New Self Bag Drop (SBD) service
ORANJESTAD—Aruba Airport Authority N.V. (AAA) announces the launch of its new Self Bag Drop (SBD) service, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and enhancing the passenger journey at Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA).
The Self Bag Drop units, located in the U.S. check-in hall for passengers traveling to the United States, went into service on September 25 after successful testing and training. With the current self-service kiosks, travelers can now complete the check-in and baggage process independently, eliminating the need to interact with an agent and enhancing both efficiency and convenience.
The rollout of the Self Bag Drop units will occur in phases for each airline that uses them:
- Phase 1 (September 25, 2025): Trial launch with American Airlines.
- Phase 2 (October 2025): Expansion to JetBlue, Spirit, and Southwest.
Other airlines will continue with their current check-in process, with the possibility of future integration.
“We are excited to introduce Self Bag Drop as part of our continued investment in creating a modern, seamless, and passenger-friendly airport,” said Jurgen Benschop, COO, Aruba Airport Authority. “With this launch, we are offering travelers more choice and convenience, while continuing to improve the airport experience step by step.”
The Self Bag Drop project includes four dedicated units and was developed in close collaboration with participating airline partners and our service provider SITA. By introducing this technology in phases, Aruba Airport ensures a smooth adoption process while maintaining a strong focus on safe, reliable, and smoother operations.
This milestone also coincides with AUA's ongoing multi-year Gateway 2030 expansion and modernization project. While construction is ongoing, innovations like Self Bag Drop highlight Aruba Airport’s dedication to future-ready facilities and enhanced passenger experiences.