The plane touches down, the cabin lights come on, and a phase of the journey begins that almost no one plans for: the journey from the seat to the airport exit gate. Depending on the airport, time, and origin of the flight, this process can last from a few minutes to over an hour. Knowing each step will help you arrive more relaxed and better organize your airport transfer.
Step 1: Taxiing, Parking, and Disembarkation
After landing, the plane must still taxi to its parking position. If it parks at a jet bridge (finger), you will exit directly into the terminal. If it remains in a remote position, you will have to descend by stairs and take a shuttle bus, which adds a few minutes. On full flights, disembarking by rows also requires patience: keep your mobile phone, documentation, and small items handy to exit quickly.
Step 2: Passport Control (depending on origin)
If you are flying within the Schengen area, for example from the Peninsula to Gran Canaria or Tenerife, there is usually no passport control upon arrival. If you arrive from outside Schengen, such as from the United Kingdom, you will have to go through border control, which can generate queues during peak hours. Have your passport ready and, if applicable, any documentation that the border authority may request.
Step 3: Baggage Claim
Screens in the arrivals hall indicate the baggage carousel assigned to your flight. Waiting times vary greatly depending on the airport and the volume of flights. Special baggage (baby strollers, bicycles, surfboards, or golf clubs) is usually delivered at a separate counter or belt. If your suitcase does not appear or arrives damaged, go to the baggage claim desk before leaving the collection area: it is more complicated to claim outside of it.
Step 4: Customs
After baggage, you pass through customs. In the Canary Islands, due to their special tax regime, customs controls may apply even on domestic flights. If you have nothing to declare, simply follow the green channel. If you are carrying goods above the permitted limits, use the red channel.
Step 5: The Arrivals Hall and Transport
Upon crossing the doors, you arrive at the arrivals hall, the point where you decide how the journey continues. Here you will find taxi stands, bus stops, car rental counters, and meeting points for airport transfer services.
| Phase | What can prolong it |
|---|---|
| Disembarkation | Remote position and shuttle bus |
| Passport control | Flights from outside Schengen during peak hours |
| Baggage claim | Several flights arriving at once |
| Customs | Random checks |
| Transport | Taxi queues or waits for car rental |
How to Save Time on the Last Leg
The last step is the one that depends most on you. If you haven't arranged transport, you might encounter taxi queues or long waits at the rental counter, just when you've already been at the airport for a while. With a private transfer booked in advance, the driver tracks your flight, knows the actual arrival time, and waits for you in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name. At Million Routes, you can book it with a fixed price and without worrying about delays, so that upon exiting customs, you only have to find your driver and get going.
Practical Tips Before Landing
- Activate your mobile data or connect to the airport's Wi-Fi to receive messages from your driver.
- Save your booking confirmation and meeting point on your phone.
- If traveling with children, request the necessary child seats in advance.
- Check if your flight arrives from outside Schengen to calculate extra time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leaving the Airport
How long does it take to leave the airport after landing?
It depends on the airport, the origin of the flight, and whether you have checked baggage. Without checked baggage and on a Schengen flight, it can be very quick; with baggage and passport control, it can exceed an hour during busy periods.
Is there passport control on flights to the Canary Islands from the Peninsula?
There is no passport control, as these are flights within Schengen, although you must carry your identity document and may encounter customs controls due to the Canary Islands' tax regime.
What do you do if your suitcase doesn't appear?
Go to the airline's or handling agent's baggage desk before leaving the collection area and request a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
Where does the private transfer driver wait for you?
Normally in the arrivals hall, just outside the baggage claim area, with a sign with your name. The exact point is indicated in the booking confirmation.
