Get Through the Airport Quickly and Efficiently
Got some travel coming up? Start with step one for a quick guide for going through the airport without slowing up the line or feeling silly.
Contents
Steps
- Purchase your plane ticket in advance, online or through an airline. 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.
- Pack your bags carefully, 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 use a colorful/unique bag.
- When you pack any liquid items on 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. 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.
- 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.
- Find the check-in counters of your airline, which are 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.
- When asked, show the agent your ID. If your luggage to check, place it on the nook in the counter when asked to. The agent will tag it, and either will place it on the conveyor belt behind the counter, or tell you to carry it over to a scanner. If not, tell her you have nothing to check. In either case, she 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.
- 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 this varies depending on your state).
- You will then wait in line to get to 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.
- An agent will tell you when to walk through the metal detector, or x-ray machine to the other side of the conveyor belt 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.
- 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.
- 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 because your flight can be delayed by as much as a few hours and in larger airport's wall outlets are taken up fast.
- The gate agents will announce boarding and give you instructions. As you approach the Jetway, you will hand them your boarding pass. It will be scanned and returned to you. Sometimes, the gate agent may tear off and keep a portion of it.
- When you get on the plane, find your assigned seat and place your luggage in the overhead bin. If you have a smaller bag you'd like to hold onto, simply slide it under the seat in front of you so the area around your feet is clear.
- Enjoy your flight!
Tips
- Do not panic if you happen to get lost in the airport. Simply ask one of the staff for help.
- 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.
- When you get through security and grab your things, it's recommended you pick up all your things, including your shoes, and heading for a chair in the waiting area. 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 feel like you aren't keeping others waiting.
- 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.
- While your flight attendant is making people exit the plane in an orderly way make sure you get a taxi, uber, or rental car 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 and locate the exit.
- 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.
Warnings
- Do not joke about bombs or 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!
- Do not take sharp objects, they'll only be taken away.
Related Articles
- Book an Airline Ticket
- Fly First Class or Business Class for Less
- Pass Time at an Airport
- Pack for a Plane Ride As a Teen Guy
