MXP Airport Live Departures
Checking in at Milan Malpensa Airport
Milan Malpensa Airport is the second busiest airport in Italy. It welcomes over 20 million passengers annually and connects Milan to 190 destinations.
At Malpensa Airport, departures occur in Terminal 1 and 2, though most flights leave from Terminal 1, except those operated by easyJet. To be on the safe side, double-check your departure terminal before making your way to the airport.
Most airlines allow online check-in 24 hours before departure. If you haven’t checked in online, you can do so at the airport, using self-check-in kiosks or by going to your airline’s check-in counter. There are plenty of signs throughout Terminal 1 to help you locate it.
If you are a non-EU resident and want to claim VAT back on goods purchased in Italy, remember to go to Customs and the VAT Refund desk before you check your luggage. If the goods you want to claim tax back on are in your carry-on, you will be able to go through Customs and to the VAT Refund desk after you have passed the security checks.
Terminal 1 – Check-in counters are on the Ground Floor and Levels 1 and 2.
Terminal 2 – Check-in counters are on the Ground Floor.
When to arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport?
In general, plan to arrive at Malpensa Airport at least 2 hours before departure for domestic and intra-Schengen flights and at least 3 hours for international destinations. Keep in mind that check-in cut-off times differ depending on the airline. You can check this information on your booking confirmation.
What’s next?
After you have checked in and dropped your luggage off, you can head to the security checkpoints on Level 1 in Terminal 1 and the Ground Floor in Terminal 2. Ensure your boarding pass and all the necessary documents are ready for control.
In Terminal 1, security controls are handled with new technology, meaning passengers no longer have to remove liquids from their bags. There are also no more restrictions on the volume and type of containers, albeit those specified by the airline.
In Terminal 2, ensure that any liquids in your hand luggage don’t exceed 100 ml and are in a crystal clear bag. You will also have to put your belt, electronic equipment, and coat in the tray.
The time needed to complete security checks depends on how busy Malpensa Airport is when you fly. It can be as quick as 10 minutes or well over 1 hour. The best way to avoid unnecessary stress is to arrive at the airport early enough to have time to go through all the checks, regardless of how big the queues are.
*You can book a fast-track service to access a priority lane and expedite security checks.
What to do in Departures at Milan Malpensa Airport?
Milan Malpensa Airport departure areas offer many amenities to passengers. In Terminal 1, you will find a selection of shops selling luxury brands, books, electronics, and numerous eateries. Customs and VAT refunds are on Level 1.
To locate a specific shop or service, you can use this Malpensa Airport departures map.
Malpensa Airport Departures Terminal 1: The Montale, Monteverdi, and Premium lounges are on Level 2. They are accessible with prior booking and offer a relaxing space before boarding.
Malpensa Airport Departures Terminal 2: There is no lounge in Terminal 2, but passengers can sit down for a drink or snack in one of the eateries or do some last-minute shopping.
You can check our Milan Malpensa Airport Guide to get a complete list of all amenities available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early do you need to be at Malpensa Airport?
Arriving at Malpensa Airport at least 2 hours before departure is recommended for flights within the Schengen area and at least 3 hours for international flights.