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The arrivals level at an airport is the level at which passengers disembark from their flight and proceed to the baggage claim area. Typically, the departures level is above the arrivals level, with the former occupying the upper level and the latter occupying the lower level. This design is influenced by factors such as saving horizontal space for airplane parking, providing a comfortable experience for departing passengers, and accommodating vehicles for pick-up and drop-off. The arrivals level is where passengers go through customs, immigration, and baggage claim procedures. It is also where information booths and ground transportation options are usually located.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Typical level of arrivals | Lower level |
| Typical level of departures | Upper level |
| Reason for the level difference | Saving horizontal space, separating arriving and departing passengers, security, and convenience for vehicles |
| Exceptions | Some small airports have one floor |
| Level of international arrivals at JFK airport | Lower level |
| Level of domestic arrivals at JFK airport | Lower level |
| Level of arrivals at Denver airport | Level 4 for pick-up, Level 5 for international arrivals, Level 6 for departures |
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What You'll Learn
Arrivals are on the lower level
When arriving at an airport, it can be stressful to navigate the various levels and terminals, especially if it is your first time at that airport. Typically, arrivals are on the lower level of the airport, and departures on the upper level. This is a common design feature of airports, with the two-floor system saving horizontal space that is needed for airplane parking. This design also keeps the two types of airport users—those arriving and those departing—separate, which is more rational and saves space.
At JFK Airport, for example, the upper level is designated for departures, with check-in counters, ticketing, and lounges. The lower level is for arrivals, with customs, immigration, and baggage claim areas. International arrivals will find customs and immigration services on the lower level, while domestic passengers are directed to the baggage claim area, which is also on the lower level.
Some smaller airports may only have one floor, where everything is kept on the same level. However, larger airports with multiple levels usually follow the same layout, with arrivals on the lower level. This is the case at Denver Airport, where arrivals are directed to the ground transportation level to collect their baggage.
If you are being picked up from the airport, it is important to communicate clearly with your driver about where to meet. At some airports, drivers are not allowed to wait at the curb, and passengers must call their driver once they are outside baggage claim. At other airports, drivers may be able to wait at the arrivals curb, especially if the passenger has no checked luggage.
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Immigration and customs
The immigration process involves verifying a traveller's identity, purpose of visit, and right to enter the country. This is typically done by an immigration or border control officer, who will check the traveller's passport and visa (if required) and may ask questions about their trip. For instance, they may inquire about the purpose of the trip, the intended duration of the stay, and the traveller's occupation. In some cases, travellers may not be asked any questions at all. However, this is becoming less common.
Customs, on the other hand, is about declaring and inspecting the items travellers are bringing into the country. It is typically located after baggage claim, as travellers need to collect their luggage before proceeding to the customs checkpoint. At this checkpoint, travellers must declare any goods they are bringing in, such as gifts, food, or alcohol. Customs officers may inspect luggage, and travellers may be fined or have items confiscated if they have exceeded allowances or brought prohibited items. It is important to note that customs fees, or customs duty, are essentially taxes on goods brought across international borders.
In most cases, travellers go through customs and immigration after arriving in a new country. However, there are exceptions. For instance, some countries have mutual agreements to speed up the process, so travellers may go through customs and immigration before boarding their flight. Additionally, when flying from certain countries, such as Ireland to the United States, travellers will go through US customs in Ireland. However, when arriving in the US from most other countries, travellers will go through customs upon their first arrival.
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Baggage claim
The arrivals level at an airport is usually below the departures level. This is because arrivals require more space, as passengers may be waiting for their luggage, going through immigration, or waiting for taxis, buses, or rental cars. In contrast, departures require less space, as people dropping off departing passengers typically do so quickly and do not need as much waiting time. Additionally, having the departures level upstairs allows for larger spaces and natural light through windows or skylights, providing a sense of comfort for departing passengers.
Some airports have different layouts, with arrivals and departures occurring on the same level. For example, at Denver International Airport, international flights land at the A gates inside Concourse A of the Jeppesen Terminal, which is also the departure terminal. Similarly, at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, passengers arrive on the second level of Terminals 1 and 2, except for gates G7-10 and Terminal 3, which are at ground level.
When navigating airport arrivals and baggage claim, it is essential to follow the signs and symbols provided by the airport. Additionally, checking your ticket and boarding pass carefully can help you determine the correct arrival gate and level.
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Design and space considerations
The design of airport terminals and the placement of arrivals and departures across levels are influenced by several factors, including operational efficiency, space optimisation, and security.
Operational Efficiency
The separation of arrivals and departures across different levels contributes to the efficient management of passenger flow. At airports, departing passengers often require more time for check-in, ticketing, and lounge services. By allocating the upper level for departures, airports can provide a more spacious environment for these processes. This layout also facilitates natural lighting through large windows or skylights, enhancing the overall comfort of departing passengers.
Space Optimisation
The utilisation of multiple levels in airport design helps optimise limited horizontal space. Constructing upwards with two or more floors allows for a more compact footprint, preserving valuable land for aircraft parking and other facilities. This vertical design approach is particularly advantageous for large airports with significant passenger traffic, ensuring efficient use of available real estate.
Security and Immigration
The arrangement of levels also considers security and immigration concerns. Placing departures above arrivals can act as a security feature, making it more challenging for individuals to illegally enter the departures level from the arrivals area. Additionally, this layout separates individuals waiting in departure lounges from those queuing for immigration upon arrival, enhancing overall security and streamlining passenger flow.
Vehicle Pick-up and Drop-off
The level designation takes into account the different time requirements for vehicle drop-off and pick-up. Departing passengers being dropped off typically require less time and space, making the upper level suitable for quick drop-offs. Meanwhile, arriving passengers often need more time due to factors like immigration, customs, and baggage claim. Locating arrivals on the lower level provides easier access for taxis, buses, private cars, and rental car services, facilitating smoother pick-up processes and reducing congestion.
Passenger Experience
The level arrangement also impacts the overall passenger experience. By dedicating the upper level to departures, airports can offer a more comfortable and spacious environment for departing travellers, often with improved natural lighting and views. This layout also allows for the efficient grouping of facilities, such as check-in counters, lounges, and duty-free shopping areas, enhancing the pre-boarding experience for departing passengers.
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Pick-up and meeting arrangements
Firstly, it is important to note that airport designs often have departures on the upper level and arrivals on the lower level. This is because departures require less space, as people are dropped off by cars, taxis, or buses and can quickly enter the airport. In contrast, the arrivals level requires more space for immigration queues, customs, baggage claim, and rental car returns.
When coordinating pick-up or meeting arrangements, it is essential to communicate in advance. Discuss whether you will meet upstairs at the departure level or downstairs at the arrivals level. Consider the mobility of the arriving passenger and whether they are travelling internationally or domestically. If the passenger has a lot of luggage or is travelling internationally, they may need more time to go through customs and collect their baggage. In such cases, it is advisable to wait for them to call you after they have cleared immigration and claimed their luggage. You can then proceed to the designated pick-up areas, such as the arrivals curb or the short-term parking area near baggage claim.
Some airports, like Denver International Airport (DEN), have specific levels for pick-up arrangements. For example, at DEN, Level 4 is designated for the pick-up of arriving passengers. Always check the airport's website or your airline's guidelines for specific information regarding pick-up locations and procedures.
Additionally, some airports offer authorised car or van services that can be booked through welcome centres located on the arrivals level. These services provide a convenient and comfortable way to reach your destination. Alternatively, you can opt for public transportation options, such as the AirTrain at JFK Airport, which connects to New York City's public transportation network.
By following these tips and staying informed about the specific procedures at your airport, you can ensure a seamless pick-up or meeting arrangement.
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Frequently asked questions
Typically, the departures level is above the arrivals level. However, the arrivals level may vary depending on the airport and the carrier and itinerary you are traveling for. For instance, at the DEN airport, Level 4 is for the pickup of arrival passengers.
There are several reasons for this. Firstly, it saves horizontal space, which is crucial for airplane parking. Secondly, departures require more space for taxi queues, buses, and private cars dropping off passengers, which is more readily available at the upper level. Lastly, it may be a security feature, as it is more difficult to jump from the upper to the lower level, reducing the risk of illegal entry.
The level for picking someone up from the airport depends on whether they are arriving from an international or domestic flight and whether they have checked luggage. For international arrivals, you would usually meet them at the arrivals level, where they go through customs and immigration. If they have checked luggage, you would go to the baggage claim area, which is also usually on the arrivals level.
