New for 2023: Changes you'll see at Edinburgh Airport when travelling this year

If you're heading to the airport for the first time in a while you'll likely notice some changes around the place.

We’ve worked with our partners to improve things, and ensure the best possible experience for you.

The changes have been introduced in-time for the busy 2023 season and will help to make things easier and more convenient for you, and we’ll continue to make changes where we see potential to improve.

Here's a rundown of the new additions for '23.

Drop off your bags the night before

Does the thought of waiting to check-in your bag not fill you with that holiday feeling? Well we have a solution for that!

Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2.com and British Airways offer a Twilight Bag Drop service so you can check-in your luggage the night before your flight - meaning you can head straight to security. Different airlines have different opening times, so be sure to check before you make your plans.

A great option to help avoid the rush - particularly if you're staying close to the airport.

Check-in early

Okay, a morning flight means an early rise for you – but we’re going to be ready for you earlier than ever before. We’ve worked with our handling agent partners to introduce an early check-in service, so you can arrive from 0330 for your early flight.

This should help reduce some of the morning congestion in the terminal but, like other busy environments in your everyday life, we will see some queues at times. With tens of thousands of passengers passing through the airport each day we can be busy at peak hours but we’ll be working to get you away as quickly as we can.

But – and this is *really* important – don’t come too early. There’s no point being here five hours before your flight when you airline doesn’t open check- in until three hours before the flight.

Say hello to our welcome team

No matter when you're coming through there'll be a friendly face or two waiting to greet you.

Our welcome team will be in the check-in hall each day answering any questions you've got and providing all the information you need - whether it be details on where your check-in desk is, directions to security or even tips on the best coffee shops to visit.

If you need a helping hand, just ask!

Make use of new technology at check-in

We’re always looking to adopt technology where we can and this year is no different. Our new state-of-the-art digital check-in desks are quick and easy to use, speeding up the process for passengers and allowing you to head onwards to security even quicker. These are in use for easyJet and Ryanair passengers.

Wondering when to check-in? If you've no bags to drop off we'd always encourage you to check-in online, meaning you can head straight to security on the day of your flight. If not a reminder that you can check out your check-in desk opening times here.

And we'll let you into a secret, if you've booked FastTrack security you can use the plaza doors to access security (you'll find this near the large Edinburgh sign - not many people know it's there).

Other improvements...

We've been able to reconfigure part of the check-in hall near Zone A - close to where the Ryanair desks are - in turn creating more space and additional seating inside the terminal.

We've also replaced our escalators, upgrading the technology to a new state-of-the-art, and more energy efficient system which means they are only begin moving when passengers approach. And UV lights will disinfect the handrails as they go round.

Plus you'll see that our stairwell linking check-in with security has been given a facelift, creating a cleaner and brighter look for passengers as they journey through the airport (and get ready for security!)

And while there are some changes, one thing remains the same!

That's right, despite what you might've read all liquids still need to be under 100ml, removed from your hand luggage and placed in one of the clear bags provided.

While new technology is being worked on which will ultimately change this, it won't be fully rolled out at Edinburgh Airport until 2024.

By removing all liquids, ensuring large electricals are emptied from your bags and placed in a tray provided, and emptying your pockets of everything (even tissues) you'll help ensure a quick and smooth journey through security - a win for all parties!