The new system involves a temporary fenced area—or “pen”—where passengers must wait before boarding. Boarding passes are checked upon entering this enclosure rather than at the usual exit point near the aircraft.

This measure, currently used by carriers such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet, and others, is designed to streamline operations by completing travel document verification, baggage checks, and boarding pass validations in advance. According to airport spokesperson Jiří Hannich, these changes support the low-cost carriers’ need for swift turnaround times and help reduce the risk of delayed departures.

However, many passengers have found the new system far from comfortable. At some departure gates—especially those serving aircraft like the Boeing 737-800—the limited space in the fenced area forces travelers to stand in cramped conditions. One passenger described the experience as “like standing like sardines,” and there have been reports of families missing flights after being unexpectedly blocked from boarding. Although the airport maintains that access to toilets is available during pre-boarding (with arrangements made with staff and re-verification of travel documents), the lack of sufficient seating and space has sparked considerable dissatisfaction.

Václav Havel Airport Prague is the largest and busiest airport in the Czech Republic and has a long history of modernization to handle increasing passenger volumes. While its new pre-boarding process is intended to enhance operational efficiency and punctuality, balancing these improvements with passenger comfort remains a significant challenge.

As the airport plans to expand the use of these pre-boarding pens, it will be crucial for Prague Airport to address the concerns of travelers and ensure that efficiency gains do not come at the expense of a pleasant travel experience.