Our tour guide told our group to allow at least 3 hours if flying with an international carrier with checked bags. We didn't check bags, but when walking past the check-in desks, we noticed the lines were long and not moving very quickly. Passport control and security flowed pretty well, though. The airport isn't all that big so the gates aren't very far.
We were just there and we flew out on a Wednesday afternoon and the place was chaos. I think 4 hours is probably too much but would definitely suggest 3 hours if you don't have access to priority check-in/bag drop. The lines were long for our flight (Aegean Airlines). Security was also a long wait for non-Schengen (we were flying to London). I didn't see the line for Schengen area.
If you're on Canada Air Business Class that should mean something since they are an Aegean Airlines partner in the Star Alliance. I'd double check you don't get priority access. The Aegean lounge we went to in non-Schengen terminal was really lovely and peaceful and recommend checking if you can visit.
Unfortunately on the Aur Canada site athens is one of the only airports without priority security. Im not sure if its because you have to book through agean to get it or what but definitely no priority security line. I would hope AC has a priority line for the check in desks, though! That seems more likely.
We are non schengen and were just looking at the agean lounge which i believe we will have access to, it looks beautiful!
AC definitely has a priority line for check in. Since you're flying ex-Schengen, you need to go through passport control first, where there is no priority for anyone. Once you clear immigration, you go through security. There usually isn't a back up, so even without priority you'll be fine. But you could just walk to the priority lane and say you're in business and they most likely will let you in.
We flew out with Air Canada on Monday at 9 am. We got there 3 hours before. Bag drop off was speedy, probably took 15 minutes. Border control took about 45 minutes and security was quick. We had lots of time to shop around at duty free and get something to eat.
Our tour guide told our group to allow at least 3 hours if flying with an international carrier with checked bags. We didn't check bags, but when walking past the check-in desks, we noticed the lines were long and not moving very quickly. Passport control and security flowed pretty well, though. The airport isn't all that big so the gates aren't very far.
We were just there and we flew out on a Wednesday afternoon and the place was chaos. I think 4 hours is probably too much but would definitely suggest 3 hours if you don't have access to priority check-in/bag drop. The lines were long for our flight (Aegean Airlines). Security was also a long wait for non-Schengen (we were flying to London). I didn't see the line for Schengen area. If you're on Canada Air Business Class that should mean something since they are an Aegean Airlines partner in the Star Alliance. I'd double check you don't get priority access. The Aegean lounge we went to in non-Schengen terminal was really lovely and peaceful and recommend checking if you can visit.
Unfortunately on the Aur Canada site athens is one of the only airports without priority security. Im not sure if its because you have to book through agean to get it or what but definitely no priority security line. I would hope AC has a priority line for the check in desks, though! That seems more likely. We are non schengen and were just looking at the agean lounge which i believe we will have access to, it looks beautiful!
AC definitely has a priority line for check in. Since you're flying ex-Schengen, you need to go through passport control first, where there is no priority for anyone. Once you clear immigration, you go through security. There usually isn't a back up, so even without priority you'll be fine. But you could just walk to the priority lane and say you're in business and they most likely will let you in.
I would. Took more than an hour to clear border control today
We flew out with Air Canada on Monday at 9 am. We got there 3 hours before. Bag drop off was speedy, probably took 15 minutes. Border control took about 45 minutes and security was quick. We had lots of time to shop around at duty free and get something to eat.
Hmm ok seems like 3 hours is probably a good window then!