Thursday and Friday are expected to be very busy at Brussels Airport, but the real summer exodus starts next week. About 35,000 holiday travellers are scheduled to depart on Monday 28 June with numbers steadily growing each day to reach a record 42,000 on Friday 2 July.
An overview of the number of departing passengers per day:
Friday 25 June 36,300
Saturday 26 June 28,600
Sunday 27 June 33,800
Monday 28 June 35,000
Tuesday 29 June 36,800
Wednesday 30 June 40,300
Thursday 1 July 40,800
Vrijdag 2 July 42,000
Saturday 3 July 31,800
Sunday 4 July 38,300
Monday 5 July 37,100
Tuesday 6 July 38,700
The last record dates from 27 June 2008 when 39,704 passengers departed from Brussels Airport. On an average day Brussels Airport handles about 23,300 departing passengers.
The following weeks too promise to be extremely busy.
In anticipation of the expected rush, Brussels Airport issues the following tips and recommendations.
Leave for the airport well in time Passengers are advised to arrive at the check-in desk two hours in advance of their departure time for short-haul flights and three hours for long-haul flights. From 4 am until past midday the departure hall will be very busy. This may also be the case in the late afternoon. During peak hours the extra time is necessary to find a parking space, for queuing at the ticketing and check-in desks, for border control and security checks and for embarking.
Liquids and gelsSince November 2006 Europe restricts the quantity of liquids and gels carried in the hand baggage. Although Europe plans to abolish these rules in 2013 they remain in full force for the time being.
Liquids, gels, foams or pastes and other items of a similar consistency are allowed in the hold baggage (which you check in) but are strictly limited in the hand baggage. Any liquids or gels you wish to carry into the cabin should be held in containers of maximum 100ml and have to be presented to the screening staff in a re-sealable transparent plastic bag of 20x20 cm, freezer bag type.
Brussels Airport strongly advises passengers not to carry any liquid or gel-like items in their hand baggage if the use thereof in the aircraft cabin is not absolutely necessary.
This restriction does not apply to tax-free goods: these may also be carried on board in larger volumes because they were thoroughly screened before they arrived in the airport shops. The tax-free goods will be put into a sealed plastic bag. The seal may not be broken until you reach your final destination. Water and other non-alcoholic drinks that were purchased beyond the security screening point may also be carried on board.
More details are available on
www.brusselairport.be.
Every day about 500 kilograms of liquids and gels are confiscated at the passenger screening points. Containers that have already been opened are destroyed; unopened containers are donated to good causes. Spirits and alcoholic drinks are sold to an auctioneer’s and the proceeds are donated to a number of orphanages.
Quick check-inNo more queuing at check-in with thousands of other departing passengers. Technology is helping us to check in more quickly. With some airlines over half of the passengers use the electronic self check-in systems.
Several airlines offer internet check-in. As from 24 hours before your scheduled departure time you can print a boarding pass from the website throught which you bought your air ticket. If you only carry hand baggage, you can immediately proceed to border control. The same is true if you use one of the self check-in machines in the departures hall. Many travellers seem to believe that these have been put there for the exclusive use of the “business travellers”, but that is not the case. Moreover these machines are very easy to use and there’s always someone from the airline around whom you can ask for help.
If you also have hold baggage you can deliver your bags at the check-in desk. Most carriers have a separate desk for passengers who have checked in electronically.
Identity papers for childrenLike every other passenger, children under 12 years have to carry a valid identity certificate with photograph. That may be an identity card or passport. Children’s identity cards only have limited validity. Always check the expiry date before you leave.
PassportsDo not forget to check the validity of your passport or visa. For some countries you need a passport that is still valid for several months. Make the necessary inquiries.
Please keep in mind that the procedure to apply for an identity card, passport or visa usually takes several days.
A certificate of theft/loss issued by the police is not valid for travels abroad.
If you wish to book a last-minute trip, please check first whether you have the necessary identity papers or whether there’s still enough time to obtain for them. If you’re leaving for an exotic destination, please bear in mind that you may need several days or weeks to get the necessary vaccinations.
Baggage tipPassengers are advised to provide each piece of baggage (including hand baggage, camera bag, beauty case,…) with a label carrying their name and contact details. Also put a visiting card inside each piece of baggage. If you’re baggage gets lost, this may be the only thing the services concerned have to go by to return the bags to you.
Parking facilitiesThe airport has a sufficient number of parking spaces to cope with the rush of departing holidaymakers in July and August. Details on the various formulas and promotions are available on the airport website:
www.brusselsairport.be Brussels Airport press release, 24 June 2010
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