Check-in at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is the first important step for many departing passengers. Some travellers can check in online and go directly to security with hand luggage, while others need a counter, baggage drop, travel document check or special baggage service before continuing to the gate.
This BER Airport check-in guide explains how check-in works in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, what passengers should prepare before arriving, how baggage drop affects timing and how check-in connects with security control, passport control and airport transfer planning.
Important: check-in rules depend on your airline, destination, baggage, ticket type and travel documents. Always check your airline instructions before travelling to BER Airport.
BER Airport check-in at a glance
- Airport: Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt
- IATA code: BER
- Main departure terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
- Terminal 1 check-in: check-in area on level E1
- Terminal 2 check-in: counters and self-service options on level E0
- Main tip: check in online if your airline allows it and allow extra time for baggage or document checks
How check-in works at BER Airport
Check-in confirms that the passenger is ready for the flight and has the required booking, documents and baggage arrangement. Depending on the airline, check-in can happen online, in an app, at a self-service machine, at a counter or through a baggage drop process.
Passengers travelling only with hand luggage may be able to check in online and continue directly to security control. Passengers with checked baggage usually need to hand over luggage before going to security. Passengers on some routes may also need document checks before boarding.
For the full departure process, see BER Airport Departures Guide. For the full airport overview, see BER Airport Guide 2026.
Terminal 1 check-in
Terminal 1 is the main terminal at BER Airport. The check-in area is on level E1. Terminal 1 has multiple check-in islands, airline counters, baggage options and access toward security control.
Passengers departing from Terminal 1 should confirm the airline check-in area before arriving. The correct counter or bag drop location can depend on airline, flight number, destination and baggage type. If you have large baggage or special items, allow extra time and follow airline instructions.
For Terminal 1 orientation, see BER Airport Terminal 1 Guide.
Terminal 2 check-in
Terminal 2 is located next to Terminal 1 and is used for selected airlines and flights. Terminal 2 has check-in counters and self-service options on level E0. Passengers should check whether their airline uses Terminal 2 before going to the airport.
If you arrive by train or public transport, remember that the airport railway station is under Terminal 1. From there, Terminal 2 passengers follow signs to T2. This walking route should be included in your timing, especially with luggage or children.
For Terminal 2 orientation, see BER Airport Terminal 2 Guide.
Online check-in before travelling to BER
Many airlines offer online check-in through their website or mobile app. Online check-in can save time at the airport, especially for passengers travelling with hand luggage only. Some airlines also allow passengers to upload travel documents before departure.
Online check-in does not always mean you can skip every airport step. If you have checked baggage, special baggage, pet travel, visa checks or document verification, you may still need a counter or baggage drop before security.
Self-service check-in and Fast Bag Drop
Self-service check-in and Fast Bag Drop can help passengers print baggage labels and hand over checked luggage more quickly when their airline supports this process. The exact availability depends on airline and current airport setup.
Passengers should read the instructions on the machine carefully, attach baggage labels correctly and keep baggage receipts until the trip is finished. If the machine does not accept the booking or baggage, contact airline staff or use the relevant counter.
Check-in counters and baggage drop
Check-in counters are still important for many passengers. You may need a counter if you have checked baggage, oversized luggage, sports equipment, a stroller, a pet, document issues, special assistance, group travel or a ticket that cannot be processed online.
Baggage drop deadlines can be stricter than passengers expect. Being inside the airport is not enough if your bag has not been accepted before the airline deadline. Check the airline’s baggage drop time and plan airport arrival accordingly.
Hand luggage only: can you go straight to security?
If you checked in online and travel with hand luggage only, you may be able to go directly to security control. You still need a valid boarding pass and must follow hand luggage and security rules.
This can save time, but it does not remove the need for good planning. Security queues, walking distance, passport control for non-Schengen routes and boarding deadlines still matter.
For checkpoint preparation, see BER Airport Security Control.
Check-in and passport control
For non-Schengen routes, passengers may need document checks and passport control as part of the departure process. Some airlines verify documents during online check-in, at the counter or before boarding. Border control can also add time after security.
Passengers should keep passports, ID cards, visas, residence permits and electronic travel authorisations accessible. Do not pack essential documents in checked baggage.
For border-control planning, see Passport Control at BER Airport.
When should you arrive for check-in at BER?
There is no single arrival time that fits every passenger. Timing depends on airline, terminal, baggage, destination, passport control, family travel, mobility needs and how familiar you are with BER Airport.
Passengers with checked baggage, special luggage, children, group travel or non-Schengen routes should allow more time than passengers who are checked in online and carry only hand luggage. Early morning departures and holiday periods can also increase pressure at check-in and security.
Check-in timing and airport transfer planning
If you book a ride to BER Airport, the pickup time should be based on more than driving time. Include check-in, baggage drop, walking routes, security, passport control if required and boarding time.
For planned airport drop-off, see Transfer to BER Airport. For the main airport service overview, see Airport Transfers from BER Airport. If you already know your route, use online booking to arrange pickup details.
Special baggage and large luggage
Passengers with oversized baggage, sports equipment, musical instruments, strollers, wheelchairs or other special items should check airline rules before arriving at BER. These items may require a special counter, additional handling or earlier arrival.
Do not wait until the last minute if your luggage is unusual. Special baggage can take longer to process, and airline rules can vary by route and ticket type.
Check-in tips for families
- Check in online if your airline allows it.
- Keep passports, IDs, visas and boarding passes together but accessible.
- Allow extra time for strollers, child seats and checked baggage.
- Confirm whether children need separate travel documents.
- Prepare snacks, water rules and bathroom stops before security.
- Agree on one meeting point if the family separates at the terminal.
Check-in tips for business travellers
Business travellers should check in online where possible and avoid unnecessary counter time. Keep laptop bags, documents and carry-on items organised so the move from check-in to security is smooth.
If a meeting schedule is tight, plan the airport journey conservatively. A short delay at baggage drop, document control or security can create problems if there is no buffer before boarding.
Common check-in mistakes at BER
- Going to Terminal 1 without checking whether the flight uses Terminal 2.
- Assuming online check-in removes the need for baggage drop.
- Arriving too late for airline baggage deadlines.
- Packing travel documents in checked baggage.
- Forgetting that non-Schengen routes may need extra document checks.
- Not allowing walking time from the station area to Terminal 2.
- Waiting until the airport to solve visa or document questions.
Check-in checklist before leaving for BER
- Confirm airline, terminal and flight status.
- Check whether online check-in is available.
- Download or print the boarding pass if required.
- Check baggage allowance and baggage drop deadline.
- Prepare passport, ID, visa, residence permit or travel authorisation.
- Allow time for security and passport control if required.
- Set pickup time to match the real airport process, not only driving time.
FAQ
Where is check-in at BER Terminal 1?
Terminal 1 check-in is on level E1. Passengers should check their airline and counter information before arriving.
Where is check-in at BER Terminal 2?
Terminal 2 has check-in counters and self-service options on level E0. Terminal 2 is next to Terminal 1 and within walking distance.
Can I go directly to security with hand luggage?
If your airline allows online check-in and you have a valid boarding pass with hand luggage only, you may be able to go directly to security control.
Do I still need a counter after online check-in?
You may still need a counter or baggage drop if you have checked baggage, special luggage, document checks, pet travel or an airline-specific requirement.
How does check-in affect private transfer timing?
Pickup time should include travel to the airport plus check-in, baggage drop, security, passport control if required and walking to the gate.
Plan your BER check-in journey
Before travelling, check your terminal, airline check-in rules, baggage needs and travel documents. If you want a pre-booked ride to BER Airport, use online booking to arrange the route, vehicle and pickup details in advance.
