The Official Airport Assistance Network of the World Airports
AirportAssist at HER provides you with dedicated fast pass support, which includes priority security, check in and customs clearance, so you can get away with the long queues we see in the summertime. Your personal agent will see you right to the proper screening lines and assist you through the very busy departure area. We see this service as especially valuable during peak holiday times, when there is heavy passenger traffic to and from major European cities. Also, we have real-time airport info, which allows us to change your route as needed. In total, the fast track sees to it that you move through the airport easily and stress-free.
At HER, you have the Meet Greet service, which is provided by an AirportAssist representative who will meet you at the arrivals area or at the plane’s door and will be with you the whole time through the airport process. They will assist with passport control, luggage claim, customs and also get you to your next transport. For departure, they will help with check-in, getting your boarding pass and through security. This is very useful for first-time visitors to Crete or travellers who have been on very long flights. The service also adds a personal touch to what can be a very busy terminal.
AirportAssist offers you access to lounges in the departure area, which we present as a quiet, cool retreat from the summer crowd. We’ll guide you to the nearest lounge to your gate so you may enjoy free snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. At HER, we are appreciated as the public waiting areas do tend to get busy during charter flight times. Access is great for passengers looking for a peaceful pre-board break. We see to it that your lounge stay is a smooth fit with your flight schedule.
offer you access to lounges in the departure area, which we present as a quiet, cool retreat from the summer crowd. We’ll guide you to the nearest lounge to your gate so you may enjoy free snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. At HER, we are appreciated as the public waiting areas do tend to get busy during charter flight times. Access is great for passengers looking for a peaceful pre-board break. We see to it that your lounge stay is a smooth fit with your flight schedule.
HER’s compact terminal can still feel challenging for families with children or travellers requiring mobility assistance, so AirportAssist provides personalised help throughout the airport. Agents help locate elevators, quieter seating zones, baby rooms and accessible facilities. For elderly travellers, wheelchair arrangements and smooth routing through security checkpoints are included. Families with young children benefit from help managing strollers and luggage at the same time. This support makes airport navigation easier and far less overwhelming.
AirportAssist’s porter service at HER helps travellers manage heavy suitcases, baby gear, sports equipment or multiple bags with ease. At airport arrivals, a porter will collect your luggage, help out with customs and see you through to get to the taxi, bus or private car. At departure, they handle your luggage at the gate and will take you to the check-in counters, which for some is very relieving when you are dealing with heavy bags. Also, this service is very helpful during Crete’s busy holiday times when queues and crowds are the order of the day. It ensures a smooth start or finish to your trip.
For travellers connecting through Heraklion - often between domestic island flights or between charter services - AirportAssist provides complete transit guidance. Upon your arrival at the airport, an agent will meet you, and they will walk you through HER’s simple yet at times busy layout and through passport control if your documents require it. Also, should you be travelling on separate tickets, they will help with the check-in of your bags. We have transit support, which is great for guests not familiar with Greek airports or for those with tight connections. Every step ensures you reach your next gate without confusion or delay.
HER is of a small size, but in summer it can be very busy, which is why we recommend you allow at least 2 hours for domestic connections and 2.5 to 3 hours for international ones. Also, if you have to recheck baggage or change airlines, note that queues may form quickly. Heraklion may not have an extensive structure, but it does not remove the issue of bottlenecks. AirportAssist can pre-plan your movement route to reduce delays. Always check your gate early, as changes are common.
Security lines at HER can fluctuate depending on charter flight waves. If arriving during peak times, consider AirportAssist fast-track to move quickly through screening. Keep personal electronics easily accessible due to strict screening requirements. Families should use dedicated lanes for strollers and baby items. Moving through security early gives you more time to relax airside.
Most travellers from the EU and Schengen area pass smoothly through the arrivals corridor. Non-EU passengers should check visa or transit rules in advance through the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: https://www.mfa.gr/en/visas/. Passport lines may form in the evening during chartered flights. AirportAssist monitors timing to choose the quickest lane for you. This avoids unnecessary delays.
Lounges at HER are extremely useful because the public departures area fills up frequently in summer. A lounge has comfortable seating, refreshments and Wi-Fi, which is for a quiet stay. We recommend the lounge nearest your gate for a pre-emptive walk. AirportAssist will get you into the best lounge based on your flight time. This adds comfort to your layover.
HER doesn’t have set sleeping pods or designated rest areas; instead, there are some quieter seating areas by the far gates. For proper rest, consider staying in the nearby hotels, which are a 10 to 15-minute taxi ride from the airport. Keep your personal items secure, which is easier said than the terminal is constantly full of traffic. A travel pillow helps if sleeping airside. Short layovers are best spent in lounges.
HER offers free airport Wi-Fi that works reliably throughout the terminal. For extended travel in Crete, buy a local SIM from shops in Heraklion city rather than inside the airport, as availability onsite is limited. AirportAssist can help you find the nearest connection points on arrival. Travellers should download offline maps before leaving HER. This helps when navigating Crete’s scenic but sometimes patchy mobile zones.
Travellers using the domestic and charter carriers will, at times, have to check out and then back in again. The arrivals area is near the check-in desks, but during holiday seasons, we see long queues. AirportAssist’s porter can speed up movement with heavy luggage. Always allow extra time if your flights are not on a single PNR. It’s better to overestimate the buffer.
HER has baby-changing rooms, accessible restrooms and several shaded seating zones suitable for young children. However, play areas are limited, so keeping kids engaged is easier inside a lounge or café. Families benefit from early boarding to avoid crowd stress. AirportAssist ensures correct routing through the terminal with strollers. This keeps transitions smooth and hassle-free.
Gate assignments at HER often change, especially during high-traffic periods. Screens update regularly, so check them often while waiting. AirportAssist monitors changes and escorts you quickly if a shift occurs. This is important because gates near the far end require more walking. Staying alert prevents last-minute rushes.
In the terminal at Greek airports, you will find fresh pastries which include koulouri and cheese pies. Great for travellers looking to try a local flavour before they leave Crete. Food lines can grow during busy hours, so plan. AirportAssist can direct you to the shortest queues. This small treat makes layovers more enjoyable.