1. Plan ahead when booking: documents and check-in
The fewer complications you have before arriving at the airport, the smoother the security check will be. In practice, check in online (where available) and keep your boarding pass on your mobile and as a PDF backup (useful if your connection is poor).
On the Chalair network, online check-in is available for several departures (Paris Orly, Aurillac, Castres, Brive, Limoges, Lyon, Brest), from 48 hours to 2 hours before the flight: a real time-saver at the terminal.
Tip: check in advance which terminal you’re using and the security checkpoint closest to your gate.
2. Pack your hand luggage like a pro and avoid being searched
A quick security check starts with a well-organised bag.
Key rules to know in France:
- Liquids, gels and aerosols: containers of 100 ml or less, placed in a 1-litre transparent, resealable bag (one bag per passenger). Present this bag separately from your luggage at security. Exceptions apply for babies, medication and special dietary requirements.
- Prohibited items: blades longer than 6 cm, tools, flammable substances, etc.
As for airlines, remember to stick to the specified dimensions and weight limits. With Chalair, one piece of hand luggage (55 × 35 × 25 cm, max. 10 kg) plus one small item (30 × 40 × 15 cm, max. 2 kg) are included.
🎯 Quick checklist before security:
- Take out your bag of liquids and your laptop and/or tablet.
- Empty your pockets (keys, loose change, mobile phone), remove your belt and any metal objects.
- Place your jacket and large accessories in the tray.
- Place your laptop flat, screen facing upwards, without its case, to speed up the scanning process.
3. Choose the right queue and keep moving
Airports often have dedicated queues (for families, priority passengers, passengers with reduced mobility, etc.): look out for the signs and follow the staff’s instructions. At Paris airports, the PARAFE system (e-gates) can speed up border checks for holders of a biometric passport.
It’s very simple, but crucial: move forward steadily, with your bins ready, handles facing forwards, and electronic devices grouped together. The aim of the check is to ensure the contents can be clearly scanned. Any item that isn’t prepared (a bottle larger than 100 ml, a laptop at the bottom of a cluttered bag) will result in a manual search, and you’ll immediately lose precious minutes.
4. Time your arrival correctly (neither too early nor too late)
For domestic flights, allow 1 to 2 hours in advance, depending on the time of year and how busy it is. For long-haul flights: up to 3 hours.
Arriving early doesn’t mean waiting in the wrong place: find the right check-in desk or terminal, check in if necessary, then head straight to security.
5. Adopt smart habits that make all the difference
- Hydration: take an empty water bottle and fill it after security (so you don’t waste time being searched for a bottle larger than 100 ml). Practical and eco-friendly (note: buy your drinks after security if you don’t have a water bottle).
- Scan-friendly attire: shoes that are easy to take off if asked, minimal metal, and a belt that’s only put on at the last moment.
- Laptop and tablet within easy reach.
- No surprises: re-read the official list of prohibited items (tools, blades over 6 cm, flammable materials) and the rules on batteries.
To get through quickly, prepare early, keep your movements at the security checkpoint light and follow the pace of the checkpoint staff. Allow plenty of time, bear in mind the 100 ml rule, and make the most of online check-in.
Image: Freepik