The Evolution Of Airport Gates: Numbers Or Letters?

When it comes to air travel, gates are an essential part of the journey. They are the designated areas in an airport where passengers board the aircraft and can be identified by their gate number, which is typically a combination of letters and numbers. These gate numbers are crucial for passengers to locate their specific flight and complete the necessary boarding procedures. While the use of letters and numbers may seem random, they serve as a standardised system for efficient travel across various airports and countries.

Gate numbers are written on your boarding pass

Gates are the locations in an airport where passengers wait for their flight and enter or exit the aircraft. They are usually equipped with seats, a gate to enter the runway, a jet bridge for passengers to board the plane, and a boarding desk. They also contain signs and essential information for emergencies.

It is important to locate your gate as soon as you arrive at the airport, especially if the airport has multiple terminals. While some airports have their terminals connected, allowing passengers to access any terminal after passing through security, others are disconnected, meaning you will need to go through security again if you need to get to a different terminal. Therefore, knowing your gate number and terminal information is crucial for efficient travel.

In some smaller airports, there may only be one gate, in which case you won't be assigned a specific gate number on your boarding pass. Instead, you will simply line up when your flight is called.

Gate numbers are a combination of letters and numbers

The gate number is different from the IATA airport code, which is a three-letter geocode designating many airports and metropolitan areas worldwide. The IATA airport code is defined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Examples of this include YUL for Montréal–Trudeau and YYZ for Toronto Pearson.

The gate number is also different from the six-character Passenger Name Reference (PNR) or record locator/reservation code on your boarding pass.

Gates are waiting areas for passengers with upcoming flights

Airport gates are waiting areas for passengers with upcoming flights. They are located within airport terminals and control access to a passenger aircraft. Typically, a gate consists of a seated waiting area, a counter, and a doorway leading to the aircraft. Passengers need their gate number to board their flight.

The gate number is written on the boarding pass and consists of letters and numbers. To locate the gate, passengers can follow the signs or screens at the airport. Once it is time for boarding, announcements regarding the gates are made through these screens.

There are two types of gates: contact gates and ground-loaded gates. A contact gate is adjacent to where the aircraft is parked and provides access via a jet bridge. A ground-loaded gate provides a path for passengers to exit the building and board via mobile stairs or built-in airstairs. A remote stand serves an aircraft that is parked further away, and ground transportation is provided to move passengers between the gate and the stand.

Terminals are collections of gates. At some airports, the terminals are connected, allowing passengers to access any terminal after screening at one of the checkpoints. At other airports, the terminals are disconnected, meaning passengers must go through security again if they need to get to a different terminal.

Gate numbers can be found on signs or screens at the airport

Your gate number will be written on your boarding pass, consisting of a combination of letters and numbers. This code is unique to your flight and will correspond with the information displayed on the signs and screens at the airport. Announcements regarding gate numbers are also often made through these screens once it is time for boarding.

In addition to your gate number, your boarding pass will contain other key information, such as your flight number, boarding group, and the airline's abbreviation. There will also be a bar code, which is scanned at the gate to speed up the boarding process and keep track of passenger information.

Some other letters and numbers on your boarding pass may seem like a jumble of random characters, but they are not entirely secret. For example, a standalone letter may reference your booking class, with "A" and "F" typically indicating first-class seats, and "Y" generally standing for economy class. A "B" could mean you are eligible for a seat upgrade.

Another code you may come across is "S/O", which stands for stopover, indicating that you have a layover that lasts more than four hours domestically or 24 hours internationally. "STPC" means "stopover paid by carrier", so you may be provided with free accommodation during this time.

Terminals are a collection of gates

Terminals are the buildings that house multiple gates. Gates serve as the locations where passengers wait for their flights and board or disembark from the aircraft. They are identified by gate numbers or letters, which can be found on the boarding pass. These gates may offer direct or indirect access to the aircraft, with the latter sometimes involving shuttle buses. It is worth noting that some smaller airports may only have one gate, in which case passengers will line up when their flight is called, and the gate information may not be specified on the boarding pass.

The terminal and gate information is crucial for efficient navigation within an airport. While some large airports have multiple terminals that are clustered together, others may have terminals that are several minutes apart. Therefore, knowing the terminal information beforehand can prevent unnecessary travel between terminals and ensure a smoother travel experience.

Additionally, it is important to understand that the terms "pier," "module," "concourse," "wing," and "airside" may be used interchangeably with "terminal" as they all refer to a collection of gates. However, the specific terminology may vary depending on the airport.

Frequently asked questions