Summer holidays at Zurich Airport
The summer holidays are just around the corner – and with them, the busiest time at Zurich Airport. Travelling well-prepared helps ensure everything runs smoothly and allows you to start your journey more relaxed.
In the 2025 summer flight schedule, a total of 206 destinations will be served from Zurich by 63 airlines. This year, destinations in Spain, the USA, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Greece, and Portugal are especially popular. Among the most frequented cities are Istanbul, Berlin, Pristina, Porto, Dublin, Prague, Naples, Alicante, and Palermo.
On weekends through to the end of August, Zurich Airport expects over 100,000 passengers per day. To help ensure a smooth and stress-free start to the holidays, here are some useful tips for passengers departing from Zurich Airport.
Pack Smart
Both hand luggage and checked baggage are inspected before boarding for prohibited items such as knives, tools, and liquids, as well as dangerous goods like batteries, fuel paste, sparklers, fireworks, paints, acids, toxic and corrosive substances, gas cartridges, etc. It is therefore worth checking in advance what is allowed in hand luggage and checked baggage, what restrictions apply, and which items must be left at home.
E-cigarettes, loose or rechargeable batteries, and power banks are not permitted in checked baggage and must be carried in hand luggage.
A handy search function for specific items:
What can you pack in your luggage
Arrival Time at the Airport
During peak travel periods, it is recommended to allow plenty of time and to arrive at the airport two to three hours before departure. By using the “Save my flight” feature on the website, travellers can receive personalised information on recommended arrival times and current waiting times.
It is also advisable to plan your journey to the airport in advance, taking into account traffic conditions and public transport options. Those arriving by car can reserve a parking space online. A new feature also allows you to book parking directly using your flight details – with recommended entry and exit times calculated automatically.
Use Online Check-in
To avoid unnecessary waiting times, it is advisable to arrive at the airport already checked in. Depending on the airline, you may have the option to check in online or use evening-before check-in services. If you plan to check in at the airport, please be aware of your airline's check-in desk opening hours. Airport check-in typically opens no earlier than 4:00 a.m.
Self-service Bag Drop at Zurich Airport
Self-service bag drop units are available for passengers flying with the Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, SWISS, Edelweiss, Austrian, Air Dolomiti, and Brussels Airlines), Aegean Airlines, Air France, Air Baltic, Chair Airlines, Condor, KLM, and SAS Scandinavian Airlines. These machines allow travellers to check in their luggage independently – often with the advantage of shorter waiting times.
Special kiosks are located in all check-in areas, in Arrival 1, and in the Airport Shopping zone on the way to check-in. At these kiosks, baggage tags can be conveniently printed by scanning the boarding pass. Afterwards, luggage can be dropped off either at the regular check-in desk or – for the airlines listed above – directly at the self-service bag drop units.
Use Self Bag Drop at Zurich Airport
Quickly through Security Control
To help ensure a smooth process at security checkpoint, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Only bring as much hand luggage as permitted by your airline.
- Place all liquids in a transparent, resealable 1-litre plastic bag before arriving at security. Each passenger is allowed one bag.
- Liquids must be in containers of 100 ml or less. This also applies to aerosols, sprays, pastes, and gel-like substances.
- Exceptions apply to liquid medication or baby and special dietary food, which may be carried in slightly larger quantities – depending on your needs during the flight. All other non-hazardous liquids should be packed in your checked baggage.
- Laptops and other larger electronic devices must be removed and presented separately at the security checkpoint.
- Metal items such as belts or coins should be placed in your hand luggage in advance.
Be well prepared for security control
Automated Passport Control
Travellers with a biometric passport who are citizens of Switzerland, the EU, or the EEA, as well as holders of a Swiss residence or settlement permit (B or C), can use the automated passport control (e-gates) when entering or leaving the country.
Experience Summer at Zurich Airport
A trip to Zurich Airport is worthwhile, even for those without travel plans. Until the end of August, the main square at The Circle will be transformed into a vibrant summer lounge. For those looking for a bit of fun, a ping-pong table awaits in Nordgasse. Meanwhile, Observation Deck B offers a relaxing, seasonally themed space with fantastic views of airport operations.
To celebrate the UEFA Women’s European Championship from 2 to 27 July, public viewings will be held on the Circle’s main square. Additionally, all matches will be broadcast live on big screens at Bar Iris in the Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle and at the ZOOM Restaurant & Bar. To get into the team spirit, Ochsner Sport is showcasing a wide selection of team jerseys in a special promotional display at its Level 01 store in the Airport Shopping area – perfect for kitting out fans.
More about Airport Operations
In episode 7 of the airport podcast STARTKLAR, it is all about the apron: an apron controller shares how she coordinates aircraft traffic on stands and taxiways right up to the runway edge – via radio, minute by minute, and with full concentration.
In the online magazine, you’ll find a feature on the passenger experience. Six airport employees share their personal tips for everything from check-in to take-off.