Hi - I have read the forum regarding the need for allowing 3 hours prior to departure from CDG. I was wondering how many hours to allow prior to departure for Barcelona (BCN) and Prague. We will be departing from these airports end of May, mid-June and 1st of August.
Also, is the 3 oz. liquid restriction for carry-on the same when flying within Europe as it is in the US?
Thanks!
PRG is a more compact facility than CDG. I'm guessing that 2 hours if you check baggage 90 minutes with carry-on only would be fine. You need boarding passes to get through security in either case.
European security uses the 100 ml liquid per container rule which is a bit more than 3 fl oz and the total is limited to what will fit a sealed 1 litre max plastic bag. A quart bag meets the 1 litre limit.
http://www.prg.aero/en/passengers-check-in/passengers-services/10-basic-security-rules-at-the-airport/items-not-allowed-to-carry-in-hand-baggage/
I have flown through Prague many times (at least twice a year for the last 20). it is compact and quick to get through.
Security in Prague is done at the gate so the liquid rule is the same as inthe US and you are only allowed one bag with liquids.If buying any duty free in the airport they put it into tamperproof bags with the receipts showing so you can take that through security at the gate.
2 hours should be plenty in Prague but make sure you are near your gate early enough so you can judge the security queue before boarding as this can take a bit of time.
once past the security you will not be able to leave that area at all as it is at the specific gate for your flight. all the gates i have used over the years have vending machines to but water/soft drinks and a few snacks, some have had toilets but that is not guaranteed.
Prague has 2 terminals connected by the hallway. Each of them has a bus stop. Terminal 1 is for non-Schengen countries, terminal 2 for Schengen countries. They are about 5 to 10 minutes apart. For me 1 and half hour before flight was alway enough and then I still had to wait before boarding.
The three hour recommendation applies primarily to direct international flights returning to the US. Flights within Europe (domestic) are closer to the 90 min, two hour mark similar to travel within the US. Yes, on the liquids. Technical it is 100 ml in both the US and Europe which is closer to 3.3 ozs but who counts.
Great - thanks so much for your quick responses.
