Security check, waiting times, check-in – all information
There have recently been longer waiting times at Cologne/Bonn Airport. 24RHEIN gives an overview of what you have to consider when checking in and at the security check.
Cologne – For two years there was little going on at the airports in North Rhine-Westphalia. Then during the pandemic there were only a few flights abroad, trips were rare. The corona incidences are falling again, people want to travel – and the number of passengers at the airports is increasing. But the pandemic “still has an impact on the complex processes,” writes Cologne/Bonn Airport on its website.
Cologne/Bonn Airport: Waiting times “cannot always be avoided”
Airport boss Thilo Schmid also sees the problems. “We do everything to optimally organize and control all processes,” says Thilo Schmid in a statement. “Nevertheless, it will not always be possible to avoid waiting times, especially at particularly busy times. We ask our passengers to come to the airport first and be well prepared.” So what needs to be considered to simplify departure from Cologne/Bonn Airport?
Waiting time at Cologne/Bonn Airport: security check and check-in
The increased passenger numbers lead to long queues at Cologne/Bonn Airport. “Therefore, waiting times can be expected, especially in busy times,” the airport said. Passengers should therefore already two and a half to two hours before departure at the airport be, advises the airport.
Important: you should definitely factor in the time for check-in, the security checks and the search for the right gate. As the departure gates can change at short notice, passengers should pay attention to the announcements and watch the displays.
Cologne/Bonn Airport: More employees, simpler security check procedures
Cologne/Bonn Airport has announced that it will hire additional employees in the summer season in order to ease the situation somewhat. The handling team has been increased by around 100 new employees compared to summer 2021, reports Thilo Schmid, CEO of the airport. Job interviews are ongoing with 80 other potential employees.
In order to further simplify the processes, an additional service provider will be hired at the terminal to support passengers before the boarding pass check. This measure is intended to relieve the federal police responsible for security checks. In addition, a communication center was set up to optimize coordination between the federal police, handling and flight operations facilitation and processes. The flight schedules were also straightened out.
Cologne/Bonn Airport: Waiting times – how do you get through the security check quickly?
Tips for a short wait at the security checkpoint
► If possible, do not take any liquids with you (limit per container: 100 ml)
► Pack electronic devices at the top of your hand luggage
► Place small items from trouser pockets in your hand luggage
Cologne/Bonn Airport has a few tips on how to get through the security checks quickly and easily. Small items such as watches, keys and wallets should be put in your luggage or jacket pocket before the check begins. Beverage bottles should ideally be empty – or not taken at all. If you still have to take liquids with you, you can get a bag provided for this purpose from a machine in front of the control area. The limit per container: 100 milliliters.
In order to simplify the checks even further, electronic devices such as tablets and laptops can be stowed at the top when packing your luggage. During the check, technical devices are taken from the hand luggage for a check. This saves the security staff and yourself from having to rummage through bags and backpacks. The jacket or coat should be placed separately from luggage in one of the tubs used for screening.
Cologne/Bonn Airport: How does online check-in work?
- Online check-in at Cologne/Bonn Airport:
- Eurowings: 72 hours before departure (except for Eurowings Discover, then 23 hours)
- EasyJet: 30 days before departure
- RyanAir: 60 days before departure
Some airlines also allow you to check in from home. On the one hand, this saves time – and of course also nerves. Passengers can also choose the best seat on board for themselves and their fellow travelers for an additional fee.
Eurowings: How does the evening check-in work in Cologne?
- Check-in the night before: Eurowings
- switch 118
- Opening hours: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m
The journey from Cologne/Bonn Airport is particularly stress-free if you no longer have to check in your luggage. Eurowings offers a simple solution for this: drop off your luggage the evening before so you have one less thing to worry about on the day of departure. In Cologne/Bonn, check-in the night before is possible for all flights until 12 noon the next day. Counter 118 is open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the evening before check-in. Eurowings also recommends using the online check-in before dropping off your luggage.
Eurowings, Ryanair, Lufthansa: These airlines fly from Cologne/Bonn
- Air Arabia Morocco
- Austrian
- blue air
- Bulgarian Air Charter
- Corendon Airlines
- Eurowings
- Freebird Airlines
- Iran Air
- Lufthansa
- Pegasus Airlines
- Pobeda Airlines
- Ryanair
- SunExpress
- TUIfly
- Turkish Airlines
- WizzAir
Where is the best place to park at Cologne/Bonn Airport?
There are 12,500 parking spaces at Cologne/Bonn Airport, spread over three multi-storey car parks. The airport recommends making a reservation 24 hours before parking begins. Regarding: The minimum parking time for a reservation is 48 hours. Anyone who has not reserved a parking space can use the parking guidance system to find out about free spaces.
- Car Park 1 (P1): at Terminal 1
- Car Park 2 (P2): at Terminal 2
- Multi-storey car park 3 (P3): approx. 350 meter walk to Terminal 2
- North car park (suitable for oversized cars): approx. 150 meter walk to Terminal 2
Anyone traveling to Cologne/Bonn Airport by motorbike can park in multi-storey car park 2, on level 4 in sector D. However, motorcyclists should note not to drive through the barrier as usual, but to contact the parking garage employees using the voice function at the entrance. This is how you get to the safety area for motorcycles.
Other airports in NRW and Germany – current travel information
Travelers at Düsseldorf Airport, Dortmund Airport or Frankfurt Airport also have to plan longer waiting times, especially during holiday periods. 24RHEIN shows,
► What you have to consider at Düsseldorf Airport during security checks and check-in
► What you have to consider at Dortmund Airport during security checks and check-in
► What you have to consider at Frankfurt Airport during security checks and check-in
How do you get to Cologne/Bonn Airport by bus and train?
Anyone arriving at Cologne/Bonn Airport with the ICE will land in the middle of the airport. From Cologne, you can take KVB line 7 to Porz Markt and then take bus line 161 to the airport. Alternatively, you can travel with the RB27 or the S19. From the other direction, you can reach Cologne/Bonn Airport via Bonn Central Station, among other routes. From there, the express bus line 60 goes to Cologne/Bonn Airport with just a few stops. (fr)