How early should travelers get to the airport before their flight, and what are the best ways to check in their luggage and pass through security smoothly? The “Check-in” communication campaign by Prague Airport offers useful advice to help passengers prepare before the busy summer travel months.
“The summer vacation doesn’t really start until after you leave for the airport. To help make sure your travel goes smoothly, it’s important to plan ahead and consider every detail. We suggest arriving at the airport at least 2.5 hours before your scheduled flight. For long-haul flights that require passport checks, arriving an additional 30 minutes early is even better,” stated Martin Kučera, a member of the Prague Airport Board of Directors. He continued: “Also, it’s crucial to understand the specific rules of the airline you’re flying with, as different airlines may have different gate closing times. Passengers should find out how many minutes prior to departure the gate closes and adjust their travel plans—from getting to the airport to navigating through the terminal—accordingly.”
The Prague Airport “Check-in” campaign continues to provide practical advice on preparing for your journey and what you can expect at the airport. Detailed information can be found on their dedicated website at www.prg.aero/en/odbavte-se.
To enhance the check-in experience, Prague Airport is continually expanding self-service options. Travelers can easily print boarding passes at one of the 31 self-service kiosks located in Terminals 1 and 2, which are supported by 16 different airlines. Additionally, there are 20 self-service baggage check-in counters available, serviced by 12 airlines. An increasing number of travelers are utilizing these self-service options, with the percentage of baggage checked in this way rising from 3.1% last year to 4.7% in the first quarter of this year.
Prague Airport is set to install new CT X-ray machines at the central security screening point in Terminal 2, with six machines planned by the end of June. This will enhance the security capacity in Terminal 2 by 20%. Passengers will no longer need to remove electronics and liquids from their carry-on bags during the CT X-ray screening, though this policy still applies at other security checkpoints in the airport. The rule limiting liquids to containers no larger than 100 ml remains in effect, and all these containers must be stored in a single, resealable plastic bag of no more than one liter in capacity.
It is advised that travelers keep electronic devices in their carry-on luggage. This is crucial for safety, especially for larger battery-powered items like power banks, laptops, and tablets. Smaller electronics, such as shavers and electric toothbrushes, can be placed either in hand or checked baggage, but ensure they don’t accidentally turn on. Generally, batteries with a capacity of up to 100 Wh are allowed when traveling.
Passengers should also check the entry requirements for their destination country in advance. For instance, EU citizens, including Czechs, must obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) for traveling to the United Kingdom. It’s also important to remember that electronic documents cannot be used as identification during travel; a physical ID or passport is still necessary.
Travelers can make their waiting time more enjoyable in various ways at the airport. Relaxation zones are available, with the one in Terminal 2 offering space for up to 100 guests. These areas feature comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations for mobile devices. Families with children can find areas in Terminals 1 and 2 equipped with changing tables, play areas, and kitchenettes for heating baby food. Kids can also enjoy a large play area in the transit section of the airport or smaller play corners with toys located at various gates.
To better serve travelers, the airport is extending the operating hours of select restaurants, bistros, and snack shops to accommodate all flights, including late-night departures. This summer, passengers will have access to 13 establishments that are open around the clock. For example, the Runway Restaurant, which can be accessed from both the public and restricted areas, offers a menu with Czech and international dishes, along with an outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy meals while watching the planes. New stores, including the Sunglass Hut in Terminal 2 and Kamalion for mobile accessories in Terminal 1, have also opened, and the Relay network has expanded to include nine shops offering various travel essentials this summer season.
Prague Airport Anticipates Increased Flight Delays This Summer
As per Eurocontrol data, air travel in Europe is experiencing a yearly increase of about 5% (compared to 2024), with this trend expected to continue over the upcoming summer months. While some areas of Europe, including the Czech Republic, can manage air traffic effectively, others face significant overload. This situation reduces the options for redistributing or rerouting flights, leading to a higher likelihood of delays. Hence, travelers can expect at least the same level of delays this summer in Europe as experienced last year.
Forecasts suggest that Prague Airport will handle over 18 million passengers this year, surpassing the previous record set in 2019.