Difference between revisions of "Pre-flight"

Latest revision as of 08:08, 17 March 2010

Pre-flight Tips

• For international travel, you should arrive at the airport in order to be able to check in around two hours before the flight. Depending on the size of the airport, this may be more or less, so make sure you plan ample time to:
  • Find a place to park (if you are driving)
  • Get to the check-in terminal
  • Wait in line
  • Get checked in
  • Clear security
  • Find your gate
  • Run to the other side of the airport when your gate has been changed

Security

Security differs in many countries. Generally, in the United States, you will clear security before you get to your gate. In other countries, you will go through security AT your gate. Some notes on these:

• If you go through security before you go to your gate, make sure the first thing you do is FIND YOUR GATE before you utilize any of the shops or other facilities in the airport. The reason for this is in case your flight has changed gates, you will not need to run to the other side of the airport at the last minute.
• If you go through security at your gate, FIND YOUR GATE IMMEDIATELY and then take advantage of any services/facilities at the airport. Once you go through security at your gate, if you want to go back into the airport, you may do so, but you will have to clear security again.
  • NOTE: most airports set up after this fashion will have restroom and beverage facilitates at the gate after you have cleared security. That said, it is still a good idea to care of any needs prior to clearing security, just in case.

Tips for going through security

Here are some general tips to make going through security easier:

• It's not that security agents do not have a sense of humor, it's just that their jobs do not permit it whilst on duty, so now's not the time to crack jokes. Act professionally.
• If you are returning from a trip, be prepared to answer questions about where you visited, what you were doing, where you stayed, what you purchased, etc. Do not worry, these are standard questions. If you are traveling in a group, identify this to the security agent as you will most likely be question as a group, which will greatly speed up the process.
• Conversely, if you are leaving for a trip, you may be asked where you are going, what you plan to do, etc. Again, these are routine.
• If you have an itinerary, carry it with you.
• Before going through the metal detectors, remove everything but clothes (rings, necklaces, belts, money, wallets, etc.) EXCEPT YOUR PASSPORT AND TICKET and place them in your carry-on luggage. You'll get through security much faster. Nothing is more frustrating than waiting for people to go through security six times because they keep forgetting to remove such items.
• Unless you have a TSA-approved case, you will need to remove any electronics. Make sure your laptop has enough power remaining in order to be able to turn it on, just in case you are asked.
• You may also be required to remove your shoes
• DO NOT try to bring any fluids > 3 oz / 90 ml through security.
  • IMPORTANT: if you are returning to the States and have purchased liquids from a duty free shop abroad, make sure you pack those liquids in your checked luggage PRIOR to going through security once you have cleared customs. They will not let them onboard with you, even if they are in sealed bags.
• If you have any metal in your body as a result of surgery, injury, etc., you will need documentation stating why it is there.