Here's what we learned: Although the Krakow Airport site suggests checking in 3 hours early for international flights, our early morning flight (6:35 am) didn't exactly work that way. We were advised by locals that the airport is small and would need only about 2 hours. So, we arrived by taxi at a little before 4. Our friend, leaving at 6 on Lufthansa, was able to check in starting at 4 am. While check-in counter information was posted for flights much later than ours, our KLM City Hopper flight check-in desk information did not post -- and the desk did not open -- until 4:35. Prior to 4:35, we had to ask the information desk (opened at 6:30 am) to find out where we were supposed to check-in.
The security check line was enormous at 4 am; but by 4:55, when we finally got our boarding passes and were checked in, the line was very light. (Our other friends, traveling on the same flight as us, arrived at 4:30, were only about 5 guests behind us in line, and also had a light security check line.) These times may differ for later flights or other airlines, but if you are traveling early morning, it is likely the check-in counters will open only 2 hours before flight time. Note that you can also try to call the airport for additional updates/information.
Additional Info: The airport is fairly easy to navigate. All check-in counters(and there are a lot of them) are on the ground floor. Counters are used by multiple airlines, so check the screens to see which airline is using the counter. The information screen is very helpful; it lists the check-in counters that are servicing a particular flight, and refreshes every few seconds. Security is on the second floor, and has ample lanes. You must remove jackets, belts, watches, empty your pockets, and take all electronics out of your bag(s) and place them in a bin. Every bag must also go in its own bin. They did not ask us to remove our shoes, but I did see the agents requesting some people to remove their shoes. Just be prepared.
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1632 posts
Thank you for the update. I think Krakow airport was not built for today's air passenger traffic. Ditto for Lisbon airport.
Posted by
Southeastern US
2608 posts
This is helpful information, thank you!
Posted by
Los Angeles
1174 posts
I was on the same 06:35 KLM Cityhopper flight to AMS as the OP back in April, and had a similar experience. From researching the trip, I had read that for early-morning flights from smaller European airports, arriving 90 - 120 mins in advance was safe, especially as some check-in desks weren't manned that much earlier for the first departure times.
I left Krakow by cab/black car at 4:30 and was at the airport at 4:50. There is a combined Air France/KLM desk for check-in, and just a short line at that time. I was amazed at how busy the airport was at that hour. The line for security was quite long, but moved at a very quick pace. I was able to leave my shoes on - and they didn't set off the detector here, although they do at LAX.
I had adequate time to use the restroom and spend some of my remaining Zlotys on candy in one of the well-stocked shops. Eating facilities were quite crowded. I bought my first obwarzanek [pretzel] of the trip from a little cart in the boarding area - it was 5 PLN - more than in Krakow, but still the cheapest airport food you will most likely encounter anywhere in Europe - approx. $1.35.
I found the waiting area for the regional jet flight to AMS to be a bit cramped - they may be queueing a number of commuter flights here in a relatively short timeframe. We were bused to the plane sitting out on the tarmac - as a result, boarding is only open for 15 minutes - from 30 to 15 minutes before departure time.
Although the terminal is modern, capacity obviously hasn't kept up with the increasing demand from tourism. If you have an early morning flight, you might consider staying at the airport the night before.