Last updated: 28 October 2026 · Security times and gate procedures vary by airport and season. For binding information, please check your airline's website.
How does it actually work at the airport? When do you need to arrive, and what comes first – check-in or security? With our step-by-step guide, you'll be perfectly prepared for every flight. From check-in through security to boarding, we explain all six stages at a relaxed glance.
Your journey through the airport
A typical European flight follows these six steps – plan for around 2 hours in total, or 3 hours for long-haul flights.
The 6 stages from entrance to landing
How your travel day unfolds – including timings and tips for every stage.
Arriving at the airport
European flight: 2 hours beforehand. Long-haul: 3 hours. During holidays and peak times, arrive 30 minutes earlier – queues at check-in and security can be unpredictable. Details in the timing guide.
Check-in & baggage drop
Online check-in saves time – get your boarding pass on your phone or print it out. Drop your suitcase at the counter or via self-bag-drop. Hand luggage stays with you and is checked later at security. When the counter closes is set by your airline (Eurowings 40 minutes before departure, Ryanair 60 minutes from 10 November 2026).
Passport control (for non-Schengen flights)
Only applies to flights outside the Schengen area (USA, UK, Turkey, Asia). Have your passport ready. Within the EU/Schengen area, this step is skipped – an ID card is often sufficient.
Security check
Place your laptop and liquids (100 ml) separately in the tray. You may need to remove your jacket, belt and shoes. At modern CT scanners (Frankfurt at most checkpoints in Terminal 1 and all in Terminal 3; Munich at all checkpoints since 18 September 2026), you can leave liquids up to 2 litres per container inside your bag; otherwise, the 100 ml rule still applies.
Boarding at the gate
Be at the gate on time – boarding usually begins 30 minutes before departure. Priority passengers board first, then Economy by groups. The gate can change at short notice, so keep an eye on the monitors.
Baggage reclaim
Find your baggage belt as shown on the display and wait for your suitcase (usually 15–30 minutes). If your suitcase is damaged, report it directly at the "Lost & Found" counter. Legally, what matters is that you report the damage to the airline in writing within 7 days.
The individual stages in detail
Check-in – online or at the counter
Three options are available to you at the airport:
- Online check-in: Opens 24–48 hours before departure in the airline's app or website. A boarding pass on your phone saves time at the counter.
- Check-in kiosk: Available at most airports. Enter your passport or booking code, print your boarding pass, print your baggage tag, then head to self-bag-drop.
- Staffed counter: Classic and personal. Useful for special cases (excess baggage, special baggage, unaccompanied minors).
Security check – step by step
At security, things happen in this order:
- Hand luggage, laptop and liquids bag go into the plastic tray
- Remove jacket, belt, shoes (if required) and metal items
- Walk through the body scanner
- If an alarm sounds, a hand scanner or body check may follow
- Repack your belongings and move on
At airports with CT scanners (Frankfurt at most checkpoints in Terminal 1 and all in Terminal 3; at Munich Airport at all checkpoints since 18 September 2026), you can leave liquids up to 2 litres per container and your laptop in your bag; otherwise, the 100 ml rule still applies. Details in the Liquids in hand luggage guide.
Boarding – who goes first?
Boarding happens in groups. Typical order:
- Pre-boarding: Wheelchair users, families with young children, Business Class
- Priority boarding: Frequent flyer status (Senator, HON), priority tickets
- Economy by groups: Back of the plane boards first, front boards last (with many airlines)
- Last group: Latecomers – often only overhead space for smaller bags remains
6 expert tips for stress-free flying
Use online check-in
Opens 24–48 hours before departure. Saves waiting at the counter – mandatory with budget airlines too, otherwise a €55 fee applies.
Install the airline's app
Live status, gate changes, digital boarding pass. Push notifications for delays or gate changes.
Prepare your security tray items
Have your liquids bag, laptop, phone and keys ready in your hand luggage in advance. Saves 2–3 minutes of chaos at the tray.
Avoid peak times
6–9 am and 4–7 pm are peak hours. Midday or evening flights have shorter queues.
Check your hand luggage dimensions
Strict checks are carried out at the gate. A suitable suitcase can save up to €75 in rebooking fees.
Check priority boarding options
With Ryanair, priority is worth it for a second piece of hand luggage plus early boarding. With Lufthansa, it's often included in the fare.
Especially during holiday periods: On summer and Christmas holiday weekends, security queues can take significantly longer. Allow an extra 30–60 minutes, especially at Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin.
Frequently asked questions about airport procedures
How long before departure should I be at the airport?
Domestic flights: 90 minutes, EU flights: 2 hours, long-haul: 3 hours. Details for individual airports and airlines can be found in the timing guide.
Do I need to show liquids separately at security?
Yes, liquids under the 100 ml rule must go into a 1-litre bag and be removed separately from your hand luggage. This isn't necessary at modern CT scanners – in Frankfurt at most checkpoints in Terminal 1 and all in Terminal 3, and at Munich Airport at all checkpoints since 18 September 2026 (up to 2 litres per container, no bag required). Details in the liquids guide.
Can I check in my hand luggage at the gate?
Yes, on a full flight this often happens free of charge. However, if your hand luggage is too large (dimensions exceeded), gate fees of up to €75 may apply with budget airlines. Check your suitcase beforehand: Lufthansa, Ryanair, Eurowings.
What if the check-in counter is already closed?
The airline determines when check-in closes (Eurowings 40 minutes before departure, Ryanair 60 minutes from 10 November 2026). After that, only online check-in can help – if still possible. If boarding is completely closed, you'll need to rebook.
Do I need a passport for EU flights?
No, within the EU a German national ID card is sufficient. For the UK, you'll need a passport and, in advance, an electronic travel authorisation (ETA, £20); for the USA, an ESTA; for other countries outside the EU/Schengen area, a passport and a visa are often required.
How do I find the right gate?
The gate is shown on your boarding pass and on the monitors throughout the airport. It can change at short notice – keep checking the monitors. At major airports, gates can sometimes be a 10–20 minute walk from the security checkpoint.
Detailed guides for each step
- How long before departure should I be at the airport? – Timings by airport and airline
- Liquids in hand luggage – 100 ml rule, exceptions, CT scanners
- Power bank in hand luggage – Wh calculator and new rules
- Lufthansa, Ryanair, Eurowings – Hand luggage rules of major airlines
- Setting a TSA lock – Important for trips to the USA
