The Women’s Travel Group was recently asked: Can you ‘walk’ me through the airport? I have not traveled overseas in a long time. Re-entry to travel is daunting. So here is The Women’s Travel Group’s step by step airport walk through.
When you arrive at the airport, have handy your passport and booking information. The latter might be a print out of your flights? An electric pass in your phone? Or just a record locator you jotted down.
Walk to your airline. If you are on a code share flight, you might be uncertain if you are going to United or Lufthansa, for instance? Usually one checks in at the ‘operating airline’. Your paperwork notes which airline is operating the flight. Example, I have a ticket bought from Virgin Atlantic; the operating airline is Delta!
At check in, the agent will ask your destination and to hand over your passport. Your passport identifies your flight or flights. Here is where you may ask for a better seat and a paper boarding pass. Personally I like a paper boarding pass tucked into my passport. The electronic pass suffices. We suggest you make a photo/screenshot of a pass in your phone, file it in photos, to find it faster. The agent will usually give you several boarding passes if you have more than one flight. Make sure you hand in the right pass for the right flight. (Here you may also ask the agent for a paper baggage tag.)
Hand over luggage. The agent will weigh it, tag it and give you a bag receipt. Look at the receipt to make sure it has your destination. If you are on 2 flights, you should have the final destination on the tag. Usually the agent sticks the tag onto your paper boarding pass. Keep this in a safe place. You need it if your bag is delayed.
Walk to Departures. There will be a long line. Do not fear. If you are running very late, ask people around if you can go ahead of them. Often there is an airline rep asking for late comers; she/he directs you to the front of the line. Boarding passes marked TSA Pre Check get you to a shorter line. Passengers who bought the service ‘Clear’ have a shorter line. If you have never used Clear add 15 minutes to your timing; they need to photo your eyes.
At security, put small items: wallet, money belt or purse into a larger bag. If you are traveling with both an iPad and a computer. Put the iPad and computer in different bags. At most airports if they are in different bags, you do not have to remove them. If not, at least have devices/computers on top so you don’t forage around.
(Review on line what liquids you may carry on). You don’t want to lose your Sisley $80 moisturizer?
Now, carry on is on the conveyor belt and you are separated from your ‘life’ as it moves into the machine. Go asap to the x ray line.
You go through a machine with arms raised as an image indicates. A red light shows if you set off the machine. (I usually remove all possibles: Watch? Cheap non gold jewelry? Belt? Coins? Sweater with metal buttons?) A wired bra or metal medical device can trigger the alarm. This is common, don’t worry. Also if you cannot raise your arms, the agents will simply search you separately.
On the other side and into the secure area, be sure you do not leave anything on the belt. I have a count. If I have a money belt, jacket, one carry bag,1 computer out of the bag. I count to 4 before leaving. There are usually tables near by, where you can get re-organized. Put back critically important things where they are secure.
Now you are in the airport. Look at the departure board for your flight and gate. The gate can change. You should have lots of time to wander, buy food, water etc.
When staff arrive at your gate, here you may again ask to change your seat. Again do not leave anything behind when you board the plane; do the count again.
A final note: in airport bathrooms, try for the corner stall, there is more security with 2 sides of walls.
Pete Buttigieg says Have a Great Trip.
