Media release

Well prepared for the autumn holidays

BER expects around 1.4 million passengers

In just a few days, the autumn school holidays will begin in Berlin and Brandenburg. Between Friday, 16 October, and Sunday, 1 November 2026, around 1.4 million passengers are expected to travel through BER Airport, matching the figures recorded during last year’s autumn holiday period.

For the first holiday weekend, from Friday, 16 October, to Sunday, 18 October 2026, Berlin Brandenburg Airport expects approximately 280,000 passengers. The busiest travel day is expected to be Friday, 16 October, with around 100,000 passengers.

During the autumn holidays, flights will be offered to 139 destinations in 54 countries. As in previous years, sun destinations around the Mediterranean remain particularly popular, especially Turkey and Spain. Antalya, on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, is expected to be the most popular destination, while the Spanish island of Mallorca continues to be a favourite among travellers from the Berlin Brandenburg region.

The most important travel tips

Those who check the BER website or app in advance to find out about airport procedures can set off on their holiday feeling more relaxed. The airport operator recommends that all holidaymakers check in online in advance and follow the instructions provided by their airline.

Current waiting times for security controls are displayed to travellers in the BER app, on the website and on screens at the airport itself, so that travellers can choose the most convenient area for them. All departure gates can be reached via any security control point in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. The relevant boarding gate usually closes 30 minutes before departure.

Due to the European Entry/Exit System (EES), there may be longer waiting times at border controls when entering or leaving the Schengen Area.

Book a car parking space in advance

Due to high demand during the holiday season, it is advisable to book a car parking space online in advance. The Kiss & Fly Deal offers those picking up or dropping off passengers a discount of more than 25 per cent on short-stay parking directly in front of Terminal 1 for the first hour. The first ten minutes remain free of charge.

Self-service baggage drop-off

More than 120 self-service kiosks are available in BER’s two terminals, where travellers can print out their baggage labels and check in their baggage themselves. Travellers flying with any of the 23 airlines participating in this service do not need to queue at the check-in counter. Those travelling with hand baggage only can proceed directly to security.

Using security controls with CT technology

Security control areas 1 and 5 in Terminal 1, as well as the security control area in Terminal 2, are equipped with modern CT scanners. Passengers no longer need to remove electronic devices and liquids in containers of up to two litres from their hand baggage. To avoid further checks, travellers should bring roll-on deodorants rather than spray deodorants and empty double-walled containers, such as thermos flasks, before going through security. In the central area of Terminal 1, conventional technology is still in use. There, liquids may only be carried in hand luggage in containers with a volume of up to 100 ml each.

No power banks or e-cigarettes in checked baggage

It is important to observe the safety regulations for security controls when packing! Power banks and e-cigarettes are prohibited in checked baggage. These may only be carried in carry-on baggage, subject to the applicable quantity limits and transport regulations. Passengers are allowed to carry only one standard lighter per person. This must be placed in their hand baggage. Lighters are not permitted in checked baggage.

Family offers

Family Entrance: The Family Entrance offers families with young children up to the age of 5, accompanied by up to two adults and any younger siblings, a separate entrance to security control 5 in Terminal 1.

Checking in pushchairs: Passengers must check in their own pushchairs and buggies, which exceed a height of 25 cm when folded, at the counter for large and bulky baggage. They can borrow a pushchair free of charge from 21 stations in Terminals 1 and 2 for transport to the departure gate.

EasyPass 

Travellers holding a biometric passport from the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, or the new German identity card, can use the EasyPASS automated passport control system and pass through border control more quickly when travelling to non-EU countries. This also applies to third-country nationals aged 12 and over who hold an electronic passport and a German residence permit. This is not possible with children’s passports.

European Entry/Exit-System (EES) 

Nationals of non-EU countries on a short stay in the European Union (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) must go through the EU’s new entry and exit procedure and should allow sufficient time for this. On arrival, passengers can pre-register at the self-service machines provided before proceeding to the border control officers at the checkpoint.

Travelling to and from the airport by car, bus and train

The airport operator recommends checking the current traffic situation for the day of arrival on the website or via the app of the Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (Berlin-Brandenburg Transport Association). There may be deviations from the regular timetable, particularly at the start and end of the day. Travellers can find up-to-date information on travelling by car on the website of the Berlin Traffic Information Centre VIZ.

Taxi connections to the city centre

Arriving passengers will find licensed taxis at the two taxi ranks – North and South – directly in front of Terminal 1 on Level E0. Ride-hailing services such as Uber, Bolt and FreeNow have a pick-up zone on the same level.

Sunflower

For people with hidden disabilities, busy places like airports can be challenging. The Sunflower lanyard allows them to discreetly signal their disability. This enables staff and fellow travellers to respond with sensitivity and offer assistance, extra time, or patience as needed. This does not grant passengers priority.

Drinking water dispensers

There are a number of free drinking water dispensers in the gate and baggage reclaim areas in the security area of BER Airport.

Information and news on WhatsApp

Passengers can subscribe to the airport operator’s WhatsApp channel to receive information and updates about BER.

WhatsApp

Arrive stress-free with valet parking

On request, travellers can conveniently drop off their car on the departures level of Terminal 1, directly in front of the check-in hall. The vehicle will be parked and, if requested, cleaned, and will be ready and waiting in Car Park P3 upon arrival.

Comfort before departure: The BER lounges

For added comfort before departure, travellers in Terminal 1 can make use of the BER lounges. These are also accessible from Terminal 2. In addition, the airport offers a VIP service.

Get discounts using coupons in the BER app

During the autumn half-term holidays, travellers at BER Airport can benefit from discounts and special offers. With the BER app, digital coupons can be redeemed at participating shops, restaurants and service partners.

Book a hire car for your holiday

Travellers who haven’t yet booked a hire car can do so directly via the BER website and app and save up to 70 per cent.

eSIMs can be booked directly at BER

Passengers can book eSIMs for international travel via the BER website and app. These can be activated before departure – meaning travellers are online immediately upon landing, without having to change SIM cards or incur roaming charges. Users who book via the airport’s channels receive a ten per cent discount using the discount code BER.

Booking long-distance travel tickets

Travellers can book a long-distance travel ticket for their journey to and from the airport by coach or train directly on the airport’s website or via the BER app.

Book flights directly on the website and app

Passengers can compare and book flights worldwide directly via the BER website and BER app. To this end, the airport has integrated the booking platform of the international provider Kiwi.com.

Passengers can find detailed information to help them prepare for their journey on the website or in the BER app.

 ber.social/travel-advice