Have you ever run through an airport, suitcase in hand, hoping that the boarding gate doesn’t close in front of you? It’s a nice scene to see in the movies, but far less pleasant in real life. In this article, we share with you all the tips you need for a serene trip, without cold sweats or last-minute sprinting.
General rules for arriving at the airport
Arriving early
As a general rule, experts recommend arriving at least 1h30 before take-off for a domestic flight, and between 2h and 3h for an international flight. But these recommendations may vary: it’s always best to consult the instructions of your airline and airport.
For example EasyJetwhich operates from Geneva Airport, recommends arriving at least two hours before your flight’s departure time.
Taking the context into account
Various factors can influence the ideal time to arrive:
- The size of the airport: the larger it is, the longer it can take to reach your boarding gate. Boarding at Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle or at Geneva AirportIt’s not quite the same thing!
- Security measures: if the situation calls for tighter controls, queues are likely to get longer.
- Your level of experience: for travelers unfamiliar with an airport, it’s best to leave a little margin to avoid getting lost along the way.
Finally, take a look at your boarding passwhich often indicates the recommended time of arrival, based on the number of visitors. And don’t forget to check confirmation emails or your airline’s website for up-to-date information!
Preparing travel documents
Before you set off on your adventure, make sure you have your plane ticket at hand, whether printed out or available on your smartphone. And don’t forget to check that your ID or passport is valid and meets the requirements of your destination!
💡 The smart tip Passport requirements: some countries require your passport to be valid for several months after your return date. Check in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.
If your destination requires a visaa vaccination certificateor any other specific document, you’ll need to get them in advance.
Having all your documents to hand will greatly simplify check-in and security checks, and prevent you from frantically rummaging through your bag at the wrong moment.
The impact of rush hour on airport arrivals
These are usually between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. in the morning, and between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the evening. Then there are school vacations, summer vacations, long weekends and, of course, public holidays.
Be prepared for traffic jams on the road to the airport, and crowded parking lots where it can be difficult to find a space. Inside the airport, expect longer queues at check-in counters, baggage drop-off points and security checks.
How long does it take to arrive at the airport for a domestic flight?
Airport formalities are often simpler and faster than for international flights.
Recommendations for domestic flights
We recommend arriving at the airport at least 1h30 before your domestic flight takes off, for :
- Check in your luggage (counters close 30 to 40 minutes before departure).
- Stress-free security checks.
- Quietly make your way to your boarding gate.
Handling routine airport formalities
Check-in
Use theonline registration offered by most airlines, often available on their dedicated website or app. This can be done a few hours before the flight, or even several days in advance. With easyJet, for example, you can check in between 30 days and two hours before takeoff.
Luggage storage
If you are travelling with checked baggageIf you’re not sure what to do next, go to the specific counters as soon as you arrive at the airport. The sooner this is done, the sooner you’ll be free to move on to the next steps!
Safety checks
Have your boarding pass and your identification at your fingertips. Visit liquids (maximum 100 ml per vial) should be stored in a transparent, resealable plastic bag.
Before taking the test, remember to remove all metal parts. metal (such as belts, watches and keys) and place them, along with your electronic devices, in the dedicated bins. If you’re wearing a jacket or coat, you’ll also need to remove them for passage.
Access to the boarding gate
Keep an eye on the display screens to check your gate number and boarding time. Gates can change from time to time, so be on the lookout! Allow plenty of time to get to your gate, especially if the airport is large.
How long before an international flight should I arrive at the airport?
Formalities for international flights often take longer. Arriving about 3 hours before departure is generally recommended.
Customs and immigration controls
If you need a visaMake sure you have obtained it before you leave, and that it is in order. Some countries also require you to complete a immigration formavailable online or sometimes distributed by airlines during the flight. Keep a pen handy for easy refilling.
In addition, if you are transporting declarable itemssuch as large quantities of money or foodstuffs, be prepared to report this to customs officers on arrival.
Safety checks
Destinations such as the USA often go hand in hand with stricter controls.
Security officers can carry out further checks on your hand luggage. Soyez prêt à sortir vos appareils électroniques et vos liquides pour les contrôles.
💡 The smart tip Some items permitted on domestic flights may be prohibited for travel abroad. For example, a medicine common in your country may be considered a prohibited substance in another.
Control of sanitary formalities
Some countries require health documents, such as mandatory mandatory vaccination certificates for specific diseases. This is the case, for example, with yellow fever vaccination for certain countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South America.
Tips to avoid airport delays
Check airline schedules
Flight schedules may be modified by airlines for various reasons, such as adverse weather conditions or logistical imperatives. To stay informed at all times, subscribe to the alerts from your airline.
Using airline mobile apps gives you quick access to essential flight information, such as gate numbers, delays and last-minute changes. An added bonus: these apps often allow you to check in online or choose your seat in advance.
Anticipating the unexpected
Before you leave, check traffic conditions using GPS applications such as Waze or Google Maps Go to avoid traffic jams.
Allow extra time can be a lifesaver in the event of unforeseen delays, especially if the weather is capricious.
Adapt your mode of transport according to your needs: public transport can eliminate the problem of parking, while cabs or VTC services are practical if you have to cross a dense traffic zone.
💡 Tip : If you’re departing from downtown Geneva, you’re only 4 km from the airport, with plenty of options for getting there stress-free.
Plan your journey by checking traffic conditions on the day of departure, using GPS applications applications like Waze or Google Maps Go to get around any traffic jams.
Allow for extra time to cope with unforeseen delays, taking weather conditions into account.
Choose the mode of transport best suited to your situation: public transport can help you avoid parking problems, while cab or VTC services can save you time in heavy traffic.
Reserve your parking lot in advance
If you’re planning to come to the airport by car, it’s best to think about parking in advance.
Book your parking space is guaranteed. As an added bonus, you may benefit from lower rates.
For reservations, you can either use the official airport parking lotsor choose a private parking lot. Prenez le temps de comparer les offres pour dénicher le right plan that matches your needs.
When choosing your parking space, remember to take the following into account:
- proximity to the terminal,
- the choice of covered or open-air parking,
- the possible presence of a shuttle to the airport,
- a luggage assistance service,
- and why not, a valet service valet parking.
Book your parking with Parking Cointrin and save time at the airport
Parking Cointrin is a private parking lot ideally located near Geneva airport, only three minutes by shuttle bus from the terminals.
With our service, you can book online all our parking spaces, which is not the case with Geneva Airport’s official parking lots, which offer limited availability for reservation. In addition, our parking lot is monitored continuously. Our rates are also very competitive and are becoming more and more advantageous for extended stays, making them the perfect solution for long-term parking. long-term.
We also offer a range of services to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Free shuttles take you directly to the terminal – a great advantage, especially when you consider that some of the airport’s official parking lots, such as the P51Some don’t. What’s more, you can choose from options such as cleaning of your car, aarkingcovered parking valet parkingor a visual inspection of your vehicle on arrival.
In conclusion, getting to the airport on time is a matter of good preparation. By following our advice, you’ll avoid last-minute sprints and moments of panic. And to make the most of your time, remember to reserve your seat at Parking Cointrin: the only sprint you should make is towards your dream vacation!
