It is crucial to plan for check-in at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in order to achieve a seamless and worry-free departure. If your travel documents have been prepared beforehand, you have selected your seat online and are informed about the terminal and concourse of your departure, you will have less time at the airport and more time relaxing before your flight. This guide outlines FRA’s check-in options, terminal and concourse locations, and security programs.
FRA Check-In Options – An Overview
While the check-in times can vary from airline to airline, most flights usually open their online check-in between 24 and 48 hours before takeoff. Below are all check-in options available for passengers at FRA:
- Online/ Mobile Check-In: This option guarantees you the shortest check-in time. You can perform this on the airline’s website or through its mobile app, select your preferred seat, and obtain a digital or printable boarding pass.
- Evening-Before Check-In: FRA offers a special benefit for passengers traveling with certain carriers to perform a check-in process in the evening of the day before the flight and drop off their luggage. Be sure to bring your Identification documents and any necessary visa.
- Self-Service Kiosks (Fast Bag Drop): There are a variety of self-service kiosks in FRA where you can check in, change seats, and print boarding passes and luggage tags independently.
- Airline Ticket Counter: The full-service check-in desk is a service designed for passengers who need extra help with documentation, have special service requests or can’t complete the check-in online.
Which Airlines Use Which Check-Ins at FRA?
Frankfurt Airport consists of two functioning terminals: Terminal 1 and the newer Terminal 3, which are connected by the free and automated people mover SkyLine, operating every 2-3 minutes.
Terminal 1 – Concourse A (Schengen Departures)
Schengen-area domestic and European flights are served at this concourse, with security checkpoints located directly inside the concourse itself following check-in. There is also a dedicated Family Security Checkpoint located approximately 100 meters from the main checkpoint, near the Jack Wolfskin store in Departure area A and operating throughout the day.
Terminal 1 – Concourse B (Schengen Departures)
This concourse also operates Schengen-area departures and is one of the busiest in the terminal, equipped with Fast Track lanes for eligible travelers in business or first class and frequent flyer program members.
Terminal 1 – Concourse Z (Non-Schengen / International Departures)
Located above Concourse A, Terminal 1, Concourse Z serves most international/intercontinental/long haul departures, including all flights to America and all others departing outside of the Schengen area.
Terminal 1 – Concourse C (Schengen Departures)
Serving other Schengen-area destinations, this concourse is signposted from the check-in hall in Terminal 1 and has its own security access check.
Terminal 3 – Concourses D and E
Terminal 3 was officially opened on 22nd April 2026 with a capacity for up to 19 million passengers annually. Airlines operating from the former Terminal 2 are transferring into Terminal 3 on a phased basis from April to June 2026.
Security Checks at FRA: How to get through
After having completed your check-in process and deposited any checked luggage, you will need to make your way to the security screening at the relevant concourse. Waiting times at the security checks fluctuate. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before the departure of European flights and 3 hours prior to long-haul international services.
Note on liquids: Although CT scanners have been installed in several parts of Terminal 1, the 100ml liquid regulation is still applicable at all FRA security controls – including those fitted with CT scanners.
SmartWay and Fast Track programs
FRA SmartWay: FRA SmartWay is Frankfurt Airport’s free virtual queuing system in cooperation with CLEAR and Copenhagen Optimization. It enables you to book an individual time slot at security up to 72 hours before departure, and to use a private, dedicated SmartWay lane at the security control.
Fast Track Lanes: Fast Track Security is available to eligible passengers at the Concourses A, B, C, D, and E. These are primarily available to passengers who have purchased a First or Business Class ticket and members of frequent flyer programs such as Star Alliance Gold and comparable programs.
Walk-Through Security Scanners: FRA is one of the first European airports to employ walk-through security scanners for normal passenger screening. These devices permit passengers to wear jackets and most metal accessories when being scanned.
Family Security Lane: Available all day in Terminal 1, Departure Area A, there is a family security lane 100 meters past the main checkpoint near the Jack Wolfskin shop and intended to provide a more relaxing process for passengers with small children.
PRM & priority lanes: Additional lanes for reduced mobility and other passengers in need of assistance can be found throughout the terminal and are marked with obvious signs and operated for all operating hours.
Things to Remember
Things to remember when going through the standard security screening. If going through standard screening:
- Have valid photo I.D., or passport, and boarding pass ready
- Liquids: You will need to have all liquids under 100ml (3.4 ounces) in a single transparent, sealable bag. -Electronics: You need to take laptops, tablet devices, and anything over a cell phone out of the bag and put them in their own separate trays.
- Personal Items: You will need to remove shoes, belts, jackets, and empty all pockets before stepping through.
- Food and Gifts: Don’t wrap gifts, as they may be inspected. Solid food should be fine in hand luggage. -Schengen vs. Non-Schengen: Be aware of the terminal that your gate is in. If crossing from Schengen to Concourse Z, passport control will be in the path; plan for this.
Conclusion
Checking in and navigating the terminals at FRA becomes extremely simple when you are prepared with the lay of the land and have prepared yourself for check-in. Online or mobile check-in helps save precious time at the airport, and kiosks and evening-before check-ins will meet any of your travel needs. With FRA SmartWay, fast-track lanes, walkthrough scanners, and a special family checkpoint on T1 and T3, FRA gives you ways to speed through the security process.
FAQs
The opening hours for online check-in most often span between 24 to 48 hours before departure. The opening hours for the counters at the airport often span between 2 to 4 hours prior to departure. Arrival two hours before the flight is recommended at the least for domestic and European Schengen destinations.
Always check your boarding pass. As of April 2026, Terminal 2 has closed and has now moved into the newly opened Terminal 3.
FRA SmartWay is a free virtual queuing service to book your security check time slot up to 72 hours prior to the flight.
Yes, at the time of writing. Although the introduction of CT scanners is taking place at certain check points, the 100 ml restriction for liquids is still applicable at all check points at FRA Airport.
Terminal 1 at FRA is home to Lufthansa and Star Alliance carriers. From April 2026 airlines that formerly operated at Terminal 2 will be relocating to Terminal 3.