Thursday, December 20th, 2007. Cork Airport management and staff are looking forward to an extremely busy Christmas holiday season with 100,000 passengers expected to travel through the Airport between Friday, December 21st and Wednesday, January 2nd next, bringing the number of passengers through Cork Airport this year to a record 3.2 million.

This represents a passenger increase of 6% on last year’s previous record of 3 million and an impressive 15 year track record of consecutive year on year growth.

With the countdown to Christmas in full swing, Cork Airport would like to remind intending passengers to arrive at the Airport at least 1 HOUR prior to their scheduled departure time. This applies regardless of whether passengers are planning to check-in on arrival at the Airport or if they have used an online check-in facility at home or at the office.

At the busiest time of the year, it is vital to allow sufficient time to pass through the security check point and reach the departure gate in time for a flight. Passengers are reminded that airlines typically board flights up to 30 MINUTES BEFORE their scheduled departure time. Failure to arrive on time and to allow sufficient time to clear security checks could result in passengers missing their flight and no one wants that, especially at Christmas.

Passengers are reminded that check-in desks typically open 2 HOURS prior to departure and close strictly up to 40 MINUTES BEFORE departure. Passengers are advised to clarify check-in details with individual airlines.

Please note that Christmas Crackers CANNOT be accepted on flights so please DO NOT bring them to Cork Airport, as you will have to leave them behind. Passengers are also encouraged to check baggage allowances with individual airlines.

Cork Airport asks passengers NOT to wrap any Christmas presents being carried as hand luggage, as gifts may need to be inspected by Airport Security Officers and wrapping will have to be removed.

Intending passengers are also reminded that EU-wide hand luggage restrictions are in place. Consequently, passenger hand luggage containing any liquids, gels, pastes, or liquid cosmetics MUST be presented at airport security screening points in a transparent resealable bag of not more than one litre capacity (e.g. a freezer or sandwich bag with resealable top 20cm x 20cm). Only gels, pastes, lotions and liquid cosmetics in containers of 100mls or less will be permitted through the passenger security screening point at Cork Airport. Please note that there is a limit of ONE transparent resealable bag per person.

Passengers are still permitted to carry baby food or medicines required during the flight. These items should be packed in a separate resealable plastic bag and presented at the Airport security screening point.

-ENDS-