Security control is one of the key steps before departure at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). It separates the public airport area from the airport security area, where only passengers with a valid boarding pass can continue toward the departure gates.
This BER Airport security control guide explains how security works in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, what passengers should prepare before the checkpoint, how waiting times can affect departures, and how to plan airport drop-off when security control is part of the journey.
Important: security procedures, waiting times and hand luggage rules can change. Always check current BER, airline and authority information before travelling.
BER Airport security control at a glance
- Airport: Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt
- IATA code: BER
- Main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
- Access: passengers need a boarding pass to enter the security area
- Gate access: BER says all departure gates are accessible from every security control
- Main tip: check waiting times and prepare hand luggage before reaching the checkpoint
Where is security control at BER Airport?
BER Airport has security control options in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Official BER information states that passengers can generally use any security control, whether in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, and that all departure gates are accessible from every security control.
This is useful because passengers do not always need to use only the checkpoint closest to their check-in area. However, terminal, check-in, baggage drop, walking route and current airport signs still matter. The best choice is the checkpoint recommended by airport signs, waiting-time information and staff on the travel day.
For the wider terminal overview, see BER Airport Terminals Guide. For the full airport overview, see BER Airport Guide 2026.
Security control in Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is the main BER terminal and includes several security control areas. Passengers departing from Terminal 1 should first check their airline, baggage needs and boarding pass. After check-in or baggage drop, follow the signs toward security control.
BER information about Terminal 1 security controls explains that each control area provides access to all gates. Waiting-time information is available on the BER website, in the app and on airport monitors.
For Terminal 1 orientation, see BER Airport Terminal 1 Guide.
Security control in Terminal 2
Terminal 2 is located close to Terminal 1 and has security control on level E1. Passengers whose flight uses Terminal 2 should check airline instructions, complete check-in or baggage drop if needed, and then follow signs to security.
BER also states for Terminal 2 security that passengers can generally use any security checkpoint in T1 or T2 and that all departure gates are accessible from each security control. Still, passengers should follow current airport signs and staff instructions.
For Terminal 2 orientation, see BER Airport Terminal 2 Guide.
Can you use any security checkpoint at BER?
According to official BER information, passengers can generally use any security control in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. All departure gates are accessible from every security control.
This does not mean passengers should ignore their flight information. Check-in counters, baggage drop, terminal walking routes, priority lanes, family lanes and current airport guidance can still affect the best route. If you are unsure, use the airport screens or ask airport staff before joining a queue.
What happens at BER security control?
At security control, passengers move from the public airport area into the security area. You need a valid boarding pass. Your hand luggage and personal items are screened, and you may need to remove or separate items depending on current procedures.
The exact process can depend on the lane, equipment, staff instructions and the items you carry. Prepare before reaching the tray area so the queue moves faster and you avoid repacking under pressure.
For passengers on non-Schengen routes, passport control may also be part of the journey after security. See Passport Control at BER Airport.
Hand luggage preparation before security
Hand luggage preparation is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress at security control. Check what your airline allows and what security rules allow before you pack. Items that are permitted by the airline may still be restricted by security rules, and the reverse can also create confusion.
BER official hand baggage information includes categories such as fluids, powerbanks, medicines, baby and dietary products, duty-free purchases and prohibited articles. Special rules may apply to liquid medicines, baby food and dietary products required during the flight.
Official source: BER hand baggage information.
Liquids, electronics and special items
Passengers should check current rules for liquids, gels, aerosols, electronics, batteries, powerbanks, medicines and duty-free items before travelling. Do not assume that rules from another airport or an older trip still apply exactly the same way.
If you travel with medicines, baby food, dietary products, camera equipment, business electronics or special items, pack them so they are easy to show if requested. Keep important medicines and documents in hand luggage unless rules say otherwise.
Hold baggage screening at BER
Hold baggage is also checked before it is loaded onto the aircraft. BER official information explains that this happens automatically after check-in. In individual cases, baggage may be opened even if the passenger is not present.
This is separate from hand luggage security control. Checked baggage screening happens behind the scenes, while passengers personally pass through the security checkpoint with their hand luggage.
Official source: BER baggage screening information.
Security waiting times at BER Airport
Security waiting times can change throughout the day. BER official information says waiting-time information is available on the website, in the app and on monitors at the airport.
Passengers should check waiting times before deciding how quickly to move from check-in, baggage drop or shopping to security control. During busy travel periods, school holidays, early morning departure waves or operational disruptions, security can take longer than expected.
For the full departure process, see BER Airport Departures Guide.
How early should you arrive for security?
There is no single arrival time that fits every passenger. Your timing depends on airline, route, terminal, baggage, passport control, family travel, mobility needs and whether you need special assistance.
Passengers with checked baggage need time for baggage drop before security. Non-Schengen passengers may need time for passport control after security. Families and groups should allow extra time for document checks, hand luggage, strollers and moving through the terminal.
For airport drop-off planning, see Transfer to BER Airport. For the main airport transfer overview, see Airport Transfers from BER Airport.
Security control tips for families
- Keep boarding passes and documents ready for every passenger.
- Pack liquids, medicines, baby food and child items so they are easy to show.
- Allow time for strollers, children’s bags and bathroom stops.
- Explain the security process to children before reaching the checkpoint.
- Use current airport signs and ask staff if you are unsure which lane to use.
Security control tips for business travellers
Business travellers should prepare laptops, chargers, powerbanks, documents and liquids before reaching the checkpoint. Keep business-critical items accessible and avoid packing important electronics in a way that slows down screening.
If you have a tight meeting schedule, do not plan only around driving time to the airport. Include check-in, baggage drop, security waiting time, passport control if required and walking to the gate.
Common security control mistakes at BER
- Joining a queue without checking current waiting-time information.
- Leaving liquids, electronics or powerbanks packed in a confusing way.
- Forgetting that passport control may still follow security for non-Schengen departures.
- Arriving too late because the passenger counted only travel time to the airport.
- Ignoring staff instructions at the checkpoint.
- Assuming hand luggage rules are the same as airline cabin baggage rules.
- Using old screenshots instead of current BER or airline information.
Useful official BER links for security control
- Official BER security control information
- Official BER Terminal 2 security control information
- Official BER Terminal 1 security control information
- Official BER hand baggage information
- Official BER baggage screening information
FAQ
Can I use any security control at BER Airport?
BER official information says passengers can generally use any security control in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, and all departure gates are accessible from every security control.
Do I need a boarding pass for security control?
Yes. Security control separates the public area from the airport security area, which only passengers with a boarding pass can access.
Where is security control in Terminal 2?
Terminal 2 security control is on level E1. Follow current airport signs and staff instructions on the travel day.
Where can I check security waiting times?
BER says waiting-time information is available on the website, in the app and on airport monitors.
Does passport control happen before or after security?
For many non-Schengen departures, passport control can happen after security and before the gate area. The exact route depends on the flight and current airport operations.
Is private transfer useful before security-heavy departures?
A pre-booked transfer can help passengers plan airport arrival time more reliably, especially for early flights, families, groups and non-Schengen departures.
Plan your BER departure with security time included
Before travelling, check your terminal, airline rules, baggage needs, hand luggage rules, security waiting times and passport control requirements. If you want a pre-booked ride to BER Airport, use online booking to arrange the route, vehicle and pickup details in advance.
