Examining and securing advanced reservations
Passengers traveling through North Rhine-Westphalia's largest airport, Düsseldorf, should anticipate a passenger volume of approximately 880,000 between March 22 and April 7. This figure marks a 4% increase from the Easter holidays of the previous year. Top destination choices include popular holiday spots like Mallorca, Antalya, and Hurghada, as well as Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, London, and the Canary Islands.
To maintain efficiency in security measures, the Off-Block program will persist, having successfully minimized delays and reduced waiting times at security checkpoints since last year. Recent updates include nearly all federal police-utilized security scanners being replaced, with seven state-of-the-art CT scanners being deployed for hand luggage screening at gates A and B. These scanners employ 3D imaging to enable security personnel to examine electronic devices and liquids without the need for manual removal.
Travelers are encouraged to adhere to regulations concerning the transportation of liquids and electronic devices for a smoother process at the terminal. Batteries, e-cigarettes, and power banks should be carried in hand luggage. Liquids in hand luggage should be stored in individual containers of up to 100 milliliters, enclosed in a re-sealable, transparent plastic bag with a maximum volume of one liter per passenger. Electronic devices and liquids must be presented separately at the security checkpoint, unless hand luggage screening is conducted at one of the new CT facilities.
Time slot reservations for security screening are available to passengers, providing a free service called DUSgateway. Introduced last year, this system has been particularly beneficial during peak travel times. Over 315,000 time slots have been booked since its introduction, with bookings possible from 72 hours up to 60 minutes prior to departure, provided passengers still need to go through passport control, up to 90 minutes before takeoff. The DUSgateway is centrally located at the "Gates B" security checkpoint, with passengers required to present their boarding pass, and their booking being automatically recognized.
Automated baggage drop-off stations are also available for ease and reducing queues. Following the integration of Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and Swiss, Eurowings passengers can now check in their luggage independently. The process involves scanning the boarding pass at a "Baggage-Tag" machine to receive a self-adhesive baggage label, which the passenger then attaches to their luggage. Subsequently, they place the luggage on the conveyor belt at the drop-off machine, allowing scanners to read the baggage label and send it on its way. However, oversized and special baggage must still be checked in at the respective airline's check-in counters or the airport's oversized baggage counters.
In summary, Düsseldorf Airport's security process incorporates advanced and efficient procedures that prioritize passenger safety and streamline flow through the airport. Key components include CT scanners, strict yet efficient liquid and electronic device regulations, time slot reservations for security checks, and automated baggage drop-off facilities. The Off-Block program supports these efforts by ensuring ground operations proceed efficiently, ultimately improving the overall passenger experience.
- Embracing technology, travelers are advised to use the DUSgateway service for reserved time slots at security checkpoints, which was introduced last year and has proven beneficial during busy travel periods.
- In their hand luggage, travelers should follow the regulations concerning various items, ensuring they carry batteries, e-cigarettes, and power banks, while liquids should be in container sizes up to 100 milliliters and stored in transparent plastic bags, as this streamlines the security checkpoint process and allows for efficient use of new technology such as CT scanners.
