Arrive relaxed at the airport: How to start your Mallorca holiday calmly

Start calmly: Your island holiday already begins at the airport

The autumn holidays are here, the sky over Germany still grey, while Palma awaits with its mild island sun. Those who arrive relaxed get more out of the first café con leche on the Paseo Marítimo and less stress at car hire counters and bus stations. A little preparation before departure saves sweating, rushing and sometimes expensive extra fees.

Arriving early pays off

My recommendation: plan at least two and a half hours before departure. Check-in, luggage drop-off, security screening — it takes time, especially at weekends or in bad weather, as reported in Long security checks at Cologne–Bonn. If you travel calmly, you might already hear the seagulls over Son Sant Joan Airport information and see the first olive trees along the route instead of just crowds at the gate.

Online check-in and buffer time

Many airlines offer online check-in — use it; for example Lufthansa online check-in. That saves time and often lets you go straight to baggage drop-off or, if you only have hand luggage, directly to the security checkpoint. Still: an extra 30 minutes of buffer doesn’t hurt in case of traffic or a long line at drop-off.

Travel documents: brief check, long enjoyment

Check the validity of your passport or ID card a few days before departure. Children need their own documents; a photo on your phone does not replace the original. At the gate the original document counts — and anyone who stands there without it will quickly face an unpleasant wait.

Hand luggage: pack smart

Liquids only in containers up to 100 ml and all together in a transparent 1-liter bag (see TSA guidelines on liquids and carry-ons); electronic devices like laptops or tablets should be easy to reach because they usually go through the security belt separately. Power banks: watch out, some airlines have new rules — check in advance. Leave sharp or pointed objects at home, it saves discussions with security staff.

Practical mini checklist for departure

Short and helpful: check passport/ID; use online check-in; be at the airport 2.5–3 hours before departure; have a 1-liter bag for liquids ready; keep electronics accessible; clarify large power banks with the airline in advance; keep hand luggage light and leave sharp objects at home.

Why this helps Mallorca too

A relaxed arrival process benefits not only you: less hectic activity at the airport also makes life easier for staff, shortens waiting times at baggage belts and rental car stations, and ensures that the first meeting with the island stays friendly. When more guests arrive in Palma punctually and calmly, it relieves cities, bus lines and gastronomy — a good start for everyone, and even helps those trying to make the island home as described in How Mallorca Really Becomes Your Home: A Practical Guide from Island Experience.

One last tip: friendliness works. A smile at check-in or at security won’t open doors, but it often shortens the way. And now: have a good trip — see you soon on the island, on a walk along the beach or over the first cortado under the pine trees.