Five tips for a stress-free journey through the airport. Prague Airport advises on how early to arrive at the airport, how to breeze through baggage check-in and security control without a hitch, and draws attention to the different liquid limits across its terminals. These and other practical recommendations are provided to passengers by the “Check-in” communications campaign. Prague Airport traditionally launches it ahead of the peak season, which is expected to be a record-breaking one this year.
Comprehensive information, including practical videos, is available on a dedicated web sub-page www.prg.aero/odbavtese. Here, passengers will also find a link to digital assistant AVA, which will monitor their flight and notifies them of all important updates.
"This year, more than ever, it is crucial that passengers set off for the airport well in advance. Throughout the season, both arrivals to and departures from the airport will be affected by the reconstruction of the Aviatická x Lipská intersection at the airport, which may cause traffic disruptions,” says Martin Kučera, Member of the Prague Airport Board of Directors, adding: “We therefore recommend that passengers use primarily public transport during the reconstruction of the intersection, which is not affected by traffic restrictions at the construction site.”
Self--service check-in is becoming more popular year on year. In total, passengers will find 31 self-service check-in kiosks across both terminals. These are an alternative to traditional check-in desks, where queues can form during peak operating times. Increasingly, passengers are also checking in their own luggage, which they will be able to do at a total of 32 desks during the summer. The self-service baggage drop-off service is currently supported by 18 airlines at Prague Airport, with more expected to follow. Last year, passengers checked in over half a million pieces of luggage this way.
It is always advisable for passengers to inform themselves in advance about the entry requirements for their destination country. For example, to travel to the United Kingdom, citizens of EU member states, including Czechs, must have an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). It is also important to keep in mind that eDoklady (the Czech electronic ID app) cannot be used as proof of identity at travel checkpoints. It is still necessary to travel with a physical document, i.e. a national identity card or a passport. If a passenger holds a European passport, they can go straight to the European passport desks at passport control, avoiding long queues at some airports.
“The positive news is that eight new CT scanners have enabled us to allow a larger volume of liquids in hand luggage in Terminal 2. Our research shows that the relaxation of rules has brought a significant increase in passenger satisfaction with security control,” adds Martin Kučera.
When passing through a CT scanner, passengers do not have to remove electronic devices and liquids from their hand luggage. This requirement still applies at the remaining security lanes. Another advantage for passengers departing from Terminal 2 is that, alongside the standard allowance of liquids in containers of up to 100 millilitres inside a maximum 1-litre bag, they are permitted to bring one extra container with a volume of up to two litres. In Terminal 1, the use of CT scanners is not yet possible to due to the current decentralised layout of security screening. However, the installation of this modern technology is planned here for the future as part of the planned modernisation. This will involve the construction of a central security checkpoint within Terminal 1, which will enable the deployment of CT scanners. The rules in Terminal 1 therefore remain unchanged: only liquids of up to 100 millilitres, packed in a single transparent one-litre bag, are permitted. Passengers must remove all liquids and electronic devices from their luggage and present them separately for inspection.
One of the most common mistakes made be passengers is packing electronics incorrectly. It is recommended that any electronic devices be carried in hand luggage. For safety reasons, this compulsory for devices with higher capacity batteries, such as power banks, laptops, tablets, etc. Small electronics with a smaller built-in battery (e.g. a shaver, electric toothbrush) can be transported not only in hand luggage, but also in checked hold luggage. However, passengers must ensure the device cannot be accidentally switched on. When transporting batteries, it is generally accepted that they can have a maximum capacity of 100 Wh. Violation of these rules may result in a flight delay or even the passenger not flying at all.
Passengers can make their waiting time at the airport more pleasant in several ways. For example, there are relaxation zones available, the one in Terminal 2 has a capacity for up to 100 visitors. In addition to comfortable seats, you can also use Wi-Fi and sockets for charging your mobile phone. For families with children, there are designated rooms in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 with changing facilities, a play area and kitchenette, where it is possible to heat baby food, for example. Children can have fun in the large play area in the airport’s transit area, as well as in smaller corners with toys in individual departure lounges.
In cooperation with its tenants, the airport continues to extend the operating hours of selected restaurants, bistros and refreshment shops so that passengers from all flights, including night flights, can be served. During the summer, passengers can choose from a total of 17 outlets that are open 24/7. These include the Runway Restaurant, which is accessible from the public area and, in Terminal 1, also from the non-public area of the airport, offering breakfast and main dishes of Czech and international cuisine. In the public area, you can enjoy a meal with a view of the aircraft from the outdoor terrace.
Prague Airport expects to handle over 11.9 million passengers during the summer season (a 3.6% year-on-year increase), despite the current conflict in the Middle East.