Paris Orly Airport Departures

Depending on your airline you could be departing from the west or south terminal. The information should be on your boarding pass.

Accessing the departures areas is straightforward whatever means of transport you arrive by. The Orlyval rail shuttle station has direct access to the terminals and the bus and coach stops are close to the arrivals area. The drop-off zones are just outside the departures halls and taxis can drop you near to the door. The short-stay car parks have elevators to the terminal building and the long-stay car parks are a short bus ride away.

If you have requested special assistance, there are call points for advising the service that you are there.

Many airlines now have apps and online facilities for checking in and storing or printing your boarding pass, and some even penalise you for not doing so. Fortunately, if you do need to check in at the airport, or you have hold bags, there tend to be fewer long queues at the desks. Check the departures board for your airline's check-in desks. Some carriers provide automated self-service check-in facilities.

Orly is the third busiest airport in France and at peak times, despite less queueing to check in, there can be long delays to get through security. For this reason, you should arrive with plenty of time before your flight. Two hours is recommended for domestic and short-haul flights and a minimum of three hours for long-haul flights. There are plenty of facilities at the airport to pass the time if you are earlier.

Checking In

Schengen area citizens travelling between Schengen area countries can travel using their national ID card. In all other instances, you will need a valid passport. You will also be asked for your booking reference or boarding pass.

You should make sure that you know the baggage weight and size allowance for the airline you are travelling with as these can vary a great deal. It is advisable to weigh your bags before going to the airport.

There are strict rules with regard to what can and cannot be taken on board a plane. Certain items can only be carried in the hold and others only in the cabin. Any prohibited goods found will be confiscated. The CAA website has the full details.

Security Screening

Your boarding pass will be scanned at the entry to the security screening area so, whether stored on your mobile device or printed, have it on hand to avoid delays.

At the x-ray scanner, you will have to empty your pockets, remove jackets, belts and watches, and place all the items in the trays provided. You may be instructed to take off your shoes. All liquids must be placed in a plastic bag in containers no larger than 100ml. Laptops have to be taken out of your hand baggage to go through separately.

If an alarm beeps and a red light shows when you walk through the metal detector arch, you will be taken aside and searched and scanned for any offending items.

Departures Lounge

The departures lounge is where you can relax while waiting for your flight, provided you've allowed enough time. Check the departures information screens regularly for your gate number. And notifications of any delays.

You can access the internet with the free, unlimited Wi-Fi. Restaurants, cafés and bars serve a variety of food and drink options. You can browse the shops for duty-free goods, the latest fashions, souvenirs, electronics and newspapers, books and magazines.

Once your boarding gate is displayed for your flight, go straight there. At the gate, before boarding, you will need to show your passport and boarding pass.