What Do You Need To Do At The Airport Step By Step
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- 15-07-2022
What do you need to do at the airport step by step? When visiting an airport, there are several steps you need to complete before getting your plane. We look at the things that you need to do when visiting an airport.
Arriving at the airport and navigating the many airport procedures is daunting for first-time flyers, and understanding up to date information on the best way to make your way through can be head-scratching. That's why today we aim to provide a step by step guide on the airport process, from check-in to the departure gate.
We hope you find this article helpful for your next flight.
What to Expect at the Airport
No two people have the same flying experience, regardless of if you're an airport veteran or first-timer. If you haven't been to an airport before, or it's been a while since your last visit, we're here to walk you through the process.
Checking In
A good rule of thumb is to arrive at the airport as early as possible before your flight, as there are many steps before you reach the boarding gate.
Security lines and the check-in counter will get in your way before boarding begins.
If you are boarding international flights, arriving 3 hours before the boarding time at the departure gate will give you plenty of time.
The check-in process is the first step you will face, which is a crucial security checkpoint. You should have your boarding passes, passports and carry on luggage ready for scanning and weighing at this point.
While many airports provide online check-in, we recommend printing all documentation off and keeping a firm grip on your boarding pass and checking in at the airport.
You will not be allowed to carry on without this! You can choose to check-in online and receive lower fees for your baggage, as you have weight restrictions to adhere to.
Checked in Luggage
An important part of airport security is managing luggage brought in. A weight limit is issued for all luggage stored in the aircraft hold, but you are typically allowed hand luggage in the overhead bin. This can sometimes cost more to upgrade to.
The check-in counters will weigh your luggage for the hold, and if it's within the weight limits, you will leave the bag there, and it'll be prepped for the plane. Once your checked luggage has been approved, you are allowed to move through to the departure gates and security signs.
Airport Security
The second part of understanding the airport process is security screenings. This involves using an x-ray machine and metal detector as the security check for dangerous goods and metal items, as they are prohibited on the plane. Baggage screening will also take place for your hand baggage, ensuring all personal items adhere to the rules and regulations.
Each country has unique rules, so be sure to do your research when connecting or international. A large portion of getting through the airport is making your way through airport security, as the queues can be lengthy.
In preparation for your turn at the metal detector, please be sure to:
- Empty pockets
- Remove coats, jackets, belts and other metal items
- Put everything into your hand luggage and then into the plastic tray issued to you
- Place all LAGs (liquids, aerosols and gels must be stored in no more than 100ml quantities and stored in a clear, plastic bag) into a separate bag
- Proceed through the metal detector
Additional searches may be required; pat-downs, bag searches, etc. Allow all security agents to search as they deem fit. You may have to declare goods in your bag, such as laptops and other metal items that will set the alarm off during scanning. This is important as metallic objects will require further investigation if not declared.
Once you have made it past the security section, you can begin looking for your gate. You should note that depending on how long you have before takeoff. Many people enjoy getting food and relaxing before finding their gate. We advise you to find your gate first.
Find your boarding gate
Your gate number and departure terminal are included on your boarding pass, along with flight number details etc.
Check your boarding pass if you're curious and want to head in the right direction. Your departure time can be changed if delays happen, along with your gate number, so check the departure monitors across the airport in case.
You will typically have to wait around at this stage, so attempt to find a seat well in advance.
Signs will guide you through the airport, but most people take this time to relax and grab some food before they board the plane.
Walking to the other side of the airport can be a hassle, so we advise you to stay around your gate area the best you can.
Remember - arrive at your gate for your boarding time, not the departure time.
These are two different things and will be displayed on your ticket. Ask a gate agent or another airport staff member for directions if you get lost.
If you have entered a new time zone, be sure to change your watch and phone to the local time zone.
Boarding the Aircraft
If you have found your gate and chose to position yourself close to it, you're saving yourself a long walk. Airports can be long, and getting between gates isn't easy. Depending on if you are in business class or not, you may begin queuing earlier and at different points to other flyers.
Regardless, you will be called for boarding by a gate agent and follow the tunnel down to the plane. Flight attendants and perhaps the pilot will greet you on entry. Hand them your boarding pass, and they will point you towards your allocated seat. This can be a stressful experience for many people, as passengers attempt to find their seats and store their luggage in the overhead bin.
The cabin crew will ease this process along and ensure everyone is seated where they should be. Once everyone has been seated, the cabin crew will seal the door. This cannot be undone. Their safety talk begins at this point, showing you where the respiratory equipment, life jackets and other safety measures are in the case of an emergency.
A seat belt sign can be seen above your seat, and when this is illuminated, you must keep your seat belt buckled. There will be periods of the flight where you can take this off, walk around and use the toilet.
Connecting flights
Some flights require a connection, meaning you have to layover in a secondary location. When the plane lands, you must follow the connection signs and proceed through security checks once again. You may have to visit an airline transfer desk for a new boarding pass and follow the above steps to your next gate.
A confirmation number will be supplied with your boarding pass, giving you peace of mind you are in the right place. Many airlines deal with connections frequently, so you will not be the only one there. Remember, you are temporarily in a new country with connecting flights and therefore have to abide by their rules.
Prohibited items can change depending on where you are, so be prepared for a unique set of security. Waiting around during a connection can be dull depending on how long you are there, but you should take this time to rest and look after your belongings and bags. Do not travel too far from your terminal building.
Arriving At Your Destination
You should take just as much care when the plane lands at your destination airport.
You will have to take all your personal items and belongings off the plane and pass through customs and security once more at your arrival, but be sure to leave enough time for other passengers to get off.
Don't forget to be respectful during this period, as everyone wants to get off the plane.
Once you have passed security, head to baggage claim. This is the area where you will collect your luggage from the aircraft along a conveyor belt.
This is the final step, and you are now good to leave the airport. Follow the exit signs to the outside and enjoy your holiday.
From there, the following steps involve commuting around, whether that's with a taxi, public transport or a pre-paid airport transfer.
Navigating airports can be tricky, but hopefully, this article has eased your nerves. If you require further assistance, please reach out to our team today, and we can discuss airport transfer rates for your area.
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