What do you do at an airport for the first time?

Best advice for first-time flyers
  1. Check the airline's luggage requirements.
  2. Pack essentials in your carry-on.
  3. Arrive at the airport two hours early.
  4. Keep your ID handy.
  5. Wear easy-to-remove shoes.
  6. Respect other passengers' space.
  7. Have a backup plan ready.




People Also Ask

How to find your way around an airport
  1. Arrive in the right spot — and at the right time. Follow the signs at your respective airport to make sure you find the correct terminal building for your flight. ...
  2. Check in. ...
  3. Go through the security checkpoint. ...
  4. Find your gate. ...
  5. Wait at the gate. ...
  6. Board the airplane. ...
  7. Retrieve your luggage.


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Check in Once you enter the airport, the first thing you should do is check in (if you haven't done so already online). Many airlines allow you to check in online 24 hours before your flight.

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For most airports, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time (airports requiring additional time are listed below, Go to footer note). Additionally, you're required to be at the gate and ready to board 15 minutes before scheduled departure.

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In-person at a staffed check-in counter at airport
  1. Passport (when traveling internationally)
  2. Flight information. Paper ticket (less and less common), OR. E-ticket with a confirmation number—usually sent via email if ticket is purchased online or through a travel agency, OR. Printed itinerary with a confirmation number.


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Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight. That said, there are many factors to consider that will help you decide how much time you should budget for at the airport.

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Yes, simply show your mobile boarding pass on a mobile phone, iPad, or Apple Watch and a valid form of identification to the TSA Agent at security to proceed.

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Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight. That said, there are many factors to consider that will help you decide how much time you should budget for at the airport.

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In Standard Screening Lane
  1. Remove the 3-1-1 liquids bag and place it in the bin.
  2. Ensure pockets are empty (keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cell phones, etc.) and remove bulky jewelry (valuable items can be placed in carry-on).
  3. Remove your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt.


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In most cases, you will only need to go to check-in when you have checked-in online if you need to drop off an item of hold baggage. Please ensure that you are aware of the hand baggage requirements for your specific airline before you travel.

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Here are five common questions every traveler should always plan on being asked by a customs officer upon arrival.
  • 01 of 05. What Is the Purpose of Your Trip? ...
  • 02 of 05. How Long Do You Intend to Stay? ...
  • 03 of 05. Where Will You Be Staying? ...
  • 04 of 05. What Is Your Occupation? ...
  • 05 of 05. Do You Have Anything to Declare?


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“The FCC and FAA ban cell phones for airborne use, because its signals could interfere with critical aircraft instruments. Devices must be used in airplane mode or with the cellular connection disabled.

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After purchasing your ticket online, download the file and print your ticket. Passengers can find their e-ticket files in the email sent to them. For domestic flights, passengers do not have to show their e-tickets at the security checkpoints.

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A boarding pass is a document provided by an airline during check-in giving a passenger permission to board the airplane for a particular flight. At a minimum, it identifies the passenger, the flight number, and the date and scheduled time for departure. Boarding passes are always required to board a flight.

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Do I need to print my boarding pass if I checked in online? No, you can have it on your phone and they will be able to scan it from the phone.

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The TSA and airports want you to get there earlier, each for its own reasons. The agency does not like to be rushed with screenings, even if there's a long security line. Airports want you to take advantage of their incredible shopping and dining facilities, which you can't do if you're rushing to the gate.

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If you book a 6AM domestic flight, for example, you'll need to arrive at the airport by 4AM. Depending on how far you live from the airport, this could mean getting on the road around 3AM or 3:30AM; traffic should be minimal at this time, as should check-in and security lines.

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Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight.

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