How early should we expect to be at the airport when leaving Aruba and flying back to the States? Is there extra security that we will have to go through?

As the saying goes, "early bird catches the worm". So for flights it would be, "the early passenger catches the plane".

I think there is no difference with airports checking our luggage and other security measures. We just need to be there before our flight schedule because we never know what problems will occur.

I think these days the standard is that you should check in two hours prior to your scheduled flight time. I don't like hanging around the airport any longer than I have to so I usually get there right at the two hour mark.

Yes Kat, I think the standard also applies in the Aruba Airport as it does in other international airports. Considering that Aruba is the most visited tourist destinations, do you think you can expect some lenience from the airport as part of their service to their visitors?

I doubt there is any leniency when it comes to any airport security. You never know when or where a terrorist is going to board a plane.

I hate hanging around airports as well. 2 hours seems like a long time, but I guess it takes that long now with all the security points you have to go through.

Vacationer is right - you're not likely to see leniency at any airport you go to these days. Yes, Aruba is a vacation destination, but they still have to follow proper air safety protocol.

It's never taken me two hours to get through customs and security so I usually end up grabbing something to eat or having a cocktail while waiting to board the plane. Boring, but there's not much we can do about it.