Travelling through the airport of Rennes, located in the heart of Brittany, France, usually proceeds smoothly and without unnecessary stress. To ensure your trip begins and ends as comfortably as possible, use these tips.
Arrival time at the airport. Rennes-Saint-Jacques Airport (RNS) is relatively small and efficient. For domestic flights and flights within the Schengen zone, it is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. If your flight is international (outside Schengen), it is better to allow 2-3 hours. This will give you enough time for check-in, baggage drop, and passing through security control without rushing.
Check-in and security control. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight on your airline's website. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint. The screening procedure is standard: be prepared to remove liquids in a transparent bag and large electronic devices, such as laptops, from your hand luggage.
Choosing a seat on the plane. Want to enjoy views of picturesque Brittany from above? Choose a window seat. If the ability to stand up freely and stretch your legs during the flight is more important to you, your choice is an aisle seat. Note that on short flights from Rennes, the difference is not as significant.
Hand luggage. Remember the standard rules: all liquids (shampoos, perfumes, creams) must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in one transparent resealable bag with a volume of up to 1 litre. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in hand luggage. Always check the rules of your specific airline, as requirements for the weight and size of hand luggage may differ.
Transfer passengers. Rennes is not a major transfer hub, so there are few transit passengers here. If you have a transfer within the Schengen zone, you will likely not have to go through passport control again. When transferring from an international flight to a domestic one, you will need to pass border control upon arrival.
Customs control. For flights within the EU, there is no customs control as such. If you are arriving from a country outside the EU, follow the "green" and "red" channel system. "Green" — if you have no goods to declare. "Red" — if you are carrying goods, the quantity or value of which exceeds established limits.
Saving time and money. Book airport parking or a transfer to the city online in advance — this is often cheaper. Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you to fill it after passing security control and avoid spending money on expensive drinks. Use public transport (bus C6) for the trip to the centre of Rennes — this is the most budget-friendly option.
In case of flight delay. In the event of a delay or cancellation of a flight by an airline departing from the EU, your rights are protected by EU261 regulation. Contact your airline representative at the airport for information, and vouchers for food or accommodation if applicable. Keep all receipts and documents related to the delay for potential compensation.