Tips for a smooth departure from Brussels Airport
Christmas holidays are approaching quickly, also at Brussels Airport. The airport expects a large wave of passengers setting off on holiday at the end of this week.
The traditional seasonal holiday rush at Brussels Airport already started a couple of days before the Christmas holidays. The busiest days include today, 20 December, Thursday 21 December and Friday 22 December, when 61,000, 65,000 and 75,000 passengers respectively are expected at Brussels Airport.
The Christmas holidays are traditionally a popular time to travel. Passengers travel to sunny destinations like Malaga or the Cape Verde Islands; for Christmas shopping in New York or Dubai; to the winter resorts near Geneva or Salzburg.
In order to ensure a smooth and stress-free departure, you’ll find below a few tips:
Come to the airport on time
On busy departure days Brussels Airport expects a lot of extra traffic on the access roads leading to the airport, so make sure you allow enough time to arrive at the airport on time. Before setting off, take a look at the expected rush indicator on Brussels Airport website.
Drop off passengers at the Drop-off area
Are you taking someone to the airport by car? Use the free Drop-off area. Follow the ‘Drop-off’ signs from the access road. Do you need more time or are you picking up someone? Use car parks P1, P2 or P3. Are you travelling via the E19 from Antwerp? The free ‘Drop-off North’ area at Brucargo is an excellent alternative. A free shuttle will drive you to the airport building in approximately ten minutes.
Book your parking space in advance
Do you need to leave your car at the airport while travelling? You can park your car in a car park at the terminal or book a parking space in a car park close to the airport that offer a free shuttle service. Book your parking space in advance.
Check in online to save time
You can do this up to 24 hours before departure, or as indicated by the airline. Checked in online? Drop off your luggage at your airline’s baggage drop-off desk. Don’t forget your identity card or passport. Children under the age of 12 need a ‘Kids-ID’ or passport to travel by plane.
Get through security smoothly
Don’t take any items in your hand luggage that could be used as a weapon, such as knives or scissors. Place liquids and creams in the hold luggage which you check in. Do you still want to take liquids or gels in your hand luggage? You’re allowed for bottles or tubes of up to 100ml, preferably in a transparent resealable plastic bag with a maximum of 1L in total. Exceptions: liquid medicines with a medical certificate and baby food.
And now, enjoy your holidays!
