Frankfurt Airport Departures

FRA Airport – Live Departures

Checking in at Frankfurt Airport

When it comes to checking in at Frankfurt Airport, you have two different choices; you can head to the check-in desks located in Frankfurt Airport Departures, or you can save time by checking in online with your specific airline (online check-in usually opens around 24 to 48 hours before your flight). To find the correct check-in desk for your flight, you can look at the screens in departures at Frankfurt Airport or check our live Frankfurt Airport Departure tracker above. 

Terminal 1

The check-in desks are located on Level 2 in Frankfurt Airport Departures. 

Terminal 2

You will find the check-in desks on Level 2 in departures at Frankfurt Airport. 

When to arrive at Frankfurt Airport?

Before arriving at Frankfurt Airport, it’s important to check your specific airline’s recommendations and the opening times for their check-in desk. As a general rule, it’s advisable to arrive at least 3 hours before an international flight, 2 hours before a European flight and 1.5 hours before a domestic flight in Germany.

What’s next?

If you’re travelling with carry-on luggage and have checked in online, you can head straight to security. However, if you have luggage that you need to check, you can do so directly at your airline’s desk. 

Before entering security, be sure to have your ID and boarding pass at hand to show to the airport staff. After entering security at Frankfurt Airport Departures, you will be asked to leave all personal belongings, including your mobile phone, tablets and keys, in the bins provided. Ensure all of your liquids are under 100 ml and are placed inside the transparent bags provided by the staff. All that’s left to do is step through the scanners and collect your personal belongings on the other side. 

Depending on the time of day, it will take around 15 to 30 minutes to pass through the security point at Frankfurt Airport. 

*There is an option to fast-track your security process by booking your slot online with the FRA SmartWay.

What to do in Departures at Frankfurt Airport?

Whether your flight is departing from Frankfurt Airport departure Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, there’s so much to do to make your wait enjoyable. From countless luxury lounges and well-stocked bars to Duty-Free shopping and Gaming Worlds, there’s something for every age and walk of life to enjoy. If shopping is how you like to spend your time, you will love the vast array of high-street and luxury brands available. Whether it’s electronics, fashion, food, accessories or makeup, Frankfurt Airport has the best of each on offer. 

*Discover more things to do at Departures in Frankfurt Airport by checking out our Frankfurt Airport Guide. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the liquid restrictions at Frankfurt Airport?

You are permitted to bring liquids under 100 ml through Frankfurt Airport departures. However, all of your liquids combined must fit into one of the transparent bags provided. 

How early should I arrive at Frankfurt Airport before a flight?

If you’re travelling internationally, it’s advisable to arrive at departures at Frankfurt Airport at least 3 hours before your flight. For flights around Europe, you can arrive 2 hours prior to your flight and for domestic flights, 1.5 hours should suffice.

Do you have to go through Security again for a connecting flight at Frankfurt Airport?

If you have landed from another Schengen country, you won’t need to pass through security at Frankfurt Airport. However, if you are an international visitor or are arriving from a non-Schengen country, you will need to exit through passport control and re-enter departures at Frankfurt Airport through security.