The Easter holidays begin this week in Hesse and several other German states. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is expecting a total of around 3.1 million passengers, more than the usual volume, between March 27 and April 12. On the first holiday weekend alone (March 27-30), 721,000 travelers will take off from FRA. The summer flight schedule also takes effect during this period, on March 29.

Important information on border checks and for traveling non-EU citizens

Airport operator Fraport expects longer-than-usual waits at the border checks, especially for non-EU citizens. This is due to the anticipated large passenger volumes and new, stricter data capture requirements that the European Union has introduced for holders of non-EU passports. A Fraport spokesperson stated: “As the airport’s operator we’re working with the authorities and airlines to do everything possible to reduce waiting times. This includes deploying more personnel and dynamically guiding passengers to avoid overloading individual checkpoints. We nevertheless expect significantly longer waits during peak travel times and therefore urge travelers, and especially those from non-EU countries, to plan their trips accordingly.”

Non-EU passengers who will have to clear a border check should therefore arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flights depart. Travelers can find more information on immigration procedures and requirements online. For trips that don’t involve a border check, Fraport recommends that passengers who will be checking luggage to be in the terminal about two-and-a-half hours prior to departure, and EU citizens who are only taking hand luggage around two hours ahead of time.

Packing, checking in and dropping off luggage

In order to clear the security check without problems, it’s important to pack the right way. Liquids belong in containers with a capacity of 100 milliliters or less, which must be placed inside a reclosable plastic bag with a volume of no more than one liter. Many airlines let passengers check in online  up to 24 hours in advance. Those arriving at the airport with luggage can quickly check it at self bag drop machines. A few carriers even allow travelers to check bags up to 23 hours prior to departure. More information is available in this airline overview.

The airport’s operator expects the terminal parking facilities to be in great demand during the Easter holidays, so those planning to come by car are advised to reserve a parking space well in advance – this will save them both time and money. Friends and relatives can also park there when taking passengers to the airport and picking them up again afterward. It is also high recommended to use public transportation. Information on getting to and from the airport by train is available here.

Good to know

Passenger are also advised to inform themselves in advance about their airline’s travel rules and those of the country they are flying to. An online travel guide and the Frankfurt Airport online assistant are available for this and for getting answers to all of their other questions about the flight and stay at the airport. The website at www.frankfurt-airport.com contains many additional tips.

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