Flughafen Zuerich : High passenger numbers expected at Zurich Airport at start of summer holidays

As the summer holidays kick off this coming weekend in the region around Zurich Airport, 'Switzerland's gateway to the world' is sure to be exceptionally busy. By taking a few simple steps, passengers can help their trip get off to a smooth start.

As every year, we are expecting large numbers of people to pass through Zurich Airport at the start of the summer holiday season. On many days in the coming week over 100,000 passengers will be flying in and out of 'Switzerland's gateway to the world', with upwards of 110,000 passengers on several peak days. These high passenger volumes require excellent preparation and coordination from all our partner companies. The following tips will help passengers get their holidays off to a smooth start at Zurich Airport:

Check in well in advance
Depending on the airline, passengers may be able to check in and print off bag tags at home, either online or using their mobile phone. This makes the bag drop process much simpler and faster on the departure day itself. Some airlines also allow passengers to check in and drop off bags at Zurich Airport the day or evening before their flight. Information about the various check-in options and desk opening times can be found on the airport's website or on the individual airline's website.

Pack correctly
We advise passengers to carefully read the information relating to baggage and security on the airport's website (at www.zurich-airport.com/security) or on the individual airline's website before starting their journey. Any e-cigarettes, loose batteries, power banks and charging devices with a battery must be carried in hand baggage, not packed in checked bags. Batteries must be protected so as to prevent short circuits, either by taping over the terminals or by placing each battery in a separate protective pouch. Batteries with a capacity of 100 Wh or more are limited to a maximum of two per passenger. Energy sources with a capacity of over 160 Wh are prohibited in all baggage, as are dangerous goods such as fireworks, sparklers and gas cartridges.

Get through airport security as smoothly as possible
As large numbers of people will be travelling, it's a good idea to arrive at Zurich Airport at least two hours before departure - three hours before for direct flights to the USA. Electronic devices such as laptops, tablets and cameras and all liquids carried in hand baggage must be presented at the security checkpoint. Liquids, gels, creams and sprays are only allowed in hand baggage in containers up to a maximum size of 100 ml. They must be transported in a resealable transparent plastic bag, which itself must not exceed one litre in capacity. Only one bag per person is allowed. Any liquids in containers larger than 100 ml are only permitted in check-in bags. Exceptions are made for food for infants and special dietary requirements or medicines. No sharp instruments such as scissors and knives with a blade longer than six centimetres may be carried in hand baggage. However, both may be transported in checked baggage. Each passenger may carry one lighter on their person. Visit our social media pages (e.g. Instagram: @zurichairport) under the hashtag #BeSmartBeforeYouDepart for various short videos showing typical situations at the security checkpoint and the benefits of good preparation.

Passport control at automated gates
Passengers have multiple options for passing through border controls. There are eight automated gates for immigration in the passport control hall plus five automated gates for departures via Gates E. With automated passport control, passengers can pass through the Schengen border on their own as the system checks the biometric data in their passport. The automated gates can be used by citizens of Switzerland, the EU and EEA who are over 18 and have a biometric passport. No personal data is stored, and their use is voluntary. The staffed passport counters can continue to be used. Passengers are also requested to read the information provided by the Zurich cantonal police on unaccompanied minors and travelling with children.

Eating and shopping at Zurich Airport
With more than 50 restaurants and cafes and over 120 shops, Zurich Airport offers passengers and visitors a wealth of choice. On arrival, passengers can also purchase duty-free items from the two duty-free shops in Arrivals. The restaurants and shops in the passenger zone usually open one hour before the first flight departs and close once the last flight has been called.