At the airport
Photo: KTo288, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
You've now arrived at your local airport, ready to 'slip the surly bonds of Earth' and walk several miles to your gate. But while it may feel that airports force you to walk the vast majority of the way towards your destination, this article should help expedite and ameliorate your passage through any airport: from check-in to duty-free checkout.
This part of the guide offers extended tips for that part of your journey by air between the entrance door of the airport terminal until the time you board your aircraft.
Most international airport terminals are standardized, with similar procedures for check-in, security, immigration and customs, however, it's still worth considering the particular quirks of your point of departure. Wikivoyage has articles about many individual major airports worldwide, whilst an internet search should be able to provide any additional information that you may need for your trip.
UnderstandDeparture time is not the same thing as boarding time. This is one area where flying differs sharply from public transportation.
Get inYou will nearly always have to arrive at the airport long before your scheduled flight departure time.
Get aroundIn large airports, passengers often need to walk considerable distances. If you have any disability affecting your mobility, you should consider ordering a wheelchair.
Check-inCheck in consists of three main parts, which used to be performed at the same time but can now be done separately:
BaggageSome airports offer curbside check-in, which allows you to check-in your bags before entering the terminal.
Security checkAviation security is no laughing matter. Security regulations are tight, and airport security personnel are very strict in implementing them. This check takes place between landside and airside.
WaitingHaving patience is a big part of traveling where there could be a lot of waiting around. Thanks to phones and tablets this is less of an issue.
BoardingAirlines board passengers in stages, and the order may vary depending on the airline, aircraft, and airport. Gate staff will usually announce the boarding process and display boarding group numbers on screens.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "At the airport" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: KTo288, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons