Glasgow Prestwick Airport Departures

PIK Airport – Live Departures

Checking in at Glasgow Prestwick Airport

Glasgow Prestwick Airport has one small terminal that solely services Ryanair flights. Therefore, all check-in desks are for Ryanair. You can find them towards the front of the terminal building and they’ll be labelled with your flight number. For ease, we recommend checking in online so you can drop your bags more swiftly. If you want the latest updates on your flight, check our Prestwick Airport departures flight tracker above or view the screens posted at the airport.

When to arrive at Prestwick Airport?

Though Glasgow Prestwick Airport is small, they recommend you arrive 3 hours before international flights, 2 hours before EU flights and 1.5 hours before domestic flights. This is because many flights depart within 15 minutes of each other and the security area is small. Therefore, you may experience delays going through security during busy flight times.

What’s next?

Once you’ve dropped your bag at the check-in desks, you’re ready to go through security. There is a limited number of security belts at Prestwick Airport so it’s vital to allow yourself plenty of time. 

To go through security smoothly, here’s what you need to do:

• Take out your liquid bag and place it in a tray. Your liquids, gels, creams and pastes must be in 100 ml vessels, and the liquid bag must be 20cm x 20cm or smaller.
• Empty your pockets into the same tray ensuring your mobile phone, keys, watch and other personal effects are visible. 
• Remove your outerwear and place it in a different tray (you can take as many trays as you need). Outerwear includes coats, jackets, belts and high-ankle shoes.
• If you’re carrying baby food or milk that is over 100 ml, let the security officer know. 
• If you require liquid medication that is over 100 ml, you must have a signed doctor’s note with you to take it through security. Show the letter and the medication to the security officers on duty. 
• Once your items are in the trays, walk through the metal detector. 

Is there a speedier way to get through security? People with disabilities are automatically granted priority at security, however, there isn’t an option for other travellers to purchase a priority pass. Ryanair offers fast-track passes for some airports. Consult the Ryanair customer service team to see if you can purchase a pass for your departure from Prestwick Airport.

What to do in Departures at Prestwick Airport?

Now that security is out of the way, you’re free to enjoy the Glasgow Prestwick Airport departures lounge. Because it’s a small airport, there are a limited number of shops and restaurants. In fact, there’s only one main shop – WHSmith – and one main restaurant – Par + Eagle Bar and Kitchen. This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as an array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Vegetarian and vegan menus are available on request.

There is a World Duty Free shop that stocks an array of items from souvenirs to perfumes.

*Remember than any liquids over 100 ml purchased from duty-free must be kept in the sealed transparent bag provided.  

Unfortunately, there are no premium or business lounges at Prestwick Airport departures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you need to be at Prestwick Airport before a flight?

We suggest that departures from Prestwick Airport arrive 1.5 hours before domestic flights, 2 hours before european flights, and 3 hours before international flights. This will give you plenty of time to check-in, pass security and passport control if necessary.

What are the liquid restrictions at Prestwick Airport?

You can carry any liquids, gels, creams, and pastes in your hand luggage as long as they aren’t corrosive, toxic or flammable. All liquids must be in individual containers no larger than 100 ml each. Then all liquid vessels must fit in a transparent plastic bag that is no larger than 20cm x 20cm. You can check the other hand luggage restrictions at Prestwick Airport here.

How long does it take to go through security at Prestwick Airport?

It can take as long as an hour to go through security at Prestwick Airport because flights often depart close together. There are  a limited number of security belts available so when the airport is busy, there can be delays at security. This is why it’s imperative you arrive at this airport early.