Summer season Journey Season Begins: Face Coverings, Documentation and Well timed Arrival Important
Air travel in the summer of 2021 must be well planned. Frankfurt Airport calls for active support for passengers.
- Many people long to revive their travel plans. Above all, the demand for flights is growing. With the start of the summer travel season, Frankfurt Airport in Germany expects a significant increase in passenger numbers and expects around 100,000 travelers a day.
- For comparison: in the summer of 2019 – before the outbreak of the pandemic – the peak daily volume was more than 240,000.
- Fraport, the company that operates Frankfurt Airport, responded quickly to the recovery and reopened Terminal 2 to avoid overcrowding. Infection prevention measures, such as mandatory face covering and social distancing, remain in place. However, passengers must do their part by carefully planning their trip and having all the correct documentation on hand.
Daniela Weiss from the Fraport terminal management explains: “Even before the pandemic, a large number of rules had to be complied with in air traffic – they still apply today. But Covid-19 has changed in a number of processes, and some have become more time-consuming as a result. “Weiss explains that, despite significantly lower numbers compared to previous years, passengers may have to spend more time in line:” But with the right one Preparation can help everyone to reduce the waiting time to a minimum. We want travelers to be both safe and relaxed. “
Travelers are encouraged to check the airport websites regularly for updates
“The most important message for passengers this summer is to check the information on our airport website early and repeatedly,” advises Weiss. In line with the upcoming high season, there is a new feature at www.frankfurt-airport.com: the Travel Assistant. This means that all important information is brought together in one place. It presents tips, advice and specific rules in chronological order, according to the sequence of the passenger’s travel steps – from the first planning steps to packing luggage, organizing the journey to the airport and preparing for the return journey. As the terminal manager points out, the guide is extensive, but both necessary and extremely useful in the face of the pandemic. She emphasizes: “Many rules can change at short notice. Therefore, this year everyone is advised to check regularly for updates: What do I have to do? What documents do I need? How do I have to behave? And the answers can vary from passenger to passenger depending on their specific travel plans. ”
All documents at hand
An essential aspect is the travel documentation. A passport or identity card is no longer sufficient for many destinations. Depending on their personal health, passengers can request official proof of vaccination, recovery, tests or quarantine – either in writing or in electronic form. “Many documents have to be submitted several times, so it is advisable to have everything well organized and easily accessible for the whole family,” emphasizes Weiss. This is particularly relevant for check-in and border control. Many countries also require pre-registration before entry. This can usually be completed digitally.
Pack properly and minimize your hand luggage
As Weiss emphasizes: “In addition to the new Covid-19 requirements, the existing hand luggage rules still apply and should not be forgotten.” The online travel assistant can also help in this context. There are special regulations for many articles, including liquids, medicines, hand disinfectants, dangerous goods, electronics – especially batteries, e-cigarettes and power banks. “That is science in itself. We therefore really recommend that passengers know exactly what belongs where in order to avoid unpleasant surprises and delays at the security check, ”she advises. In addition: “Traveling with light luggage makes a lot of things easier. Follow your airline’s instructions regarding baggage and keep your carry-on baggage to an absolute minimum. It is best to have a single item per person. That means a lot less effort for you and the security staff. ”
Plan your journey to the airport and your time there
As a result of the pandemic, many passengers are driving to the airport instead of using public transport. If you want to park your car at the airport for the duration of your trip, it is advisable to reserve a parking space in the terminal garage in advance. This can be done online at www.parken.frankfurt-airport.com. Passengers should arrive at the terminal at least two hours before departure and check in online before departure.
Face covering must always be worn at the airport. It must be either an FFP2 or a surgical mask that covers your mouth and nose. These and other hygiene items are available throughout the airport. Travelers should have at least one spare face mask with them.
The easing of the coronavirus restrictions means that more shops and restaurants have reopened at Frankfurt Airport. Passengers and visitors can rely on all essential products and services, including food and drink, over-the-counter medicines, duty-free shopping, rental cars and currency exchange. Opening times and availability depend on the number of passengers. Those looking for something specific should visit the airport’s website for details before arriving. It should be noted that the consumption of food and drinks is permitted in the entire airport – however, face covering should only be removed briefly and a safe distance from others should be maintained.
“Similar caution is required with other measures to prevent infection,” warns Weiss. “We implemented several measures, such as distance markings, hand disinfection points, blocked seats and screens. But it is the responsibility of our passengers to adhere to this. ”
Tests available throughout the airport
There are now several coronavirus test centers at Frankfurt Airport. You are in both terminals and in the pedestrian bridge to the long-distance train station. There is also the option of drive-through tests in combination with check-in and baggage drop-off in Terminal 1 on the evening before a flight. Here, too, the online travel assistant can provide further details. “However, some tests have to be booked in advance and you should factor in the additional time required,” warns Weiss. She concludes, “Did you follow all of our instructions? Then a relaxed journey to your holiday destination awaits you. ”
