Fuerteventura Airport Departures
Arriving at the departures hall of Fuerteventura airport is very straightforward, no matter however you travel. Taxis, tour buses, private transfers and local buses all drop off passenger's right outside the terminal building. If you drive yourself, whether in a private vehicle or you're dropping off a hire car, it is just a short walk to the terminal.
Most airlines now require you, or at least give you the option to check in online and print your boarding pass or store it on your phone via their app. If you have done that and you don't have any hold baggage, you can go straight to the security screening area. Otherwise, you will need to go to one of the sixty-five check-in desks. The large overhead monitors will tell you which desks are for your flight.
Check-in
The check-in desks normally open two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time and close around forty-five minutes before, but check with your airline for specific details. At check-in, you will need your booking reference or boarding pass and your passport or national identity card. With so many desks available, queuing is kept to a minimum but at peak times it is worth getting to the airport early. If you have to wait for the desk to open, there is a café, a newsagent and a gift shop in the departures hall. There is also a cashpoint, printing facilities and free Wi-Fi available.
Each airline can restrict you from putting certain items in your hold baggage but there are European and international rules with regard to what can be carried on an aircraft. If you are not sure about an item, ask for advice from the airline you are flying with. The prohibited goods include, but are not restricted to the following:
- Acid
- Ammunition
- Explosives
- Firearms (and toy guns)
- Gas cartridges / refills
- Lighter fuel
- Lighters
- Mercury
- Paint
Also ensure in advance that your baggage conforms to the airline's rules on size and weight as, if they are over, the penalty charges can be very expensive.
Security Screening
To avoid any delays at security it is always worth checking the current situation as to what you can take with you on your person and in your hand baggage before you arrive, as the rules can change at short notice.
Generally, you are required to put your bags on the conveyor belt to go through the X-Ray machine. Laptops, tablets and phones must go through separately and should have sufficient charge to start up, as you may be asked to demonstrate this. Any liquids have to be in containers of not more than 100ml and up to a maximum of 1lt and placed in a transparent plastic bag. Larger containers of liquid will be confiscated.
You must take off jackets, cardigans and belts, and empty your pockets, especially of any metal objects, into a tray. You might be instructed to take off your shoes. You then have to pass through a metal detector. If the alarm sounds you will be screened by a security officer for the offending article, which is usually some small item you have forgotten to remove. When you and your bags are cleared you can head for the departures lounge.
Departures Lounge
For many people, the departures lounge is where their holiday begins. You will have the opportunity to purchase duty-free goods; alcohol, cigarettes, perfume and gifts can be much cheaper than on the high street, but your allowances will vary according to whether or not you are travelling within the European Union. In Fuerteventura and the other Canary Islands, you can often find these goods at better prices in the resorts, so check before you head for the airport.
There are monitors throughout the lounge with information on boarding times and gates and any delays. Keep an eye on these for your gate number, as flight announcements are not made over the public-address system.
The departure lounge has a variety of shops selling the latest fashions, Canary Island speciality food, drink and souvenirs, newspapers, magazines and books. There are restaurants, cafés, bars and fast food outlets providing a wide variety of food and drink. An outdoor terrace enables you to make the most of the Fuerteventura climate before you leave.
Gate numbers are usually posted thirty to forty minutes before departure and you should proceed to the gate promptly.