The autumn holidays in Berlin and Brandenburg will begin in a few days. From Friday, 17 October, to Sunday, 2 November, BER Airport expects a total of around 1.4 million passengers. At the start of the holidays, between Friday, 17 October, and Sunday, 19 October, the airport operator expects around 275,000 passengers. Around 97,000 travellers are expected to use BER on both Friday and Sunday. During the entire holiday period, 9,400 aircraft will take off or land at BER.
During the autumn holidays, flights will be operated to around 140 destinations in 50 countries. The most popular destinations are traditionally Mediterranean holiday resorts with guaranteed sunshine, especially Turkey (1,028 flight movements) and Spain (985 flight movements). The most popular destination is Antalya on the Turkish Mediterranean coast, with a total of 491 take-offs and landings. The Spanish island of Mallorca is also very popular, with 332 flight movements. easyJet offers the most flights, with 1,372 take-offs and landings, followed by Ryanair with 1,342 flights and Eurowings with 874 take-offs and landings.
The central Collins Aerospace system used by BER Airport for passenger and baggage check-in has now been restored. All airlines' workstations at the check-in counters and boarding gates have been reconnected. However, the remaining work will still take some time. This means that there may be delays to operations at the start of the holiday season.
'Following the challenging weeks after the cyber attack on Collins, we have been working intensively with our partners to prepare for the start of the autumn holiday season. Together, we are doing everything we can to ensure that our passengers have the smoothest possible journey. The high demand shows that air travel remains particularly important to many people,” says Aletta von Massenbach, Chief Executive Officer of Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH.
The airport operator generally recommends that all holiday travellers arrive at the correct terminal in good time before departure and follow the instructions of their respective airline. Those who check BER´s website or app in advance for information about airport procedures, book parking spaces online and check in online in advance can start their holiday in a more relaxed manner. Travellers who check in their baggage at the Fast Bag Drop save time. The departure gates can be reached via any security control in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. The respective boarding gate usually closes 30 minutes before departure.
In total, there are more than 120 self-service machines in the BER terminals where travellers can print their baggage labels and then check in their baggage themselves. Twenty airlines now offer this service at BER. Travellers can find a list here.
https://ber.berlin-airport.de/en/fliegen/checkin-boarding.html
Those travelling with hand baggage may proceed directly to the security control.
Security areas 1 and 5 in Terminal 1 and the security area in Terminal 2 are equipped with modern CT scanners. Passengers no longer need to remove electronic devices and liquids from their hand baggage.
The following still applies at all security controls at BER during the autumn holidays: The airport operator continues to recommend that only liquid containers not exceeding 100 ml be carried in hand baggage.
However, travellers no longer have to unpack liquids at security controls with CT scanners.
https://ber.berlin-airport.de/en/fliegen/kontrollen/sicherheitskontrolle.html
It is important to observe the security regulations for checks when packing! Power banks and e-cigarettes are prohibited in checked baggage. These may only be carried in hand baggage, subject to the relevant quantity restrictions and transport regulations.
Starting seven days before departure, passengers can book a free time slot at the security control in Terminal 1, making it easier to plan for their departure.
Travellers can also use BER Runway or access the central departure area via BER Biometrics, which uses facial recognition technology.
The airport operator recommends checking the current traffic situation on the day of arrival. From 28 October (4 a.m.) to 3 November (1.30 a.m.), S-Bahn services between S Grünbergallee and S Baumschulenweg (S9 and S45) will be suspended. S-Bahn Berlin will provide a rail replacement service. Travellers should also use other means of transport such as the FEX or regional trains for their journey.
https://www.vbb.de/en/vbb-travel-info/
Due to high demand during the holiday season, it is advisable to reserve a parking space online in advance. The P104 car park has recently been added to the wide range of parking options and is only a 12- to 15-minute walk from the terminals.
Travellers can book a long-distance ticket for their arrival and departure directly on the airport website or in the BER app.
Upon request, travellers can conveniently drop off their cars at the terminal forecourt, directly in front of the check-in hall. The vehicle will be parked, cleaned on request, and will be ready for collection upon arrival at BER.
Passengers who have a biometric passport or new German identity card can use the EasyPass automatic passport control system, allowing them to pass through border control more quickly when departing for a non-EU country. This also applies to third-country nationals aged 12 and over with an electronic passport and a German residence permit. This is not possible with children's passports.
https://ber.berlin-airport.de/de/fliegen/kontrollen/pass-und-ausweiskontrolle.html#easypass
At BER, travellers can expect to find numerous shops and restaurants in both the public and security areas. In the public area of Terminal 1, REWE and Kamps are open around the clock.
Travellers can also benefit from numerous discounts and special offers during the autumn holidays. Digital coupons can be easily redeemed via the app at participating shops, restaurants and service partners. It's easy to use: after downloading the app, users select the desired coupon and redeem it directly on site.
Passengers can find detailed information on how to prepare for their journey on the website or in the BER app:
Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg
Operating Area BER North
Willy-Brandt-Straße 1
12529 Schönefeld