi-Takoradi.
• For Speed: If you have a short connection, choose seats closer to the exit (in the front part of the cabin) to be the first to disembark.

Mobile Capabilities

Using the mobile app or the mobile version of the Aruba Airlines website significantly simplifies trip management. With a smartphone, you can:

• Promptly check flight status (for example, when departing to Abuja).
• Save boarding passes in your electronic wallet so you don't have to print them.
• Make changes to your booking or purchase additional services, such as baggage, literally on the go.

Insurance and Safety

Although the airline does everything for flight safety, experienced tourists always recommend taking out travel insurance. It covers not only medical expenses but also risks associated with trip cancellation, flight delays, or lost luggage. When planning international flights, for example to Ouagadougou, having a policy is often a mandatory requirement for entering the country or obtaining a visa.

The history of Aruba Airlines (AW) originates on the sunny island of Aruba. Founded as a national carrier, the brand initially aimed to provide reliable air connections in the Caribbean region, linking island territories with the mainland. During its formation stage, the company's priority was to create an image of a safe and punctual partner for tourists and locals, striving to improve transport accessibility in this part of the world.

During its development, the airline significantly diversified its flight geography. In addition to Caribbean routes, the carrier's operational activities expanded to other continents. An important stage was the operation of flights in West Africa, where the city of Accra served as a key transit hub. The use of Kotoka Airport allowed for the organization of a convenient schedule and offered passengers in-demand connections in this region.

The formation of the African segment of the route network was accompanied by establishing ties with major economic centers. One of the most popular destinations became Lagos, with regular service significantly simplifying business travel. Furthermore, the airline actively engaged in operating domestic flights, adding the cities of Kumasi and Tamale to the flight map, making travel between them fast and comfortable.

The list of serviced destinations continued to grow with new points. Flights to the capital of Nigeria — the city of Abuja — appeared in the schedule, as well as to the port center of Sekondi-Takoradi. The flight geography also expanded beyond the English-speaking countries of the region, an example of which was flights to Ouagadougou. These launches and new routes allowed Aruba Airlines to strengthen its positions, offering air transport services in various markets.

Today, the company continues to focus on maintaining high standards of safety and service quality. Regardless of the flight region, Aruba Airlines strives to implement modern solutions for passenger comfort, updating aircraft interiors and improving digital services for convenient ticket booking.