HEL Airport Live Departures
Checking in at Helsinki Airport
When you get to Helsinki Airport (HEL), the first thing you want to do is check in. Sometimes your airline allows you to check in online or on your phone. In that case, you can head straight to security if you have no luggage drop off. If not, don’t worry – check-in is a simple process.
First, locate your airline’s check-in desk. You can find it on the screens at the entrance of the airport or consult our Helsinki Airport online tablo for departures today (scroll up).
At the check-in desk, you’ll need to present your travel documents and weigh your luggage.
You’ll then be given a boarding pass if you don’t already have one printed or on your phone.
To speed up the process, try using the self-service check-in machines at Helsinki Airport departures. Some airlines also have baggage machines to expedite bag drop.
Note: Contrary to what the internet may tell you, there is only one terminal building at Helsinki Airport. There used to be a separate section labelled “Helsinki Airport Terminal 2 departures” for international flights. This was simply the wing of the terminal building where gates 34-55 are. However, things have since evolved. The gates are still there and still handle long-haul flights, but this section is no longer referred to as Terminal 2. Since reunifying the airport, it’s become even more important to figure out where you need to go. The Helsinki Airport online tablo above will help!
When to arrive at Helsinki Airport?
Helsinki Airport recommends departures arrive at least 2 hours before their flight to allow enough time to get through security. If you’re travelling to the US, 3 hours is best. This is because there is an extra passport control step before you get to the Helsinki Airport departures lounge.
What’s next?
Now that you’ve checked in your bags and have your boarding pass in hand, you can head to the security checkpoint. Take a look at the Helsinki Airport Departures map to locate it.
At the security checkpoint, you’ll need to present your boarding pass to join the queue. Then, while you wait, you can prepare your items for scanning.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Empty your pockets and put these items in your hand luggage or a bin.
- Take off your outerwear including jackets, watches, jewellery, and so on.
- Leave electronics in your bag.
- Leave your liquids bags in your bag. (You are permitted to carry liquids, gels or aerosols in 100 ml individual vessels, placed in a 1-litre plastic bag. Helsinki Airport allows two 1-litre plastic bags per person.)
Place all of your items and hand luggage into trays and then slide them onto the security conveyor belt.
Then you can walk under the metal detectors. If all is well, you can collect your belongings on the other side.
What to do in Departures at Helsinki Airport?
When you reach departures at Helsinki Airport, what can you expect?
In a nutshell, you’ll find basic facilities to help you feel comfortable, a selection of shops, and some top-tier eateries.
If you want breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a midnight snack, the Helsinki Airport departures restaurants won’t disappoint. The food court is extremely impressive with both global and local cuisines on offer.
Then, you have Helsinki Airport departures shops including the duty-free, local fashion brands, and souvenir outlets.
Beyond the shops and restaurants, there are plenty of toilets, baby change facilities, charging points, ATMs, currency exchange and information desks.
If you would like a premium experience before you fly, there are three airport lounges on the Schengen side and two on the non-Schengen side.
Note that there is no Helsinki Airport Departures smoking area. If you’d like to smoke, you can do so outside of the terminal building, before going through security.
When your flight is ready, you’ll need to go to the right side of the airport. Gates 5-36 are for Schengen flights. Gates 37-60 are for non-Schengen flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive at Helsinki Airport?
It’s recommended that Helsinki Airport departures arrive at least 2 hours before a flight within the Schengen area. If you’re flying to a non-Schengen country, we recommend arriving 3 hours before. To ensure you get to the Helsinki Airport departures terminal in time, you can book a private airport taxi with a top-rated company like Welcome Pickups.