Glasgow Airport Departures

Check-in

There are two check-in areas at Glasgow airport, both on the ground floor. Desks 1 to 39 are in the main terminal, while desks 40 to 64 are next door in T2. Check the flight display monitors to see where you need to go, though it’s worth knowing that check-in for all Virgin, Jet2, Thomas Cook and Canadian Affair flights is in T2.

You should contact your airline to see how early you need to be there, but as a general guide, the airport advises arriving three hours before a long-haul flight, two hours before a European flight and one hour before flights within the UK and Ireland (personally, we think that’s cutting it a bit fine though and would aim for closer to two hours).

There are self-check-in kiosks for passengers flying with some airlines (including British Airways and Flybe), and some airlines allow online check-in - British Airways, bmi and KLM Cityhopper are among them.

Baggage allowance

Your allowance for both hold and hand baggage will be determined by your airline, so you’ll need to check with them. Some airlines do now allow more than one item of hand luggage. The crucial thing to know is that you can only bring liquids, pastes or gels in your hand luggage if they’re in containers of 100ml or less - and they need to be carried through security in a clear, resealable plastic bag. Liquids larger than that must be carried in your hold luggage. The exceptions are baby food, baby milk and liquid medicines – you may be asked for evidence that you need the medicine. For more information visit our Glasgow airport luggage and security page..

Book Glasgow airport parking and hotels

We can sort out somewhere for you to leave your car while you’re on holiday and somewhere for you to stay the night before your flight. Check out our Glasgow airport parking page for car park options, and our Glasgow airport hotels page for a range of comfy retreats. There’s plenty of choice, from the Holiday Inn opposite the terminal to the Erskine Bridge hotel, which offers a swimming pool and impressive views.

Dropping off passengers

There is a free drop-off area at Glasgow airport – just follow the signs for drop-off when you get to the terminal. However, you can’t pick passengers up there – instead, there’s a pick-up point in Car Park 2, 30 yards from the terminal, with an undercover waiting area. Parking here costs £1.50 for 10 minutes and £2 for 20 minutes, after which the car park’s normal charges apply. (Prices correct on August 23, 2013.)