If your flight time has changed, make sure to adjust your travel plans accordingly. Depending on how long your flight has been delayed, it may affect any connecting flights you are intending to take. If you are concerned that you will miss your connection because of your flight delay, contact your airline. Continue to check on the status of your flight leading up to your arrival at the airport. Some airlines will send texts letting you know about delays, but it’s important for you to continue to monitor the situation. Be especially vigilant during the winter or when bad weather is predicted, as this will oftentimes affect your flight.
If you are under the age of 18 and traveling alone, contact the TSA or other appropriate authority to find out what forms of ID you will need. If you are traveling internationally, you will not be allowed on the plane without a passport. If you arrive at the airport without your ID, you may be able to fly anyway. You will have to fill out additional forms and answers some TSA questions in order to confirm your identity. [3] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Transportation Security Administration U. S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source Keep your documents handy. You will need to show them when you check in as well as when you go through security, so don’t pack them in a hard to reach area.
If you’re driving, leave extra time to park your car and take the shuttle over to your terminal, if required. If you’re traveling from an airport for the first time, leave extra time in case you get lost while navigating the airport.
If you are taking mass transportation or having someone drop you off at the airport, make sure you let them know what airline you are flying so they drop you at the correct building.
If you are not checking a bag, skip this step and proceed straight to check in. Travelers are allowed to check up to two bags, but there is a weight and size limit on those bags. Check with your airline to see what those weight restrictions are. Be careful not to over-pack, as going over the weight limit for checked baggage may result in fees of over $75. 00. [6] X Research source
Some airlines also offer kiosks for self-check in. To use these, all you’ll need is a credit card. Use the credit card to identify yourself and then follow the instructions on the kiosk to print out your boarding pass. [8] X Research source Some airlines also give you the option of checking in electronically. If this is the case, you will receive an e-mail 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Follow the instructions in the e-mail to check in for your flight. Print out a copy of your boarding pass to take with you to the airport. If you have a smartphone, you can open the boarding pass with your phone and use your phone as your boarding pass.
If you are over the age of 75 or under the age of 13 you will not be asked to remove your shoes also you shouldn’t have to remove your shoes if your are TSA PRE CHECK. [10] X Research source Check your pockets! Take out keys or anything else made of metal that might set off the metal detector. Try to remove your excess clothing while you are still waiting. The security line moves very quickly at the end and it’s best to be as prepared as possible. Avoid wearing sneakers with laces or any footwear that is difficult to remove in a hurry. Once you have made it through security, clear the area and get dressed. Most airports have a designated bench or seating area so you aren’t clogging up the security line as you compose yourself.
Make sure to check your pockets to ensure you have not accidentally left your cellphone or iPod inside. [12] X Research source
Members of TSA Pre-Check do not need to remove liquids or gels from their bags. [14] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Transportation Security Administration U. S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source If you have any open bottles (like a water bottle or soda) you will be asked at this point to throw them out. You will be able to buy additional drinks after going through security. It is generally easiest to keep all your travel cosmetics in one gallon-sized Ziploc bag. That way, when you have to remove them for security, you don’t have to hunt down each individual bottle. Travel sized cosmetics can be purchased at most pharmacies. [15] X Research source Do not pack restricted items in your bag. It goes without saying that you will not be allowed to take anything dangerous on to the plane. But there are also non-dangerous items that you cannot pack in your carry-on. For the full list of items you can safely take on a plane, check the TSA website, as it is frequently updated. [16] X Research source
Make sure, before you leave the security area, that you have everything you need. You don’t want to accidentally leave a laptop or jacket behind. If you’re having trouble locating your gate, ask an airport employee for assistance.
