A Guide To Airport Process: Efficient Travel Steps

Airports can be intimidating places, especially large ones, which can be confusing to navigate. However, most airports follow a similar basic design, so once you know the steps to follow, you can master the airport process. The first step is to research the correct terminal in advance of your departure. Then, when you arrive at the airport, you'll need to check in any luggage that needs to go into the aircraft hold and pass through security to the departures hall.

Checking in luggage

Your bag will be tagged with a sticker to identify it and then passed through the airport's security screening facilities to ensure it's safe to be transported on an aircraft. If you're unsure about what you can pack in your bag, be sure to read the airline's luggage policy before you arrive at the airport.

After checking in your luggage, you should go to the TSA checkpoint leading to the correct concourse for your flight. Concourses are usually marked by letter (e.g. Concourse A, B, C) and align with your gate designation (so Gate B12 would be in Concourse B).

Finding the correct terminal

To find the correct terminal, follow the signs at your respective airport. Terminals are usually named or numbered, and host specific airlines. For example, at Denver International Airport, Terminal East hosts airlines like Alaska, Delta, Frontier, Southwest and Spirit, whereas Terminal West hosts American, JetBlue, United, and WestJet, among others.

Once you've checked your luggage and gotten your boarding pass, you should go to the TSA checkpoint leading to the proper concourse for your flight. Concourses are usually marked by letter (e.g., Concourse A, B, C) and align with your gate designation (so Gate B12 would be in Concourse B). Sometimes, the signage will say things like “To All Gates” to help lead you away from the check-in area.

Navigating security

Once you've checked your luggage and gotten your boarding pass, go to the TSA checkpoint leading to the proper concourse for your flight. Concourses are usually marked by letter (e.g., Concourse A, B, C) and align with your gate designation (so Gate B12 would be in Concourse B). Sometimes, the signage will say things like "To All Gates" to help lead you away from the check-in area.

To make the security process smoother, avoid stowing the items you'll need in a place that's not readily accessible. It's also helpful to be informed about why security procedures exist. For example, you may be asked to take your laptop out of its bag and put it into a separate bin.

Most airports have a similar basic design, and the steps that you need to follow are essentially the same, no matter which airport you're flying from. To simplify the process, enter the airport at your terminal and research the correct terminal in advance of your departure.

Boarding passes

When you arrive at the airport, you should first make your way to the correct terminal building for your flight. Once you've entered the terminal, you can check in your luggage and get your boarding pass. You can do this at a self check-in machine or by speaking to a customer service agent at the check-in counter. If you have a checked-in bag, it will be tagged with a sticker and passed through security screening. You can then proceed to the TSA checkpoint leading to the concourse for your flight. Concourses are usually marked by letter (e.g., Concourse A, B, C) and align with your gate designation. For example, if your gate is B12, it will be in Concourse B.

Your boarding pass is a ticket that allows you to board the plane. It includes important information such as your name, flight number, seat number, and boarding time. You will need to present your boarding pass at the gate before you are allowed to board the plane. It is important to keep your boarding pass safe and easily accessible throughout your journey. Some airports may also require you to show your boarding pass when going through security or customs.

If you have checked in online or used a self-service kiosk, you can usually print your boarding pass at a self-service machine or download it to your mobile device. This allows you to bypass the check-in counter and go directly to the bag drop queue if you have luggage to check in. Alternatively, if you have no luggage to check in, you can proceed directly to the TSA checkpoint for your concourse.

It is important to note that boarding passes may have different formats and designs depending on the airline and airport. Some boarding passes may include additional information such as your frequent flyer status or any special requests you have made. In some cases, you may also be able to use your mobile device to display your boarding pass, rather than a physical copy.

Bag drop

If you haven't checked in online, you'll need to go to the check-in counter. Here, you'll hand over any luggage that needs to go into the aircraft hold. Your bag will be tagged with a sticker to identify it, and then it will be passed through the airport's security screening facilities to ensure it's safe to be transported.

After you've dropped your bag, you'll need to pass through the airport security gates to the departures hall.

Frequently asked questions