When you are travelling to and from Rafael Hernandez Airport, it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when travelling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.
Our airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveller, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.
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A Brief Overview of Rafael Hernandez Airport in Puerto Rico, United States
Situated in Porta del Sol and at a distance of about 5 km (3 miles) from downtown Aguadilla Pueblo in the northwest Puerto Rico archipelago, United States, lies the island’s international airport called Rafael Hernandez Airport. It is also locally called Aguadilla Airport.
It mainly serves the regions of South America, the Caribbean, Florida, New York, Orlando and other parts of the United States. The airport is named in honour and memory of renowned artiste and native Rafael Hernandez Marin.
IATA: BQN
Address:
107 Borinquen/Ramey
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico (PR) 00604
USA
Airport Contact:+1 (787) 890 1680
Website: https://aguadilla.airport-authority.com
Operation Hours: Rafael Hernandez Airport is open 24 hours. However, certain shops, food concessions, on-site accommodation and public and private transport services may not offer services throughout the day and night. Also, services like airline check-in and baggage drop hours may vary with the flight schedule. Therefore, it is advised that you check with the airport.
About Airport’s Terminal
Rafael Hernandez Airport has a single terminal building located on the north side of the airport. It consists of two sections, international and domestic, and two gates, Gate 14 for handling arrivals and Gate 15 for handling departures.
Travellers can easily find various amenities, such as information desks, lounges, ATMs, conference rooms for business travellers, newsagents, courtesy telephones, restaurants, restrooms, facilities for handicapped passengers, retail shopping outlets, ticket counters, baggage claim and locker facilities, gift shops, transportation, car park and more at the airport.
Parking Facilities at Rafael Hernandez
Rafael Hernandez Airport offers convenient and affordable parking options to travellers. Parking is available at the terminal. One can choose from on-site parking options and off-site car parks that are located in the nearest proximity to the airport. These consist of short-term and long-term parking.
The first 4 hours of parking are charged $3 and then $0.75 for each additional hour.
Valet Parking: Valet Parking service is not available at the airport.
Airlines Operating from Rafael Hernandez Airport
Rafael Hernandez Airport serves only a few domestic, international, charter, government, military and cargo airlines. Airlines that operate short and long-distance flights to and from the airport’s terminal include:
JetBlue, Prinair, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines.
Facilities and Services Available at Rafael Hernandez Airport
Rafael Hernandez Airport in the U.S. state of Puerto Rico offers various amenities to passengers to make their travelling experience worthwhile. The airport also offers a range of duty-free stores, food and beverage outlets, Wi-Fi and internet access, business services and more.
Security Check-points
There are security checkpoints at the airport’s terminal. All passengers are required to pass through the security checkpoints.
Help Desk
When you are at Rafael Hernandez Airport and need help, there are information desks to assist you. Here, you can enquire about your flight or find other facilities easily at the airport. They can be found at the airside and landside of the terminal.
Wi-Fi and Device Charging Stations
Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the terminal at the airport, in case you want to connect your smartphone, tablet or laptop to access the internet. Free Wi-Fi internet service is offered with unlimited usage.
In addition to Wi-Fi internet access, mobile and laptop charging power outlets are also available throughout the airport, in case you need to charge your laptop and/or phone’s battery.
Baggage Handling and Storage
Luggage Lockers: Lockers and luggage storage facilities are not available at the airport.
Luggage Wrapping: Luggage wrapping services are not available at the airport.
Luggage Trolleys/Carts: Luggage carts are available at the airport. These can be found inside the terminal.
Porter Services: Porter services are not available at the airport.
There is a Baggage Claim facility available at the airport.
Make sure to check with your respective airline as to what carry-on items (and their size) are allowed.
Lounge and Business Conference Rooms
At Rafael Hernandez Airport, passengers can use public lounges and business conference rooms, which may be available for free or paid in order to access these facilities.
There are also hotels around the city that may provide conference and meeting rooms to business travellers.
Stores and Duty-Free Shopping
Plenty of shops can be easily found throughout the airport’s terminal and concourses. These shops sell a wide range of items, from children’s toys to fashion accessories for adults. You may also buy books, magazines, newspapers etc., to help pass time during your stopover or flight delay.
A duty-Free store is also available at the airport that sells all kinds of merchandise, including souvenirs.
Cafe, Bar and Restaurants
Finding snack and beverage options should not be a problem as there are many local and popular nationwide food chains at Rafael Hernandez Airport. These cafeterias and restaurants are located throughout the terminal and concourses, giving you the best options to eat and satisfy your pre-flight craving.
Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. A wide variety of dining options are also available and can be found at both the landside and the airside.
Other Amenities Available at Rafael Hernandez Airport
There are other amenities that are available to passengers at the airport. These include:
ATM: ATMs are available at the airport. You can swipe your bank card and withdraw cash at the airport’s ATMs if you’re running low on cash or need to make cash payments at other services or stores. You can find ATMs located in airside and landside areas.
Currency Exchange: The currency used in Puerto Rico is the United States Dollar (USD or $). Currency exchange facilities are available at BQN airport.
Banking Services: Banking facilities may be available at BQN airport.
Hotels On-site and Nearby Rafael Hernandez Airport
Finding accommodation on-site or nearby Rafael Hernandez Airport should not be a problem for travellers as there are several hotels and resorts out there. Whether you are travelling alone, with friends, family or children, you will find convenient and affordable places for a comfortable stay during your visit to Puerto Rica in the USA.
A few hotels that are located on-site as well as near the airport are:
Courtyard by Marriott Aguadilla: The hotel is located less than a kilometre from BQN airport. There is a courtesy shuttle transfer service available as well.
Parador El Faro: The hotel is located within a kilometre distance from BQN airport. Shuttle transfer services may not be available.
Ground Transport Options To and From Rafael Hernandez Airport
Getting to and from Rafael Hernandez Airport should not be much of a hassle as you will find transport options. You can quickly find a convenient mode of transportation to meet your travel needs. There are several ground transportation options available to travellers that make visiting nearby places and other places of interest very convenient, quick and affordable.
Many travellers often find shuttle services to be very favourable as it saves them plenty of time when getting to hotels and/or airports. Free shuttle buses provide travellers with easy connectivity. Also, there may be a few hotels in the city and adjoining areas that provide free or on-demand shuttle services to and from the airport.
Additionally, you may also book pre-arranged rides that offer services to and from the BQN airport, and which can also be scheduled as per your needs. You can usually find their kiosks or counters/stands located either at the terminal’s entrance or exit area. These may also contain information on the companies that are permitted to render such services at the airport.
Airport Shuttle Service
There is a shuttle transfer service available to passengers within the airport.
In addition to inter-terminal shuttle services, inter-city shuttles are also available to passengers. The services are operated by several companies or local agencies and are also available on request. You can contact these shuttle service providers from the airport.
Hotel Shuttle Service
Few hotels in the city may offer free or paid shuttle transfer services to their guests. Therefore, it is advised that you contact the hotel for more information with regard to pick-up and drop-off, besides accommodation.
Bus Service
Public bus transportation services are available for the commute. It is both affordable and convenient and can get you to places in no time. Blue Line services to and from all municipalities to the Public Transportation Terminal.
Additionally, there are also shared shuttles, commonly called publicos that depart from the Public Transportation Terminal to various routes. These routes include the Aguadilla-Borinquen, Aguadilla-Ramey and Aguadilla-San Antonio. Fare for a one-way trip can cost around $1.25 per person.
Train and Metro Services
BQN airport is not connected to train and metro transit systems for commuting.
Limousine Service
Limousines are available for hire at BQN airport. Rates may depend on the destination you are headed to.
Car Hire Service
You can hire a car at Rafael Hernandez Airport if you are in the mood to cruise around places in the city. There are several companies that offer cars on hire/rent at the airport. The car hire/rental agencies or companies have their counters/stands located on-site, on the ground transportation area. However, there are courtesy shuttle services available from the airport.
The companies or agencies that offer car hire/rental services at the airport include Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt and Thrifty.
Taxi Service
Taxis are available, if you need a ride to a hotel or want to go sightseeing. They may offer fixed rates. Taxi stands can be found on-site, on the ground transportation area.
App-Based Ride-Sharing Service
Aside from several transport options that are available to travellers from and to Rafael Hernandez Airport, app-based ride-sharing services are also offered.
Conclusion
The city of Aguadilla offers many places of interest to both national and foreign tourists. A few such attractions include the Fiesta de Reyes Isabelinos, Luis A. Ferré Science Park, The Casa Luis Munoz Rivera, Punta Ballena Reserve, Monte Torrecilla, Cabo Rojo Artisans, Museo de Los Próceres, The Salinas Salt Flats, Caribbean Raceway Park, Caja de Muerto Beach, Culebra Island, Ojo del Buy (The Ox’s Eye), Faro de Fajardo (El Faro), Observatorio Astronómico and many more.
Travelling to and from Rafael Hernandez Airport in the U.S. state of Puerto Rico archipelago will certainly give you a pleasant experience. And, if you plan on staying here for a while, you will find lots of attractions to enjoy your holidays.
