You never know what to expect when you travel. Sometimes it's the final destination, and other times—surprisingly—it's the actual trip. I had the pleasure of flying with Avelo Airlines SJU Terminal out of Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport during my recent trip to Puerto Rico. Having never flown with Avelo before, I didn’t have many expectations. I knew it was a low-cost carrier, which usually means convenience with trade-offs. However, I found myself genuinely impressed—not only by the airline but by the entire airport experience at SJU. From arrival to takeoff, every part of the journey was smooth, efficient, and, frankly, enjoyable. Here’s a breakdown of my experience and why I’d choose Avelo again in a heartbeat.

Arriving at SJU: Calm Before the Flight

My flight was scheduled for mid-afternoon, so I arrived at SJU around two hours prior. The airport is located just a short drive from the heart of San Juan, and getting there was a breeze. As I pulled up, the exterior of the terminal was clean and easy to navigate, with signs that clearly directed passengers to the correct drop-off points and entrances.

Inside the terminal, I was met with a bright, open space that had a calm and orderly vibe. Even during a moderately busy time of day, the atmosphere didn’t feel overwhelming. I followed the signage and quickly found Avelo’s check-in area. It was conveniently located, and even though a few passengers were ahead of me, the line moved quickly.

Check-In: Friendly Faces and an Efficient Process

One of the highlights of my experience was the warm welcome I received at the Avelo check-in counter. The staff were approachable, helpful, and genuinely seemed to care about making sure everyone had a smooth start to their journey. As someone who has experienced both rushed and indifferent service from other airlines, this personal touch stood out.

I had already checked in online, so my main task was to drop off a checked bag and get a printed boarding pass. The staff at the counter were happy to answer my questions and gave me clear instructions on how to reach the security checkpoint. The process was efficient without feeling impersonal, and it left me feeling confident and relaxed.

Terminal Experience: Clean, Comfortable, and Easy to Navigate

After check-in, I made my way to the security checkpoint. I was expecting a long wait, but to my surprise, it moved along steadily. The TSA officers were professional and respectful, and within a short time, I was on the other side, heading toward my gate.

Terminal A, where Avelo operates at SJU, is well-organized and pleasant. It’s not overly large, which means it’s easy to navigate without getting overwhelmed. The terminal felt clean, modern, and well-lit, with plenty of comfortable seating near the gates. I was able to find a seat with a charging port nearby, which is always a plus when you’re trying to keep your phone and devices powered up before a flight.

There were a few food and coffee options within walking distance of the gate, so I grabbed a quick snack and a drink. Prices were what you'd expect at an airport, but the convenience and quick service made up for it. I appreciated how calm and uncrowded the terminal felt—it gave me time to unwind and mentally shift into “travel mode” without feeling rushed or stressed.

Boarding: Punctual and Organized

When boarding time came, the Avelo staff at the gate were already preparing passengers for an orderly boarding process. Announcements were clear and easy to hear, and the boarding groups were called in a timely and organized fashion. There was no sense of chaos, and passengers moved through the gate area without confusion.

As I handed over my boarding pass and made my way to the aircraft, I was greeted once again with friendly smiles from the crew. There’s something very comforting about seeing consistency in service—from the check-in counter to the cabin door—and it really contributed to the overall positive vibe of the journey.

Onboard Experience: Simple, Clean, and Comfortable

Avelo operates a simple, no-frills model, but that doesn’t mean the experience lacks comfort. The cabin was clean, the seats were in good condition, and the layout felt modern and functional. I had a window seat and found the legroom to be quite decent for a budget carrier.

While there’s no complimentary meal service, I knew that going in, and honestly, it wasn’t an issue. For short to mid-range flights, I’m more focused on being comfortable and getting to my destination safely and on time. And in that regard, Avelo truly delivered.

The flight attendants were kind, attentive, and clearly focused on creating a welcoming environment. They completed the safety demonstration with professionalism, and throughout the flight, they remained visible and helpful without being intrusive. There’s a certain calmness that comes from being looked after by a good crew, and this team nailed it.

Flight Timing and Arrival: On Schedule and Stress-Free

Punctuality is one of the biggest things I look for in an airline, and Avelo did not disappoint. We pushed back from the gate right on time and had a smooth takeoff. The flight itself was quiet and uneventful—the best kind of flight if you ask me.

As we began our descent, the captain gave us a quick update and weather report, and we landed exactly as scheduled. Disembarking was quick, and the crew kept things flowing without rushing passengers. Within minutes, I was off the plane and heading toward baggage claim.

My checked bag arrived quickly, and before I knew it, I was out of the airport and heading to my final destination. It was one of the most seamless travel days I’ve had in a while.

Reflecting on the Experience

In a world where air travel can often feel like a chore, my experience with Avelo Airlines at SJU was a refreshing reminder that travel can still be smooth, friendly, and even enjoyable. Avelo may be a low-cost airline, but their commitment to service, efficiency, and simplicity sets them apart from others in the same category.

I appreciated the entire flow of the journey—from how easy it was to navigate the airport, to the genuine friendliness of the staff, to the clean and comfortable in-flight experience. Nothing felt rushed or disorganized, and that alone made a big difference.

It’s not always about luxury or extras—it’s about reliability, kindness, and attention to detail. Avelo succeeded on all fronts during my journey from San Juan.

Final Thoughts

Would I fly Avelo Airlines again from SJU? Without question. The combination of affordability, excellent customer service, and a hassle-free airport experience makes it an easy choice. For anyone visiting Puerto Rico and looking for a reliable airline to fly out with, Avelo is well worth considering.

As someone who values both comfort and simplicity in travel, this experience was exactly what I hoped for—and more. Avelo and the team at SJU truly made the journey just as memorable as the destination.