International airport processes can be time-consuming and difficult, particularly if you’re a first-time traveller or suffer from anxiety. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial to assist you have a better understanding of the airport process and find your plane with ease. Plus, once you’ve done it, there will be nothing to stop you from doing it again and again.
- Master the check-in process
You should arrive 3 hours before your flight’s departure time for international flights. You’ll need to check in at the airport; this may be done at the airline desk or online, but if it’s your first trip, consider checking in at the airport — this step essentially confirms your booking with the airline.
You’ll find the following items at the counter:
- Allow your passport to be scanned.
- Get your boarding passes and baggage claim card (don’t forget to keep your boarding pass!)
- Weigh your belongings and turn in any checked luggage (carry-on luggage is subject to size limitations)
- Pass the security checkpoints
Security checks are required. Your belongings are placed in trays and x-rayed to look for any dangerous goods or restricted items throughout this process. Because the items in these categories varies by country, you should research customs laws for both your final destination and any transit airports. Security lines might be long, so plan ahead to make your screening as short as possible:
- Remove all metal objects, including jackets and belts.
- Take everything out of your pockets.
- If you don’t make sure your water bottle is empty, it could be confiscated.
- Put everything in your luggage, including paperwork.
- Set aside a tray for your LAG* bag and laptop.
- Continue on to the metal detector.
- Comply with random searches (pat downs, x-rays, and bag searches).
- Prepare for the arrival of customers and the process of border protection.
Security personnel will identify and inspect you at customs. It’s possible that you’ll be requested to give specific documents or respond to queries about your travels. Have the following items available for review during this process:
- Your passport
- Currently valid boarding pass
- Additional travel documentation (if required)
Border patrol officers may scare you at first, but they’re trained to spot anything fishy, so answer all inquiries honestly. This may be an electronic process instead, depending on your location and nationality.
- Find your gate
In many circumstances, your boarding pass will already have your gate number printed on it. However, because the gate number and terminal might both change, it’s critical to keep an eye on the airline departure screens for updates.
When navigating the airport, look for signs that say GATES 31-45 with a left arrow to take you to your gate. Grab a bite to eat and a drink if you have time, but remember to find your gate first — the airport may be larger than thought!
- Monitor flight monitors on a frequent basis during airport departures.
- Set your clock to the time zone of your current location.
- Arrive at your gate on time for boarding, not departure!
- If you require directions, ask the airport employees for assistance.
You’ll be ready to take off once you’ve boarded!
- Arrive in style!
Simply follow the ‘BAGGAGE CLAIM’ sign and go through customs and passport control. Fill out any required arrival paperwork, report your belongings, have your visa ready (if necessary), and pick up any duty-free purchases on your way out.
Stay cool, observe the regulations, prepare yourself, and ask for help if you need it when travelling through international airports – now go enjoy your vacation!