Are you planning a flight to the Greek islands? In that case, you will surely find yourself at the “Eleftherios Venizelos” International Airport in Athens (Διεθνής Αερολιμένας Αθηνών “Ελευθέριος Βενιζέλος”). Take a look at our experiences when transiting at Athens airport, practical luggage tips, check-in, and airport facilities that can help you.

If you are holidaying on one of the numerous islands, most flights start from Athens airport. During the summer season, millions of people are transported from Athens to the islands, and everything is so well organized that you will not have any problems.

Transit in Athens – experience and practical tips for independent travelers

Flights to the Greek islands are not long, but transit and waiting can be longer, depending on the ticket you choose. Cheaper tickets usually have a longer waiting period between flights, and more expensive ones have a shorter wait. In both cases, the following tips can be useful.

From Serbia, you can travel to Athens from the “Nikola Tesla” airport and from the “Konstantin Veliki” airport in Niš. Flights from Niš are only available during the season, while flights from Belgrade operate all year round (airport links are at the end of the text).

Important advice for traveling by plane, especially with children - drink enough water:

It is important for children (and adults) to be well hydrated a day or two before the flight, because dehydration can worsen the feeling of discomfort during changes in pressure on the plane. This is why many children become nervous and cry during the flight, and adults may feel discomfort, headaches or pressure in the head.
During takeoff and landing, changes in pressure in the cabin can cause congestion and earache (especially in small children). Good hydration contributes to the elasticity of the mucous membrane and better function of the Eustachian tube, which facilitates equalization of pressure.
It is recommended to give water, not sugary drinks. During the flight, children can suck a pacifier, drink water in sips or eat something (e.g. fruit, crackers), because swallowing and chewing help relieve pressure.
Flights to the Greek islands are not long, but with this advice they can be very pleasant.

Arrival at Athens airport and passport control

Upon landing at Athens airport, passengers board a bus that takes them to the terminal building. After exiting the bus, passengers are greeted by passport control. There are two lines:

  • for passengers with EU passports
  • for passengers with other passports - passengers from Serbia, BiH, and other non-EU countries stand in that line. We must note that there is usually a big crowd.

After the passport control, a long corridor leads to luggage collection.
Simply follow the crowd but also the signs that are visible. Signs are usually hung high along the corridor so they are visible to everyone.

In brief

After landing, passengers exit the plane and board a bus to the terminal. The next step is passport control:

  • EU passports – quicker passage
  • Non-EU passports – often longer queues (Serbia, BiH, etc.)

After the control, follow the signs to the baggage claim.

Collecting luggage at Athens airport

Baggage carousels are arranged by flights, and the screens clearly indicate which carousel belongs to which line. Once you find the baggage carousel for your flight, wait for your suitcase to arrive on the carousel. Sometimes you may have to wait for about 20 minutes for the bags to start coming out.

Although the luggage and bag industry is diverse, there is a high chance of identical bags, especially if the bag is a classic black one. Be careful not to take someone else’s bag, as this can take up a lot of time later while the situation is resolved.
The most practical advice is to mark your bags before traveling with a ribbon, bow, or any noticeable tie in a bright color that you can easily recognize.

In brief

The carousels are clearly marked by flight numbers. Waiting for luggage can take up to 20 minutes. To avoid confusion:

  • Mark your bag – with a colorful ribbon, sticker, or bow
  • Check if it’s really yours before taking it

Transition from international to domestic flights to the islands

After collecting the luggage, passengers transferring in Athens can take the escalators to the upper floor where the departures are located. If you wish to get some fresh air, you can go outside to the main exit (it’s the only one so you can’t miss it) and to the upper platform, where the departures are located on the outside. When you exit, just cross the street and you will see stairs on the left and right sides leading to the upper platform. On the left side (looking from the exit), there is also a lift that you can use.

On the floor where departures are located, there are check-in counters for tickets and luggage. Each airline has its own counters, and check-in is done again. There are also self-check-in machines. There is plenty of staff available to help passengers – they guide you to the appropriate counters, assist with online check-in, and help navigate through the crowds. During the summer season, the crowds are large, so the presence of staff is quite helpful.

In brief

After collecting luggage, head to the upper floor – Departures. You can take the escalators or the lift. If you want fresh air, there is an exit outside, and then re-entry from the upper side of the terminal.
On this floor, you will find:

  • Check-in counters for luggage and tickets
  • Self-check-in machines
  • Staff to assist passengers

Summer crowds are common – arrive early.

Baggage rules

Carry-on luggage (small suitcase, backpack, medium-sized bag) must weigh up to 8 kg and be of appropriate dimensions to fit in the overhead bin.

In addition to carry-on luggage, a laptop bag and a personal purse are allowed, except when the cheapest ticket is purchased, which does not include all three options.

Checked (large) luggage can weigh up to 23 kg. When purchasing a ticket, it is specified which type of luggage is included in the price, or which you wish to add.

It is important to know when purchasing a ticket which luggage you are allowed. This is important so you don’t end up having to pay extra for each piece of excess baggage (or weight) during check-in. The fees are not small.

A rule that applies to all flights is that liquids are not allowed on the plane. It is possible to bring small packages up to 100ml. This includes hand sanitizers, breath fresheners, deodorants, perfume, liquid foundation – all must be in packages up to 100 milliliters, no larger. Small packages suitable for travel can be purchased in stores both here and abroad.
It is also important that before traveling, you pack all liquids you carry in your carry-on baggage in a zip-lock bag or a regular plastic bag (no one will mind if it’s not zip lock) – the bag must be transparent. Large deodorants, shampoos, anything over 100ml can be carried but only if you also have a large suitcase to check in that goes in the cargo hold of the plane. Nothing liquid and over 100ml in volume is allowed in carry-on baggage.

In brief

Carry-on luggage:

  • Up to 8 kg
  • Along with it: laptop bag and personal purse (except for the cheapest tickets)

Checked luggage:

  • Up to 23 kg
  • Check in advance what is included in the price

Important: Excess weight is charged extra – often costly!

Monitoring flight information

At Athens airport, there are numerous screens displaying information about all flights. Find a screen and look for your flight number – it will indicate if the flight is delayed, when the boarding gate opens, and its number. This information is regularly updated, so it is important to keep track of it.
IMPORTANT
The airport has two separate terminals (wings) – A and B. Your boarding pass will indicate from which terminal you depart, and this information depends on the destination and airline. Pay attention to this label because the terminals are not connected after passport control. If you mistakenly enter the wrong section, you will not be able to transfer to the other without going through control again, which can be very inconvenient if you do not have enough time.
Recommendation:
For all flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 to 2.5 hours before departure to have enough time for check-in, passport and security control, orientation at the airport, and any crowds. Especially during the season, the lines can be long, and a mistake like going to the wrong terminal can cost you the flight.

In brief

  • Pay attention to which terminal you should enter, A or B.
  • Recommended arrival: at least 2 to 2.5 hours in advance.

Facilities and shopping at the airport

Inside the airport, there are numerous shops where you can shop. There is an abundance of diverse food choices, so use your time wisely to select what you would like to try.

There is a difference in shopping outside or inside the secure zone at the airport.
If you buy clothes or something else outside the secure zone, the purchased goods are placed in your luggage and counted towards the total baggage weight. Or if you pack it in a separate bag, you may have problems later when boarding the plane if your bag is overweight. For example, if your ticket indicates that you can bring 1 suitcase and 1 personal item (which can be a purse or laptop bag), they can stop you and tell you that the bag is overweight. It doesn’t happen very often, but we have witnessed such situations multiple times.
Shopping within the secure zone - duty-free zone
When shopping here, you need to show your passport and boarding pass. The purchased items are packed in special, hermetically sealed bags, where the receipt is also inserted as proof of purchase at the airport. These bags can be taken on the plane as additional carry-on baggage. The bags must not be opened until after the final checkpoint upon landing at the destination – the staff usually checks if the bags are sealed.

The good news for smokers is that there is a section dedicated to them, so the wait won’t be too long.

In brief

  • Shopping before the security check – counts towards the total weight
  • Shopping after the security check (duty-free) – items are packed separately and not included in the carry-on baggage
  • Do not create additional packages not included in the ticket – it could be an issue when boarding the plane

Layover between flights – what to do?

If the layover between flights is long, we recommend visiting a small but very informative museum at the airport. It is located above the check-in counters in the main hall.

In addition to numerous shops and bakeries, there is also a cafeteria in front of the entrance, which has decent prices and a good selection. It is worth trying pastries and baklava. Upon returning from Greece, we often take a tin box with various types of baklava as a souvenir, but be sure to ask the staff in front of the passport control if they will allow you to bring them in. So far, there have been no issues.

If you like fast food, there is a Burger King on the floor where the museum is. There are also numerous chairs both inside and outside where you can enjoy the Athenian sun.

If your layover between flights is really long, you can take a walk to Athens. The metro station is located across from the upper platform. Just cross the street and you will see the entrance (follow the signs) to the footbridge leading to the metro station. However, be sure to return 1.5 hours before your flight departure.
Our experience is that during the season, it is advisable to arrive at least 2 to 2.5 hours earlier due to the large crowds.

Traveling to the Greek islands can be an unforgettable experience, and transiting in Athens provides an opportunity to get to know the airport better, understand luggage rules, and explore all the useful amenities that can help you navigate through the crowds more efficiently. Prepare in advance, follow the tips for independent travelers, and enjoy your vacation on one of the most beautiful European destinations.

Useful links:

Belgrade “Nikola Tesla” Airport
Constantine the Great Airport, Niš
Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, Athens

Transiting in Athens does not have to be stressful. If you know what to expect and prepare in advance, the journey to the islands can be simple and enjoyable.

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