FAQ

How much are the car park charges?

Please go to the car park page for all parking information au lien

Are there car hire companies at Charleroi Airport ?

The car hire company offices are on levels 0 and 1 of car park P1 near the lifts.

All information on car hire companies.

 

Are there luggage trolleys / carts?

No luggage trolleys are available in the terminal.

Are there parkings for motorbikes / bicycles?

Parking spaces reserved for motorbikes/bicycles can be found on level 0 of car park P2 (near the pedestrian walkway)

Parking is free of charge.

Balloon release/fireworks in the vicinity of the airport?

For information regarding permission to release balloons and/or set off fireworks near the airport, please contact the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority (DGTA) at the following number: 02 277 43 11 or by email: civilair@mobilit.fgov.be

Can animals travel in the cabin or in the hold?

Animals are not permitted in the cabin or in the hold on any Ryanair or Wizzair flights (the only exception being guide dogs for passengers with impaired vision).

Other airlines allow animals in the cabin or the hold on certain conditions.

For further information, please consult the websites at the foot of the page:

www.tui.com

www.aircorsica.com

www.flypgs.com

www.belavia.by

www.airalgerie.dz

www.airbelgium.com

 

 

Can I bring a bottle and/or food for my baby in the cabin?

Yes, baby foods are not subject to the restriction on fluids. You can therefore bring baby bottles, baby meals, and others in your hand luggage. 

Can I bring my musical instrument ?

We advise you to contact your airline directly. 

Can I take wrapped gifts in my cabin baggage?

Wrapped gifts are permitted as long as their contents are permitted. If your baggage needs to be searched, the agent will have to open gift packages. 

Going through security screening with X-ray inspection :

There is no risk of damage for electrical equipment.

X-rays do not damage X-ray pictures.

You have to take off your jacket/overcoat for the security check (European regulations). It is also preferable for the passenger because you are less likely to trigger the metal detector and thus be subjected to manual searching.

It is preferable to remove your belt, since the buckle might set off the metal detector. You would then have to undergo a manual security check.  

You do not necessarily have to take off your shoes, but the security agent may ask you to remove them before passing through the metal detector. If this is the case, plastic footwear is available for you to wear.

It is preferable to empty your pockets, since their contents might trigger the metal detector. You would then have to undergo a manual search.  

Metal detectors can set off an alarm in a random manner, even if you have nothing in metal on you. The security agent then has to perform a full search even if you have nothing metal on you.

If you have a prohibited article on you ( list). it will be confiscated at the security check. Those Items or liquids confiscated are handed over to a charity in the Charleroi region which gives them to the most needy people.

Time to allow for the security check depends on the number of passengers departing at the same time. In quiet winter periods, there are often no queues. At peak times on busy days it can take half an hour or even more. This is why, particularly on busy days, it is important to arrive in time at the airport. Each passenger is responsible for reaching the departure gate in time for the flight, even when there are lengthy queues at the security check point.

How can I book the Fast Track ?

Fast-Track enables you to go through security avoiding the queue. The pass costs €4 and can be purchased from the airport information desk or online.

Do not forget to print your booking confirmation or proof of payment in order to access the fast track lane.

Fast-Track does not give priority at the baggage check-in or on boarding.

 

 

How do you get into Brussels or other cities?

Flibco shuttle buses run a regular service to and from Brussels Midi station an other cities ( all cities )

Buses leave every half hour and the journey takes 50 minutes.

Tickets cost €17 at the ticket kiosk and between €5 and €14 online.

The ticket kiosk is outside, in the shuttle bus park.

Please go to the Flibco website for timetables, ticket prices or online reservation.

 

It is also possible to get to Brussels by public transport (bus and train).

The combined ticket can be purchased from the machines in the bus park.

 

How do you get to Charleroi station?

The nearest station is Charleroi South, 15 minutes from the airport. Bus A runs to the station every 30 minutes on week days and every hour on weekends and public holidays.

Tickets cost €6 (www.tec.be). Tickets can be bought on the bus or at the machines by the bus stop.

It is also possible to buy a combined bus-train ticket to any station in Belgium from the machines.

How does an X-ray machine work?

A baggage X-ray machine resembles a large box with an entrance and an exit situated at opposite ends of the equipment. A conveyor belt enters at the entrance, passes through the machine and leaves by the exit. Items of baggage are placed on the conveyor belt, which takes them through the machine for X-ray examination. When the exposure to X-rays is complete, the conveyor belt takes the baggage out through the exit.

The X-rays are produced by an X-ray generator situated inside the machine.

During the inspection of a bag, an X-ray beam is directed towards the bag. The bag and the objects which it contains attenuate the X-ray beam, meaning that there are more X-rays entering the bag and objects than leaving them. The thickest and heaviest materials in the bag attenuate the X-rays more than the thinner and lighter materials. On the side of the unit opposite the beam, sensors detect the X-rays which have passed through the bag. Depending on the quantity and energy of the X-rays passing through the bag, the sensors, which are similar to those in a digital camera, show X-ray detections as light and dark points, thus producing an image of the objects inside the bag. In the image displayed on the screen, the articles causing a greater attenuation of the X-ray beam (those which allow fewer X-rays to pass through) appear darker than articles causing little attenuation of the beam (those which allow more X-rays to pass through). The image can also be adjusted so that different densities appear in different colours (blue, orange, etc.) to help the operator to rapidly detect the items of interest.

Like any other form of screening, the protective curtains at the entrance and exit of the X-ray apparatus cannot stop all the radiation which escapes from the equipment, but certainly reduce the amount of radiation escaping. The curtains are made from a special material of a given thickness, in order to provide a screen against the X-rays produced by the equipment. The double layer of curtains helps to minimise any gaps which may form between the sections of curtain.

For greater efficiency, the protective curtains must not move while X-rays are being produced inside the machine. The curtains should hang directly downwards during the production of X-rays.

The answer to this question is clearly absolutely not. No object passing through the equipment can in any way become radioactive. Anything which has passed through the X-ray equipment can be handled in total safety, and food is fit for consumption.

How to book the Lounge ?

You can book your access pass to the Lounge at Brussels South Charleroi Airport online.

I am allergic to gluten, soya (or other)… can I bring on my food?

I am allergic to gluten, soya (or other)… can I bring on my food?

Yes, you can bring your own food in the cabin, however “liquids” are subject to European restrictions, namely they must be in containers of 100 ml maximum with a maximum of one litre per passenger.

I carry insulin, syringes, inhaler or other medicines. Is this permitted?

Syringes, injection pens, inhaler and drugs are permitted in the quantities necessary for your stay even if it is liquid and greater than 100 ml. Make things easier by carrying a medical prescription in your name.

I have lost my identity card, what should I do?

Please ask the airline about anything concerning identity documents. In effect, it is they who determine which are valid documents or not.

I need a walking stick to move around. Is it permitted in the cabin?

Yes. Walking sticks, crutches and zimmer frames are subjected to X-ray examination. The security agent will provide every assistance to minimise the inconvenience to you.

I wear a metal prosthesis. Is there a specific procedure to follow?

You must tell the security agent about your prosthesis before proceeding to the inspection. 

Is it possible to spend the night in the terminal?

The terminal is accessible 24/7, but has no accommodation facilities.

The shops are closed from 23.00 to 04.30.

There are hotels close to the airport (5-10 minutes by car) and in Charleroi town centre.

The hotels have a shuttle bus link to the terminal, see list at the foot of the page.

  • Hotel Charleroi Airport Van der Valk **** 
  • Balladins Supérieur Charleroi Airport ***
  • Best Western Plus Aero 44 ***
  • Novotel Charleroi Centre **** 
  • Brasserie chez Arnaud * 
  • Leonardo Hotel Charleroi City*** 

Hotels nearby

Is there a Duty Free Shop ?

There is a duty free shop in the international zone after security control. There is a duty free shop in each of the terminals. They are only accessible to passengers with boarding passes. ( All Shops).

Is there a restaurant ?

There are bars and restaurants in the public area and airside in both terminals.

You can find more information on the shops in the terminal on Restaurants page.

Request for assistance ?

Any requests for assistance must be made when you book your flight with the airline.

For further information, please consult our PMR Assistance Page. 

 

What is prohibited in cabin baggage?

Liquids of more than 100ml are prohibited in cabin, but also :

  • Equipment which could, or apparently could, be used to cause severe damage by emitting a projectile, and in particular:
  • Flare pistols and starting guns
  • Toy, replica and imitation firearms likely to be mistaken for real weapons (e.g. Airsoft guns)

 

Objects with a sharp point or cutting edge which may be used to cause severe injury, in particular:

  • articles designed for chopping, such as axes, hatchets and mincers 
  • ice axes and ice picks
  • razor blades
  • craft knives
  • knives with blades larger than 6 cm
  • scissors with blades larger than 6 cm (measured from the pivot)
  • pointed or sharp martial arts equipment
  • spears
  • cleavers
  • machetes
  • scalpels
  • skiing or walking poles
  • tent tubes with pointed ends (for ridge tents)
  • tent pegs (for fixing tents to the ground)

 

Tools that could be used to cause severe injury or threaten the safety of the aircraft, including in particular:

  • Jumper bars
  • Drills and bits, including cordless portable electric drills 
  • Tools with a blade or shaft larger than 6 cm which could be used as a weapon, such as screwdrivers and chisels
  • Saws, including cordless electric saws
  • Blow torches
  • Stapling and nailing guns
  • Hammers, bolt spanner larger than 20 cm

Objects which could be used to cause serious injury by striking, including in particular:

 

  • baseball and soft-ball bats
  • cricket bats
  • golf clubs
  • hockey sticks
  • lacrosse sticks
  • kayak or canoe paddles
  • billiard, snooker and pool cues
  • cast iron frying pans and saucepans
  • Maglites powered by more than 2 Dsize (the largest) batteries
  • martial arts equipment
  • large chains (e.g. motorcycle)
  • metal statue taller than 20 cm on a heavy base
  • heavy movie or still camera tripods
  • broomsticks or similar

Explosive or incendiary substances and engines which could or apparently could be used to cause serious injury or threaten the safety of the aircraft, including in particular: 

  • Dynamite, powder and plastic explosive
  • Replica or imitation explosive devices
  • Gases and gas containers (e.g. butane, propane, acetylene, oxygen) of large volume
  • Fireworks and other pyrotechnic items (including table bombs and strips of caps)
  • Alcoholic drinks stronger than 70% by volume (“140° proof”)
  • Bombs or smoke cartridges
  • Flammable liquids such as petrol, lighter fuel, alcohol and ethanol
  • Materials presenting a risk of spontaneous ignition or combustion
  • Spray paint cans
  • Essence of turpentine and paint thinners

Any chemical or toxic substance presenting a risk for the health of passengers or crew members or for the safety of the aircraft or property, such as:

 

  • Acids and alkaloids e.g. batteries with electrolytes that may leak
  • Corrosive substances and bleaching products e.g. mercury or chlorine
  • Radioactive materials, such as medical or commercial isotopes
  • Poisons

 

electrical equipment is allowed in the cabin.

Knitting needles are considered to be dangerous objects. You should put them in your checked baggage. 

There are no restrictions on carrying electrical devices such as MP3 players, portable computer, video camera, mobile phone,etc. into the cabin. Portable computers and other large electrical devices must be taken out of their bags and presented for X-ray security inspection. Spare batteries for these devices are also permitted in the cabin.

What is prohibited in hold baggage ?

for the purposes of the European regulations those objects are prohibited In your hold baggage:

  • Explosives, including detonators, primers, grenades, mines and explosives
  • Gas, propane, butane
  • Inflammable liquids, including petrol and methanol
  • Inflammable solids and reactive substances, including magnesium, fire-lighters, fireworks and signal flares
  • Oxidants organic peroxides, including bleach and body repair kits
  • Toxic or infectious substances, including rat poison and infected blood

What liquid products can I take with me into the cabin?

We advice you to put in your registered hold baggage all liquid products, creams, gels, pastes and aerosols not purchased in the airport. If you nevertheless wish to take such products with you in the cabin, their capacity must not exceed 100 ml and they must be placed in a re-closable transparent plastic bag (such as a freezer bag) with a capacity not greater than 1 litre (20 cm x 20 cm approximately). One such bag is permitted per passenger. Food for babies and small children is permitted, regardless of quantity, if the child is present. These products must be presented separately for security checking and you may have to taste them in the presence of a security agent. Medicines in liquid or cream form are permitted regardless of quantity. The quantity must be in relation to the duration of your stay. You are however advised to have a medical prescription in your name with you when you present yourself for the security checks. Cleaning products for contact lenses and moist wipes are permitted in the cabin.

Anything of a spread-like, creamy, or semi-liquid consistency (chocolate spread, cheese, etc.) is considered to be a liquid within the meaning of European regulations, so it is therefore subject to the same restrictions, i.e. a maximum of 100 ml.

You can take with you in the cabin drinks, cosmetics, etc. of more than 100 ml if purchased in the duty-free shops. The sales assistant will put them in a sealed bag with a receipt showing the date of purchase. If you have to change to another flight during the journey, the bag must be presented separately for the security check. You must not open the bag before reaching your final destination.

Those articles are considered to be “liquids pastes and gels” for the purposes of the European regulations:

  • Water and any other drinks, syrups, soups, etc.
  • Toiletries: creams, lotions, oil, perfumes, shampoo, shaving foam or gel, hair lacquer, hair gel, shower gel, mascara, deodorant (spray or roll on)
  • Food in liquid or paste form such as soft cheeses (cream cheese), jam, yoghurt, etc.
  • Solidliquid mixtures (e.g. pineapple preserved in syrup)
  • Liquids under pressure (hairspray, deodorant, etc.)
  • Sprays (perfume)
  • Pastes: toothpaste, butter, sandwich fillings 
  • Any other product of a similar consistency 

The above products can be carried in cabin baggage subject to the following conditions: 

  • They are placed in containers with a capacity not exceeding 100 ml
  • They are placed in a transparent zipup plastic bag approximately 20 cm x 20 cm (one bag per passenger)

What types of food are permitted in the cabin?

You can take solid food, but not soups, dishes in a sauce, etc. As a general rule, all liquid or malleable products are prohibited: cream cheese in liquid or malleable form, for example, is prohibited. Opaque containers of more than 100 ml, such as tins of preserves, are prohibited regardless of what they contain. All of these products can, however, be purchased without restriction in the duty-free shops.

Are there left luggage facilities at Charleroi airport ?

Self-service lockers are available at Charleroi airport.

The costs are:

€6/24h – small locker (40x30 cm)

€8/24h – medium locker (60x30 cm)

€10/24h – large locker (90x30 cm)

Payment by card only.

How can I apply to the airport?

If you want to apply to Charleroi Airport or apply for an internship, you can send an application via Jobs page.

Only online applications will be considered.

Is WiFi available at Charleroi Airport?

Charleroi Airport has a WiFi internet service.

Get Free wifi access when you download app !

Download on Apple StoreDownload on Google Play

LOST&FOUND: I have lost an item, what should I do?

⚠️ We would like to draw your attention to the existence of several fraudulent websites offering a lost property search service. These sites invite you to pay money to recover your lost items. These websites are not linked to Brussels South Charleroi Airport (S.A. B.S.C.A. and S.A. B.S.C.A. Security). In case of lost objects, do not communicate your personal information via these sites. Contact us exclusively via the following channels: 

  • Lost & Found Office in the Terminal 
  • Contact form available below.

In case of loss of an item or luggage, do not hesitate to fill in the contact form of the "lost and found" service in order to inform us and so that you can come and collect it as soon as possible.

Claims section

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