Had a great experience arriving and departing from the airport. Arrival was quick and painless. They take you in a bus to the airport from the plane. The line was minimal but they do make you pay $10 per person. Departing was also quick although our flight was delayed. There’s a variety of fast food at the airport with lots of duty free stores. They had several tvs throughout the airport so we stayed entertained. The place is also well decorated with tiki huts, loved it!
They insist that you need a boarding pass before getting to the counter which I ignored and when I got to the southwest counter the printed it off for me. After going though the long line since they move very slow at this airport comes security. You get a pat down whether or not you set off the metal detector. Then comes the immigration line which is once again extremely long. Also good luck finding a rest room in the airport as you have to pass through the duty free shop before you can get to one. The paging system just echo's and you can't understand what they are saying. They are not that quick to load you onto the bus's to get you to the planes either. The arrival process is pretty straight forward and easy except for the retrieval of the bags where you have to show your ID to take your bags with you which holds everything up as well.
No problems finding my gate. A very small airport. Staff are friendly and the place is clean. The place is like one giant tiki hut. I love Dominican Rep. A true paradise island filled with great people
The worst Caribbean airport for departure. Arrival was not bad although bags are slow to come out. The departure is a nightmare. Check in to your flight and bags was like anywhere else. Then prepare to wait in line for 2 hours to get through security. Then another 30 min for customs afterwards. Someone in charge had the bright idea to hand search EVERYONE and staff only 2 ladies and 1 guy for the entire airport.
We almost missed our flight. It was a very stressful time for everyone there. Something has to change!
Ok for a Caribbean airport, this one is very nice. It has air which puts in ahead of most. It’s also pretty large by Caribbean standards. The lines at customs are insane and slow. Luggage is insane and slow. And then they have his weird $10 country entrance fee per person?!? You better have $10 cash before you land! We had no idea and luckily had some cash on us. There was also this insanely loud island band playing where luggage claim was. We had to stand there for about 45 mins and they were playing right there. I could have done without that. Maybe it would been better if they were actually good?
Longest security/customs lines ever. First, our e-boarding pass was not accepted since their scanning machines were broken. Next, they didn’t have JetBlue boarding pass issuing machines and we had to go line up to see an agent to get our passes printed. After this hassle, we stood in two different lines for 1h26m and had our passports checked at least 5 times. We met a couple who missed their flight because of the long lines. Punta Cana is such a popular tourist spot, I am surprised they don’t make their airport a better experience.
New, clean and offering most of the amenities that travelers want. Customs and Security were both well staffed and things moved quickly.
On arrival, there is the usual 'shark tank' of time share, transportation, and excursions, but unlike many other airports these vendors were civil and didn't rush you as you walked by - they simple spoke offers from in front of their counters as you passed. There is a food court with standard US grub with prices similar to what you'd expect at an airport. Pack and umbrella in case it's raining when you land/depart since there are no jet ways and you'll either walk the short distance to the terminal or to a shuttle bus. Only negative I noted was in the A terminal charging stations were inoperative.
Just be prepared. It's mostly open air= extremely hot/sticky. Have your $10 cash air transfer fee ready. Baggage claim is almost a chaotic free-for-all designed for tips. Know your transport pick up, once you step outside there is a swarm of contype taxi services pretending not to understand English.
Open air for the most part, can get a bit sticky when you are dressed in jeans going back to subzero temperatures in the states But security line was fast and efficient, and international departure is air conditioned so that's nice. Kids play area makes the time waiting more bearable with children. Food is over priced, as one would expect, but the staff is particularly friendly.
This is a nice airport. Not too much trouble getting in or out. I give it 4 stars because I got stopped by authorities for a "random" check. It was very inconvenient.
The departure gate area is truly great with an amazing variety of restaurants. Bathrooms are clean. There's a pharmacy and a small playground for children. Duty free is a scam price-wise. If you live in the United States , places like Total wine will have better prices. Even in Dominican republic it's cheaper to buy liquors in the city. If you are able to put it safely in a checked bag.
Overall this airport is very nice and super convenient if you get a cheaper flight or you are flying to punta Cana.
The airport is getting renovated to accommodate guests. More airconditioning, wait time getting cut in half, and more entertainment. However, wait time are still a bit long.
Cool little air port. Customs was fast and nice. But once out side know who you are use for transport or taxi settle on price before you leave.
The new terminal looks much better. I had a smooth experience picking up and dropping off my luggage. There's free wifi with decent signal strength. The washrooms are clean and well lit. The food court has many options and there's even a bar just before the gates. There's a duty free shop on your way in the DR, which seemed odd but if you are planning on getting something back home there's also one on your way out of the country, and both have about the same variety of products. You should know already that everything in the airport is expensive so be prepared to pay US$3 for a bottle of water.
At arrival, Really smooth transition thru the airport, we did not check in any luggage, so it was straight out to catch my ride to Barcelo Resort. There are some guys playing music (check out the video I posted.) I did not give it a 5 star because of all of the baggage people bugging us so much to take our bags. I know they are trying to make some money, but some are quite sneeky to try to get your bags off your hands.
At departure, the open air check in area was very nice and things moved very quickly. The duty free area has really nice liquor and gifts to take home, so leave some space in your carry on.
After going through customs (smooth), getting the luggage was a hassle because they check every single one using your receipt tag. Then airport taxi drivers and handlers manhandles your luggage, grabbing it from you, taking it expecting you to go with them and ride their taxis. The language barrier is part of it. JUST SAY NO. No one told us about this level of harassment. Even passing the last security, someone will stop you asking where you need to go even though you already know where to go, Just politely say you have a ride service (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED), then off you go.
Its hot in there no air conditioning. Also there was no running water at all every toilet was full to the brim with waste and we couldnt even wash our hands. Our flight was delayed for no reason cause we could see the plane just waiting on the runway. Every merchant harassing you to buy their overpriced products. This airport gets a F!!!
The airport is pretty full and loud. But you can find everything you need. There is a new terminal which looks nice but is too small for all the people flying from there.
My experience with this airport was excellent. The customer service was great and the people working there truly demonstrated professionalism and efficiency in getting people from one point to the next in a timely manner.
Decent airport for a tropical country. BEWARE of the $10 tourist card that everyone is required to purchase after getting off the plane! When departing, make sure you wear something light and that will not make you hot as most waiting areas do not have air conditioning.
"Updated!" Read ALL! We had to wait 15 minutes on the runway, after a service poor flight. Then into the rat maze by the hundreds. Had to pay $10 each for a "tourist" card. SCAM! They just give you then take a ticket. When finally through customs line, over an Hour, we had to find luggage. Find our van. Then wait in van for another 25 minutes for other people. The ride wasn't bad, and most staff friendly. 4 hour(crap) flight, 2 hours to get through airport and to resort?! Strike 1 D.R.
When going through customs on the way out, they tried to take my fishing pole. It came with no problems , security said no prob, then the last guys would not let it through. One said just leave it and tried taking it out of my hands. Nope. Had to go check it. Pay them $9 to put some cling wrap around it. I read other people have had them try to take approved items they want. Strike 2! BEWARE!
The airport is very tropical looking. When you arrive, you will be welcome with a lovely band playing music. There are good fast foods. Pretty fast workers too!
One of the most comfortable airports I have experienced. The staff are extremely friendly, the chairs by the gates are comfy, there are plenty of outlets to charge devices (base of the pillars), and the palm frond roof and lack of walls by the gates give the space a very relaxing feel.
Cozy and smaller size airport, easy access and parking. Nice shopping, liquor tasting bar and free wifi. Kids have small playground next to gates. Only car rentals are more expensive than average, I recommend full insurance as local driving habits are "bit crazy" ☺
Everything went smooth while we were here. People weren't stalking you through duty free like they normally do and the whole facility is kept very clean. A little strange to have cats wandering around but all in all, good clean airport.
The Punta Cana airport is the most modern, beautiful airport I've been to in the Caribbean. I was overly impressed with how friendly and attentive the staff were. When we landed at the airport, two men were helpful in getting us through the airport quickly and efficiently. It was worth the tip we had to give them!
The airport is new, clean and best of allhas WiFi! It makes flying in and out of Punta Cana a breeze.
You do have to walk on and off of the planes outside via staircases. We had one person traveling in our party who has trouble walking. The airport staff was aware and helpful in getting her off and on the plane. We really appreciated their awareness.