How To Get To The Airport

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If you're traveling by plane, quickly and efficiently getting through the airport may seem like a challenge. Fortunately, there are some steps you can do before arriving and while there to help you get through the airport both efficiently and quickly.

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1. 1

   Purchase your plane ticket in advance. This can be done either online or through your airline. This will save you time at the airport since you won't have to buy your ticket there. If the online ticket purchase gives you the option to print out your boarding pass, this is recommended, especially if you are not checking bags.

2. 2

   Pack your bags, keeping in mind that you can only have one piece of luggage and a smaller, carry-on item with you on board the plane. Make your bag identifiable by tying a ribbon on it or putting a tag on it, or you can use a colorful/unique bag. This can save you time and confusion if your bag ends up looking similar to someone else's.

   • When you pack any liquid items in your carry-on, such as lotion, shampoo, body oils, etc., make sure they are 3 oz. or less. Keep them together in a plastic Ziploc bag, and remember the rule 3-1-1, containers must be 3.4 ounces or less, stored in a 1 quart/liter zip-top bag and only 1 zip-top bag per person.^[1]

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3. 3

   Arrive at the airport 2 to 3 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This is in case of delays getting to the airport, checking in, or clearing security.^[2]

4. 4

   Find the check-in counters for your airline. These should be indicated by signs outside the terminal building on the departures roadway, as well as their logos on the wall and above the counters. Get in line and wait until you are asked to come forward. There is usually a bin that allows you to see if your luggage is small enough to go on the plane or if you have to check it. Also, keep in mind you may only have one piece of luggage and one smaller carry-on item. Have your ID on hand.

5. 5

   Show the agent your ID when asked to do so. If your luggage is getting checked, place it on the nook in the counter as well when asked to. The agent will tag it, and either place it on the conveyor belt behind the counter, or tell you to carry it over to a scanner. If not, tell them you have nothing to check. In either case, they will then hand you your boarding pass unless you printed it online. If you do not have bags to check and checked in online, you can skip this step entirely.

6. 6

   Make your way to the security checkpoint assigned to your departure gate. You will meet a security worker who will check your boarding pass and ID and send you forward (make sure you have a proper ID, keeping in mind that this varies depending on your state).^[3]

   • You will then wait in line to get into an x-ray machine and metal detector. You will put all of your bags, metallic objects and shoes on the conveyor belt to be scanned. If you have a Ziploc bag of liquids in your bag, remove it to be screened on its own. If you have any objects that would show up on the x-ray as a box, such as a laptop, tablet or video game system, remove it and send it through separately. Take off any jackets or sweatshirts, as those need to be screened as well.
   • Remove all metal objects, including keys, jewelry, belts, etc. Then, remove your shoes and place them on the belt. If you get confused, just ask a security worker politely and they should be able to help you.

7. 7

   Wait for an agent will tell you when to walk through the metal detector or x-ray machine to the other side of the conveyor belt. This area is where you will pick up your items. Replace anything you may have removed from your bag, put your shoes on and leave the security checkpoint.^[4]

8. 8

   Know that you are now in the secure boarding area. Gate numbers are indicators of areas where you will board the plane. The airline agent may have told you your gate number, it might be on your boarding pass, or you can find departure monitors in the area which will have a list of flights and gate numbers. Find your gate, which will be indicated by signs with numbers on them. These are very visible so do not worry.^[5]

9. 9

   Have a seat in your gate area and wait for the plane to be ready for boarding. Make sure you bring 2 portable chargers that are fully charged in the event that your flight is delayed and no wall outlets are available.

10. 10

    Wait for the gate agents to announce boarding and give you instructions. As you approach the jetway, you will hand them your boarding pass, and it will then be scanned and returned to you. Sometimes, the gate agent may tear off and keep a portion of it.

11. 11

    Find your assigned seat and place your luggage in the overhead bin. If you have a smaller bag you'd like to hold on to, simply slide it under the seat in front of you so the area around your feet is clear.

12. 12

    Enjoy your flight!

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Add New Question

• Question

  At what point do you go through immigration when you are leaving a country? Is it before or after check in?

  

  You don't go through immigration when leaving a country. You go through immigration when arriving in a country that is not your native country.

• Question

  What do I do when I reach the destination? Do I just leave the airport?

  

  When you get to your destination, get off the plane and claim your bags. Then you can leave.

• Question

  Will my metal knee replacements be a problem when going through airport security?

  

  Before you travel, get a note from your doctor and copies of your x-rays if possible. Check with the airport to find out if any other supporting documents will be necessary to go through security.

• Question

  What do I do on arrival at the airport?

  

  The first thing you should do at the airport is check in for your flight. Look for your airline's desk, have your photo identification ready and ask the customer service agent for the next steps.

• Question

  How do I get through the airport when travelling with a small dog?

  

  Security will ask you to take your dog out of the carrier. You can either walk or carry your dog through the metal detector.

• Question

  After the plane lands, where do I go to collect my bags?

  

  Follow signs to the baggage claim. There, you will find a screen which tells you what luggage belt to go to. There you will find your bags.

• Question

  How can I bring my dog with me on a plane?

  

  Some airlines will allow small pets on board in contained crates, while some require that animals be checked and travel with baggage. Check the airline's website for the specifics on their policy.

• Question

  When can I pick out my seats for the airplane?

  

  Usually, unless you are flying an airline that doesn't have assigned seats (check on their website for this information), you will be able to pick your seats when you buy your tickets.

• Question

  I have 1 hour to connect flights, will I have enough time to eat at a restaurant in the airport?

  

  You won't have time for a sit-down meal, but you could pick something up to take with you to your next gate.

• Question

  Is eight minutes enough time to have between two flights?

  

  No, an eight-minute layover will not give you enough time to exit the first plane and board the second.

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• If you are checking your bag, feel free to pack liquids of any weight. Anything you check doesn't have to follow the 3 oz rule.

• For your safety, your luggage(s) must be properly closed and never left unattended, which might make you vulnerable to theft, drug insertion, your luggage may be destroyed, etc.

• Ask for help if you are confused about anything. The employees both at the airport and on your flight will most likely be willing to help.

• When you get through security and grab all of your things, consider heading for a chair or bench nearby. This way you can put all your items back in their proper place, tie your shoes and make sure you came out with everything, but you won't inadvertently hold up the line.

• While your flight attendant is making people exit the plane in an orderly way, get a taxi, Uber/Lyft, or rental car if needed on your phone while you're waiting. When most people are at the rental car booth, you can breeze right through. If someone's picking you up, get your luggage after exiting the plane and locate the airport exit.

• Do not let anyone rush you through the security line. If you forget to remove a metallic item or if you don't remove a box-like object from your bag, it will end up wasting people's time. Just relax, do things at your own pace and don't worry about anyone else.

• Navigating airports can be confusing, so if you get lost, simply ask an employee for help and they should be able to point you in the right direction.

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• Do not take sharp objects, they'll only be taken away.

• Do not joke about bombs, bombings, or terrorists, because airport security will take them very seriously.

• The traffic and craziness of the airport can make you feel flustered and at a loss. Take a breath and think about what's next. Don't sweat it!

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How To Get To The Airport

Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Through-the-Airport-Quickly-and-Efficiently

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