Navigating Airport Connections: Changing Planes Efficiently

Changing planes at an airport can be a daunting experience, especially for first-time flyers. However, with some preparation, it can be a smooth and straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your way through a plane change at an airport. Firstly, it is essential to check your ticket in advance to ensure that your connecting flight is with the same airline. If it is, you may not need to change terminals and can remain in the secure area. If you're connecting to another airline, you may have to change terminals, and it's a good idea to use a terminal map or a shuttle service to navigate your way. Before changing terminals, confirm whether you need to claim and re-check your luggage. Once you've reached the correct terminal, find your gate number and keep an eye on the boarding time. During a layover, you can explore the airport, grab a bite to eat, or use the restroom, but always allow enough time to pass through security and reach your gate. If your next flight is international, you may need to go through customs and have your passport stamped. Finally, board your flight and enjoy the rest of your journey!

Finding your way around the airport

Arrive at the correct terminal

Firstly, you'll want to make sure you arrive at the correct terminal for your flight. For instance, at Denver International Airport, Terminal East hosts airlines like Alaska, Delta, Frontier, Southwest and Spirit, whereas Terminal West hosts American, JetBlue, United, and WestJet. You can research the correct terminal in advance to simplify the next steps of the process.

Check-in

If you haven't checked in online already, you'll need to do this at the airport. If you're checking a bag, you'll need to go to the check-in counter for your airline, where you can print your boarding pass and check in your luggage. If you're not checking a bag, you can skip this step and head straight to security.

Security

Once you've checked in, follow the signs 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. Sometimes, the signage will say things like "To All Gates" to help lead you away from the check-in area.

At the security checkpoint, you'll need to go into the correct line depending on whether you have TSA Precheck or not. A TSA agent will check your boarding pass and ID, and then you'll need to place your belongings into plastic bins to be screened. You'll also need to take off your shoes and jacket and empty your pockets.

Find your gate

Once you've been cleared through security, follow the signs to your gate. It should be listed on your boarding pass, but you can also find the most up-to-date information on departure monitors throughout the airport. You may need to take a tram to another terminal – this should be clearly marked.

Boarding

Wait for your boarding group to be called and get in the correct boarding lane. The gate agent will scan your boarding pass and you can proceed down the jet bridge. Find your seat and stow your luggage as quickly as you can, so the plane can take off on time.

Check-in and boarding passes

Checking in and obtaining boarding passes is a crucial part of the process when changing planes at an airport. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate this process:

Check-in

The check-in process typically involves verifying your travel documents, such as your passport and visa (if required), and obtaining your boarding pass. There are a few different ways to check in for your flight:

• Online Check-in: Many airlines now offer the convenience of online check-in, which can be done through their website or mobile app. This option is usually available 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. Online check-in allows you to select your seat and download your mobile boarding pass, which can be accessed on your phone or smartwatch. This is a good option if you are not checking any bags and travelling with only carry-on luggage.
• Self-service Kiosks: At the airport, many airlines provide self-service kiosks where you can check in. You will need to scan your passport or enter your booking reference to access your reservation. These kiosks allow you to select or change your seat, print your boarding pass, and check in any baggage.
• Check-in Counter: If you prefer a more traditional approach or require assistance, you can check in at the designated counters for your airline. These counters are usually staffed by airline representatives who will verify your travel documents, issue your boarding pass, and assist with any special requests or issues you may have.

It is important to note that check-in deadlines vary by airline and airport, so it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance of your departure time. This will give you ample time to navigate the check-in process and ensure a smooth start to your journey.

Boarding Passes

Obtaining your boarding pass is a crucial step in the check-in process. This pass serves as your ticket to board the aircraft and indicates important information such as your seat number and boarding group. Here are some key points to keep in mind regarding boarding passes:

• Multiple Boarding Passes: If you have a connecting flight, you will need a separate boarding pass for each leg of your journey. In some cases, you may receive all your boarding passes at once during check-in. However, if your connecting flights are with different airlines, you may need to obtain the second boarding pass at the connecting airport.
• Electronic vs. Paper Boarding Passes: Nowadays, electronic boarding passes are becoming increasingly common. These can be accessed on your mobile device and scanned directly from your phone at the gate. However, paper boarding passes are still available if you prefer a physical copy.
• Boarding Pass Information: Your boarding pass will contain essential details about your flight, including your name, flight number, seat number, boarding group, and gate number. It is important to check this information and verify that all the details are correct.
• Boarding Gate and Time: Pay close attention to the gate number and boarding time indicated on your boarding pass. Gates can sometimes change due to operational reasons, so it is a good idea to periodically check the airport departure screens to ensure you are at the correct gate.

Remember to keep your boarding pass accessible and safely stored, as you will need to present it at the gate before boarding the aircraft.

Claiming luggage at a connecting airport

When changing planes at an airport, claiming your luggage at a connecting airport is an important step to navigate successfully. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:

Confirm Luggage Arrangements:

Firstly, it is essential to confirm whether you need to claim your luggage at your connecting airport. If your connecting flight is with the same airline, you may not need to claim your luggage and can remain behind security in the same terminal. However, if your connecting flight is with a different airline, you may have to change terminals and confirm whether luggage needs to be claimed and re-checked. It is advisable to check your ticket in advance, as the flight number and airline indicators can provide valuable information.

Listen to Announcements and Look for Signs:

When you arrive at your connecting airport, pay attention to the airline's announcements, which will provide instructions on claiming luggage and re-checking it, if necessary. Additionally, keep an eye out for signs at the airport indicating whether you need to claim your baggage before proceeding to your next flight.

Follow the Right Procedure:

If you need to claim your luggage, follow the signs to the baggage reclaim area. Make sure you have all the necessary documentation, such as your passport and luggage tags, to identify and collect your bags. After collecting your luggage, you may need to pass through customs, especially if you are entering a new country. Remember to declare any required items and have your passport stamped.

Re-check Your Luggage:

After clearing customs, you will need to re-check your luggage for your next flight. Proceed to the correct counter and follow the airline's instructions for checking in your baggage. Double-check that your luggage is checked through to your final destination, especially if you have separate tickets or a long layover.

Boarding Your Next Flight:

Once you have completed the luggage claiming and re-checking process, proceed to your connecting terminal and gate. Ensure you give yourself ample time to pass through security before boarding your next flight. It is advisable to locate your gate and be aware of the boarding time, usually about 30 minutes before departure.

By following these steps and staying informed about the requirements of your specific journey, you can confidently claim your luggage at a connecting airport and continue your journey with ease.

Going through security

• Check the requirements—Before you reach the security checkpoint, make sure you understand the requirements. Some items are prohibited, such as weapons, flammables, and sharp objects. There are also restrictions on liquids, which are limited to travel-sized containers (3.4 ounces or 100ml). This includes beverages, toothpaste, lotions, and food items like yogurt. It's best to pack any non-compliant liquids in your checked luggage or purchase them after passing through security.
• Prepare your documents—Have your boarding pass and ID readily available before approaching the TSA agent. They will need to check these documents before you proceed. Keep them accessible, so you don't hold up the line or accidentally leave them behind.
• Organise your belongings—Before reaching the security line, organise your belongings to facilitate a smooth screening process. Grab a few plastic bins (usually provided at the security area) and separate your items. You'll typically need one bin for your clothing and liquids, another for electronics, and perhaps a third for your personal items.
• Remove certain items—Take off your shoes, jacket, and any other necessary garments. Empty your pockets and place these items in one of the bins.
• Screening electronics—Remove your laptop, iPad, and other large electronic devices from your carry-on luggage and place them in a separate bin. These items need to be screened separately and cannot be stacked with other belongings.
• Send your items through the scanner—Place your bins and carry-on luggage on the conveyor belt to pass through the X-ray machine. Ensure you don't have any prohibited items, and follow any specific instructions provided by the TSA agents.
• Proceed through the security checkpoint—After your belongings have been screened, walk through the metal detector or full-body scanner. Follow the instructions provided by the TSA agents, and if necessary, remove any additional items that may set off the alarm.
• Collect your belongings—Once you've passed through the security checkpoint, gather your bins and luggage from the other side of the conveyor belt. Find a seating area nearby to reassemble your items and ensure you haven't forgotten anything.
• Be mindful of liquid purchases—If you purchased liquids beyond the security area of your previous flight, be aware that you will likely need to surrender them before boarding your next flight. Most airports provide special bins for disposing of liquids and other prohibited items.
• Arrive early—Give yourself ample time to go through security, especially if you are connecting to another flight. Each airport is different, and some may have separate security checkpoints for each terminal. Account for potential lines and wait times to avoid missing your next flight.
• Ask for assistance—If you're unsure about the security process or need help with a particular item, don't hesitate to ask a TSA agent. They are there to guide you and ensure your safety.

Boarding the plane

Once you've confirmed your gate, you'll want to stay close by so you can quickly get back when it's time to board. Make sure you can hear any pertinent updates about your specific flight, such as delays.

If you have time before boarding, this is a good opportunity to grab some food or do some last-minute shopping at the establishments inside the concourse. It's notoriously expensive to eat at the airport, but it's even more expensive to purchase food onboard, and your options will be much more limited, so it's a good idea to grab a bite before you get on the plane if you think you'll be hungry later.

Some travellers also use this time to go to the bathroom or refill their water bottle. Unless you decide to buy Wi-Fi onboard, this may be your last chance to charge your electronics and download movies, music or podcasts before the flight. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with whatever your airline is offering for in-flight entertainment.

If you have a long time before your flight, an airline lounge might be a good place to wait. If you're flying first or business class or your credit card comes with lounge access, you might be able to wait in comfort with more spacious seating and unlimited food.

When it's time to board, wait for your boarding group to be called. Most airlines board by a numbered boarding group, and people with elite status and those flying first class usually board in the earlier groups. If you miss your boarding group, don't worry—you will still be able to board with later groups. Once your group is called, get in the correct boarding lane. Usually, there's a general boarding lane and another lane for people in priority boarding groups or those with elite status. The gate agent will scan your boarding pass, and you can proceed down the jet bridge.

Normally, you won't need to show your boarding pass again on the plane, but make sure you know your seat number and keep your pass accessible in case you need it. Then find your seat and stow your luggage as quickly as you can, so the plane can take off on time.

Frequently asked questions