What to pack for the airport - pre-flight checklist 2026

Pre-flight stress often starts with the question: do I have everything? This checklist will help you prepare for your flight from Bratislava without unnecessary nerves. Works for short trips and two-week vacations alike.

Documents - the most important

Without documents, you won't get anywhere. Before leaving home, check these things:

ID card or passport. Within the EU and Schengen area, an ID card is sufficient. Outside the EU, you need a passport. Check validity - some countries require a passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date.

Visas. For most European destinations, you don't need visas. If you're flying outside the EU (e.g., Turkey, Egypt), check visa requirements on the foreign ministry website.

Boarding pass. If you've done online check-in, download the boarding pass to your phone or print it out. Ryanair and Wizz Air may charge a fee for airport check-in.

Travel insurance. We recommend having at least basic travel insurance. The EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) covers only basic healthcare in the EU, not flight cancellation, baggage loss, or repatriation.

Document copies. Take photos of your ID, passport, and insurance. Store the photos in the cloud (email, Google Drive). If your documents get stolen, you'll at least have copies.

Carry-on luggage - what can go in the cabin

Rules differ by airline and fare. Here are the basic rules:

Size and weight. Ryanair's basic fare allows only a small bag under the seat (40x20x25 cm). Wizz Air has similar restrictions. You have to pay extra for a larger cabin bag or checked baggage. Always check the limits on your airline's website.

Liquids. Maximum 100 ml per container, all containers must be in a transparent, resealable bag (max 1 liter). This applies to all airports in the EU. Water bought after security control is OK.

Electronics. Laptop, tablet, power bank - everything can go in the cabin. Power bank must be in carry-on luggage (not checked). Power bank capacity must not exceed 100 Wh (most common power banks are under this limit).

Medications. Prescription medications can go in the cabin even in quantities larger than 100 ml, but you need a medical prescription or certificate. Common medications (ibuprofen, paracetamol) are no problem.

Food. Solid food (sandwiches, fruit, bars) can go in the cabin. Liquid food (yogurt, soup) is subject to the 100 ml rule.

Checked baggage - what must not go in the suitcase

Some things must not be in checked baggage:

Power banks and lithium batteries - must always be in carry-on luggage. If you put them in your suitcase, security control may confiscate them.

Valuable items - laptop, camera, jewelry, cash. Airlines are not responsible for the loss of valuable items in checked baggage.

Important medications - always keep them with you in the cabin. Suitcases sometimes get lost or delayed.

What to prepare the day before departure

Check flight time. Flights sometimes change. Check current status on the airport website or airline app.

Do online check-in. Most airlines open check-in 24-48 hours before departure. Ryanair and Wizz Air charge a fee for airport check-in - online is free.

Charge electronics. Phone, power bank, tablet, headphones. There are outlets at the airport, but not always available.

Prepare clothes for travel. If you're flying with a low-cost airline and don't want to pay for a suitcase, wear the heaviest items (jacket, shoes). You'll save space in your bag.

Arrange parking. If you're going to the airport by car, book parking in advance. In summer, capacity fills up quickly. More about parking options can be found in our Bratislava airport parking guide.

On departure day - time schedule

2 hours before departure is the recommended arrival time at BTS. During summer season and holidays, security queues may be longer.

Early morning flights (5:00-7:00) are typically the fastest - fewer people, shorter queues. But keep in mind that public transport doesn't run at full capacity yet.

Parking. If you park in an external parking lot with transfer, allow an extra 15-20 minutes for transfer. If you park at P2, you're at the terminal in 3-5 minutes.

Security control. Prepare in advance - liquids in a bag, laptop out of bag, jacket and belt off. The faster you get through, the less stress.

Downloadable checklist

Documents

• ID card / passport (valid!)
• Boarding pass (on phone or printed)
• Travel insurance
• Visa (if required)
• Document copies in cloud

Carry-on luggage

• Phone + charger
• Power bank (max 100 Wh)
• Headphones
• Prescription medications
• Liquids in transparent bag (max 100 ml/piece)
• Valuable items and electronics
• Travel snack

Checked baggage

• Clothing
• Toiletries (liquids without limit)
• Shoes
• Beach/sports equipment

Before leaving home

• Online check-in completed
• Flight time verified
• Electronics charged
• Parking reserved
• Air conditioning / heating turned off
• Windows closed, doors locked

Common mistakes before departure

Missing check-in. Online check-in closes 2-3 hours before departure. If you miss it, you'll pay €20-55 at the airport (depending on the airline).

Liquids in carry-on. A forgotten water bottle or large cream container = confiscation at security. Put everything in a bag or in your suitcase.

Power bank in suitcase. Security will confiscate it. Always in carry-on luggage.

Name mismatch on ticket. The name on the ticket must exactly match the name on the document. Changing the name after booking costs €50-150 or may not be possible.

Expired document. Check passport validity at least a month before travel. Passport renewal at Slovak office takes 30 days (express 2 days for extra fee).

Planning a trip from Bratislava? Check out [current airport parking prices](/sk/cennik) and book your spot in advance.

Updated: March 2026