This summer, various destinations in the Mediterranean and destinations in the USA are once again popular with travellers. The demand for flights to Istanbul, Berlin, Pristina, Porto, Dublin, Prague, Naples, Alicante and Palermo, for example, has increased compared to last year. From Zurich Airport, a total of 200 destinations will be served by 62 airlines in the 2024 summer flight schedule.

On the peak days, which mainly fall on the weekends until the end of August, Flughafen Zürich AG expects more than 100,000 passengers each and thus an increased number of passengers. With the right preparation, travelers can do a lot to reduce waiting times at the stations along the passenger route. 

Pack properly – and know the rules

Hand luggage and checked baggage are checked for prohibited items such as knives, tools and liquids, but also for dangerous goods, before loading onto the aircraft. That's why it's worth checking before packing what is allowed in hand luggage and checked baggage, what restrictions apply and what items have to stay at home. Particular caution must be exercised with dangerous goods such as batteries, rechargeable batteries, power banks or e-cigarettes. They are subject to special restrictions depending on the model. It is generally recommended to travel with little hand luggage. 

A practical search function for items

Arrival time at the airport

As a guideline, arrive at the airport two to three hours before departure. If you want to know more, use the "remember flight" function on the Zurich Airport website. This provides passengers with information on the recommended arrival time for their flight and on the waiting times along the passenger route. It also makes sense to plan your journey in advance and take into account the traffic situation and public transport services. If you come to Zurich Airport by private transport, you can book the parking space online in advance.

Book a parking space

Check-in and baggage drop-off

To avoid waiting times, it is worth arriving at Zurich Airport already checked in. If you can, use the options of evening check-in or online check-in. For check-in on site, the opening hours of the check-in counters of the respective airline must be observed - especially in the morning hours. Check-in opens at 4:00 a.m. at the earliest. Self-bag drop machines are available to passengers of the Lufthansa Group, Aegean Airlines, Condor and Chair Airlines. Here, travelers can check in their luggage independently. 

Self-Bag-Drop

Quickly through security

At the security checkpoint, waiting times can be reduced as follows: 

• Only take as much hand luggage as allowed by the airline
• Place liquids in advance in a transparent and resealable 1-litre plastic bag. One bag is allowed per person.
• Liquids are only allowed in containers of no more than 100 ml. Aerosols, sprays, pastes or gel-like substances also count as liquids.
• Exceptions apply to liquid medication or baby and special food, which may also be carried in slightly larger quantities in your hand luggage – depending on your needs during the flight. All other liquids that are not considered dangerous goods belong in the checked baggage.
• Have your laptop and other electronic devices ready at the security checkpoint
• Stow metallic items such as belts or coins in your hand luggage

Flughafen Zürich AG has been testing CT technology for use at passenger security checkpoints since 3 July. To this end, two of the 26 security control lines in the security control building were equipped with CT scanners. At these two stations, electronic devices and liquids can remain in your hand baggage for inspection. In addition to the CT scanners, new security scanners for passengers will also be tested. However, they do not replace conventional metal detectors in the test phase. Passengers cannot choose whether to be assigned to a conventional control line or to a test line.

Security check

Border control and automated passport control

For entry from outside the Schengen area, adult citizens of Switzerland, an EU/EEA country and, since mid-July, also persons with a Swiss settlement or residence permit (C and B) can use automated passport control for entry or exit.

border control

Linger and enjoy

With the ZRH Comfort service, travellers can book an exclusive experience regardless of their booking class. This includes access to the priority lane at the security checkpoint and the ZRH Club - a separate lounge area in the Airside Center. A drink and snack of your choice are included in the service. ZRH Comfort can be booked online and is automatically linked to the boarding pass. 

ZRH Comort

During the summer months, various restaurants, bars and cafés invite you to linger in the passenger area. Two popular offers are the Sports Bar with its outdoor terrace with the best view of flight operations and the temporary Edelweiss Bar with Greek flair in the Airside Center. Guests of the Edelweiss Bar can take part in a competition and win Edelweiss flights to a Greek destination of their choice every week.