Prepare your trip
- Well insured and travelling with the right documents?
- Baggage conveniently packed?
- What can you arrange in advance?
You have picked your destination and booked your journey. Just a little while longer and you’re on your way. To make sure you have thought of everything, here are a few tips to make your trip go smoothly.
Tip 1: Don't forget your travel documents
Make sure you bring all your travel documents to the airport.
First of all, bring your identity card or international passport. Do not forget to check their validity. If you have dual nationality, it is best to bring the passport of your second nationality in case this is requested for the country of destination.
Other documents that may be required in these COVID-19 times are:
- Documents required by the country of destination. Check which travel restrictions apply, if any, and which conditions you have to meet in the country you are flying to.
- For some countries a negative COVID -19 test certificate is required. You can have a COVID test taken at Brussels Airport.
Tip 2: Travel well-insured
Take out the appropriate insurance when travelling. Which part of the trip do you wish to insure?
- Cancellation insurance covers - subject to conditions - inability to travel from the day of booking to the day of departure. This insurance is usually taken out at the time of booking or up to 30 days before departure.
- A travel assistance insurance covers (medical) costs - subject to conditions - once you have left on your trip until the end of the trip. You can book this insurance up to the time of departure.
- Luggage insurance. Such an insurance may include damage, theft and delay.
You can take out this insurance separately or in a bundle.
In addition, things are different depending on whether you have composed your trip yourself or purchased a package holiday:
- You can book your flight and hotel separately (yourself), online or with a travel agent. When only booking a flight during this COVID-19 period, you can check whether a (free) rebooking guarantee included.
- A "package tour" is a trip with at least 2 travel services (e.g. transport and overnight stays) which you book directly together as 1 whole. The sale of package holidays is protected by Belgian law. Click here for more information. In this COVID-19 period, tour operators more frequently offer extra insurance, which may even include repatriation.
Tip 3: Pack your luggage smartly
Wearing a face mask is mandatory everywhere at the airport and on the plane. A few spare ones in your luggage are certainly welcome.
For your own comfort while travelling, we recommend that you travel as lightly as possible. You’ll have your hands free and you’ll will get through security screening more rapidly.
Also know that, trolleys are not allowed in and past the security control area, which means you’ll have to carry everything yourself. So the less carry-on baggage you have, the more convenient it will be for you.
If you are travelling with children, then you probably will carry more with you anyway. Small, foldable prams can usually be taken up to the entrance of the plane.
What is allowed in your luggage:
- What is allowed in your hand luggage?
- What is allowed in your hold luggage?
- Number of suitcases, weight and restrictions
- Luggage lockers, safely stored
- bTag, take your time, then your luggage
Tip 4: Reserve or book in advance
A lot of things can be arranged in advance, so that you have your head and hands free to enjoy. A few examples:
- Check-in online from home
- Reserve a parking space close to the terminal
- Ask for special assistance (e.g. wheelchair) at least 48 hours in advance.
- To a country without euros? Order your foreign currency now
- Book a fast lane to get through security faster
- Order in advance your favourite perfume and simply pick it up at the airport.
- ...
Would you like to see it all in a handy overview? Enter your flight details in our Travel Planner and view each step of your journey in advance.
Tip 5: Come to the airport well ahead of your departure time
For a flight within the European Union we advise you to be at the airport two hours in advance. For flights outside Europe, it is best to arrive at the airport three hours in advance.