A gate is a designated area inside the terminal building where passengers will assemble and wait prior to boarding. It includes facilities for checking boarding passes, last-minute customer service such as seating changes and so forth.

The difference between a "terminal" and a "gate" is a matter of scale and function within the airport's infrastructure. A terminal is the large, primary building where passengers enter the airport, check in their luggage, clear security, and access amenities like shops and restaurants. Large airports like London Heathrow or JFK have multiple terminals, often dedicated to specific airlines or international versus domestic flights. A gate, on the other hand, is the specific "waiting area" and boarding point located within the terminal where you actually enter the aircraft. Think of the terminal as the "train station building" and the gate as the "specific platform" where your train is waiting. In 2026, your boarding pass will always display a terminal number first, and then a gate number or letter (e.g., Terminal 3, Gate B22). It is essential to arrive at the correct terminal first, as moving between terminals can take 15–30 minutes via shuttle or train, whereas moving between gates is usually a shorter walk within the same secure airside area.