ZRH Airport Live Departures
Checking in at Zurich Airport
Checking in at Zurich Airport can be complex as it has three terminals. Sometimes the chek-in desk for your flight is different to your departure terminal to make things even more complex. However, we’ve got you covered in this Zurich Airport departures guide.
The first step is to locate your check-in area. In many cases, you can check in online and simply head to your airline’s check-in desk to drop your bag. The check-in area (1,2 or 3) will be indicated on the flight information screens as you enter the airport. In other cases, you’ll need to complete the full check-in process at the desk. For that, you’ll need any relevant travel documentation such as your passport, ID, visa, and immigration forms (if applicable).For the latest information on Zurich Airport departures today, check out our live board.
Check-in 1: The check-in desks are located on Level 1 of Terminal A at Zurich Airport Departures.
Check-in 2: You will find the check-in desks on Level 1 of Zurich Airport Departures Terminal B.
Check-in 3: For passengers travelling from the satellite Terminal E, you will need to check in at Zurich Airport Departures Terminal A, then take the free shuttle to Terminal E.
When to arrive at Zurich Airport?
Zurich Airport recommends that you arrive 2 hours before your flight if you are going to a Schengen or other European destination. For non-Schengen flights, you should arrive 3 hours before to give you ample time to go through passport control. If you’re flying domestically to another airport in Switzerland, arriving 1.5 hours before your flight should be sufficient.
What’s next?
After checking in and leaving your bags with your airline, you can head to the security checkpoint. There are different security checkpoints for each Terminal. The assistant at the check-in desk can help direct you to the nearest checkpoint to your boarding gate.
The checkpoints have plenty of signage to help departures from Zurich Airport understand the security procedures. You’ll need to remove your outerwear (e.g. coats, hats, scarves) and place them into a tray for scanning. In some cases, you’ll need to put in your shoes too.
You can carry liquids in your hand luggage if they don’t exceed 100ml each and are placed in a transparent, resealable bag that is no larger than 1 liter in capacity. Each passenger is permitted one bag of liquids, including children. You’ll need to take this bag out of your hand luggage for scanning. The only exceptions to these liquid restrictions are baby food and prescription medications.
You’ll be asked to remove your electronic devices from your hand luggage and place them in a separate tray for scanning.
Once all of your items are on the security belt, you’ll be prompted to walk through the metal detectors and collect your items on the other side. From there, you can head to the Zurich Airport Departures Terminal A, B or E. If you need to get to Terminal E, you can take the free shuttle train there.
*If you’d like to fast-track the security process, Zurich Airport departures provide a ZRH Comfort upgrade that will assist with this process.
What to do in Departures at Zurich Airport?
Whether you’re departing from Zurich Airport Departures Terminal A or Terminal B, there’s plenty to keep you busy and make your time in the airport enjoyable. There are many different restaurants, bars, VIP lounges, smoking lounges, Duty-Free, and even kids’ clubs to choose from. Thanks to the dedicated shopping mall, The Circle, there are tonnes of different Zurich Airport departures shops to enjoy. You can find anything from your favourite high-street brands to more luxury and designer labels at Zurich Airport.
Terminal E also has access to VIP lounges, shops, and restaurants.
*Discover more things to do at Departures in Zurich Airport by visiting our Zurich Airport Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early do I need to arrive at Zurich Airport?
You need to arrive at Zurich Airport at least 3 hours before non-Schengen flights, 2 hours before Schengen flights, and 1.5 before domestic flights.
Do you go through passport control in Zurich?
Do you have to take out liquids at Zurich Airport?
