How exactly does it work at the airport? When should I arrive before departure? What comes first: check-in or security control? And where do I put my luggage? When flying on holiday for the first time, travelers often have many questions about the process at the airport. From check-in to baggage drop-off and security check to boarding – in our article, we guide you step by step through the process at the airport, explain where and when you need to be, and what you should keep in mind for your flight journey.
What is the process at the airport?
Long queues, busy people with suitcases and numerous control counters – airports can seem overwhelming at first glance. With our guide, you get a clear overview of the entire process and are well prepared for your first flight adventure.
1. How much earlier should I be there?
In most cases, arriving 1.5–2 hours before departure is sufficient for domestic flights, and between 2–3 hours before for international flights. To determine your optimal arrival time, you can also follow the recommendations of your airline.
You can learn more about the ideal arrival time in our article “How long before departure should I be at the airport?”. There you will also find a summary of the largest German airports and their recommended arrival times.
2. Check-in & Baggage Drop-off at the Airport
To receive your boarding pass and check in your travel luggage, you should first head to the check-in counter at the airport. On the departure hall’s display board, you can see which counters are open for your flight. At the counter, your travel luggage will also be weighed. Therefore, make sure your luggage complies with the size and weight limits of your fare to avoid additional fees. You are allowed to carry your hand luggage with you during the flight.
Besides the counters, you can now also complete check-in at machines and drop off your luggage yourself at a so-called baggage drop-off counter. For this, you need your ID and booking number.
Online Check-in as a Convenient Alternative
If you don’t want to stand in a long queue at the counter, many airlines offer an online check-in option, allowing you to check in online one or more days before departure in many cases. There you will receive a digital boarding pass, which you can either print out or carry digitally via the airline’s app. Online check-in is especially recommended if you are traveling only with hand luggage, as you don’t need to check it in at the counter, saving you time.
After check-in, proceed to the gate from which your flight will depart. You can find out which gate it is either on your boarding pass or on the airport display boards.
3. Passport Control
On the way to the gate, there may be a passport control. Here you must present
- your identity card or passport,
- your boarding pass, and
- any required entry documents, if applicable.
For travel within the so-called Schengen Area, there is usually no passport control. This includes numerous EU countries as well as some non-EU countries, such as Norway or Switzerland. If your destination is outside the Schengen Area, for example, the United Kingdom, Turkey, or the USA, you will go through passport control.
4. Process of Security Check at the Airport
Follow the signs towards your gate to reach the next step on your way to vacation: the security check. Here it is checked whether the contents of your hand luggage comply with the established regulations, for example, which liquids are allowed and in what quantities, which items are permitted or prohibited in luggage, and whether passengers carry dangerous items on their person.
Make sure to inform yourself before your trip about the EU-wide regulations for hand luggage.
Here are the different steps at the security checkpoint:
1. Place your backpack, suitcase or your bag into the provided plastic trays on the conveyor belt of the X-ray scanner.
2. Remove larger electronic devices (e.g., laptop, tablet) and liquids (max. 100 ml per container, in a 1-liter bag) from your carry-on luggage and place them separately in a tray.
3. Take off your coat, jacket, scarf, belt and, if applicable, shoes. Also place keys and coins in a tray on the belt.
4. Pass through the body scanner. If an alarm sounds, you may be checked with a handheld scanner.
5. Boarding
Once you have arrived at your gate, note the boarding time indicated on your flight ticket. This is usually a bit earlier than the departure time. While waiting at the gate, pay attention to announcements. It may happen that your gate changes and you need to move again. During a long wait at the gate, it is also a good idea to explore the shops, cafés, and restaurants at the airport. When boarding the plane, you will show your identification document and your flight ticket once more. After boarding the plane, you can proceed to your seat, stow your carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment, and relax while waiting for takeoff.
6. Baggage claim at the destination airport
If you traveled with checked baggage, after landing at your destination, leave the plane and proceed to the baggage carousel for your flight. Follow the display boards or ask the staff to find the correct baggage carousel for your luggage.
Save time at the airport: Tips & tricks
Every minute can count at the airport – especially if you travel during the holiday season or encounter unexpected delays at counters and security checks. With our three professional tips, you can start your vacation relaxed:
1. Get food and drinks for the journey:
Pack enough snacks for your trip in advance and bring an empty water bottle that you can refill after the security check. This will save you long waits in airport shops.
2. Check flight status and gate changes:
To avoid unnecessary walking and stress, regularly check your airline’s app or the display boards at the airport. You can see gate changes or delays there immediately.
3. Use priority boarding:
If your airline offers Priority Boarding, it can be worth booking it for an additional fee. You get to board as one of the first passengers, avoid long lines when boarding the plane, and have plenty of space for your luggage in the overhead compartments.
Ideal for quick check-in - discover our compact carry-on luggage:
