Airport Navigation for Beginners

My first trip by airplane was a magical, confusing experience. Thank heavens I was with people who know what they were doing. Now, of course, I've been in airports enough to know how they operate, but then it was quite another story. Then, navigating an airport felt a great deal like navigating a giant nest of ants. It appeared as though everyone had some sort of instinctive instructions in their brain telling them where to go.

Now, I know better. And, in spite of all the hustle and bustle, it really isn't that difficult. If you are a first-time flier, and you already have your tickets, this is pretty much what you will experience when you enter the airport.

The first thing you need to do, of course, is check in. Find the line for the airline and class you are using (example: Delta, Economy Class) and stand in it with your luggage. The end result will be weighing and handing over your "checked" luggage, which will ride in the cargo hold of the plane. You should have your boarding pass at the end of this, which will have your seat assignment on it.

Then it's time to go through airport security. Though this may seem daunting if you've never done it before, it isn't really that much of an ordeal. Before you reach the belt, someone will check your passport and boarding pass. Then you will go over to the belt, which is much like the belt on the grocery store counter, on which you will place your carry-on luggage. Some airports require you to take computers out of computer bags and that sort of thing. Jackets and shoes go on the belt, as well as any metal in your pockets. Hopefully, you have packed your pockets to make this process quick and easy.

After placing your belongings on the belt, you will proceed through the metal detector. If nothing beeps, you will then go to the end of the belt and reclaim your belongings. See? There isn't really that much to it. However, because it's impossible to tell how slowly lines may move, it is advisable to line up for check-in at least two hours before you are to be at your boarding gate.

Once you are through the security check point, you will find yourself in the most interesting part of the airport - a place where you may visit duty-free shops, purchase snacks and reading material for your flight, and visit lounges (if you are flying Business Class) or coffee shops.

Finally, you will make your way to your boarding gate and wait to be called to board the plane. Fortunately, you will be within yards of the person calling you and your flight-mates, so you don't have to listen particularly hard, and may get some reading done at this point. When it is announced that your flight is boarding, you will again present your passport and boarding pass, and will then proceed to the plane, where you will make yourself comfortable for the next few hours.

To recap, all that you really need to do is check in, go through security and find your boarding gate. Three little stops. And now you're ready for your first flight. Sit back and enjoy the view atop the clouds. Your first flight is really an amazing experience.