Information about Boarding

Getting informed

• Itinerary check: Is my flight schedule changed?
• How long does the transfer to the airport take, what are the options?
• At which gate do I need to arrive? See map of the airport.
• What are the cut-off deadlines (when checking-in is no longer possible)?

Checking In

• Online, mobile, at the machine, at the counter (take waiting-queues into account)

Check Baggage

• Are dimensions and weight correct?
• Did I follow the safety regulations (see Hazardous Goods))?
• Can I describe the contents in case of a claim?
• Attach name, (mobile) telephone number and Baggage Sticker
• Check at Luggage drop off machines (with already printed boarding pass)
• Or check bags at the Check-In desk

Security Check

• Due to the political situation and the threat of terrorism advanced security controls have been introduced at most airports in the EU. Make sure you calculate enough time for the security checks!
• Passengers may be subject to random checks (hand luggage, traces of explosives, etc.)
• Immigration authorities and security officials are working together with the airlines and try to interfere as little as possible with service quality and expenditures for passengers.
• Entry into the US: TSA (Transportation Security Administration) describes the luggage items that are not allowed in detail

Transit area

Is there enough time for my connecting flight?
Minimum Connecting Time (MCT): The transfer times are set by the airlines, depending on the airport. They vary between 30 minutes and 2 hours and are automatically factored in when booking online.

What to do when my shuttle flight is delayed?
If the MCT has not been met due to a delay of the shuttle flight and the passenger missed the flight, the airline must rebook free of charge, provided that a through-fare was booked (all flight segments on one ticket number). If the tickets are purchased individually and the connecting flights are missed, the passenger is not entitled to a free rebooking/change.

Is a stopover possible on my trip?
A stopover is an intentional layover of at least 24 hours in your itinerary. On connecting flights, every shorter layover is called a transit or transfer. Expat Relocation’s travel consultants are happy to help scheduling a stopover when making your reservation.

Tips:

• If you do not have a (transit) visa for the destination country, you should definitely stay in the designated transit area and follow the instructions. Check here if you need a visa.
• Attention passengers passing through USA: you also need an ESTA travel authorization if your connecting flight is via USA; no matter where the end destination is! Every passenger is verified by the Immigration Department (CBP).
• For EU citizens, in some countries (China, Russia) it is possible to leave the airport area under certain conditions up to 72 hours without a visa and, for example, to undertake a sightseeing tour. A request must be made at check-in.