How to Streamline Your Airport Depature

If you are not a frequent traveler, the airport can be a frustrating, confusing, and sometimes scary place. Before you take-off, you will need to get your boarding pass, wait through security, find your gate and check your luggage. These things can be a bit of a downer for someone new to flying. There are people all around you, moving swiftly to get where they need to go and things can seem a bit chaotic if you don't have a handle on your own departure.

Before you even leave you home, figure out what you are going to do about getting your boarding pass. If you are not checking any luggage, you can skip the ticket counter all together. Most airlines allow you the option to check-in and print your boarding pass online these days. If they don't offer this option, you can use the electronic ticket kiosk and still skip the desk. You simply go to one of the kiosk's and swipe your credit card, passport or enter your flight number and your tickets will print out right there and you can proceed to the security line. If you have bags to check, you can still use the kiosk, but you will have to go to the desk and check your luggage before you can continue on.

Once you have your tickets handy, check to see which gate you're heading to and go get in the line for the security check. It usually takes a lot of time in the security line so you'll have time to prepare. Make sure you have your ID in hand, you'll have to show your boarding pass and your ID to the security officer. Once this is done, you can put your ID away, but keep your boarding pass handy. You have to take off your shoes, so be prepared and wear clean socks (they even make you remove flip-flops). All of your belongings; jacket, shoes, keys, purse, laptop, etc, will have to be placed inside bins to be scanned by the x-ray machine and any bags you are carrying will be searched for liquids and things like nail files, pepper spray, etc. There are regulations on the size of liquids you may carry. Each individual bottle must be 3 ounces or smaller and must be able to fit into a quart-sized zip lock type bag. Be aware though, if the container does not say what size it is, you may be asked to throw it away. You are also not allowed to take any drinks past security, you can't even sneak a water bottle in your bag, so don't bother trying! It will only make it threw security if it's clear, and empty.

After you get throw security, find your gate. If you are unsure where to locate your gate number on the ticket, or where not told, there are several TV screens all around the airport that will list gates and departure times for every flight. Simply look for whichever city you are heading to, and you'll find your gate. Be sure you stand against the wall, or directly in front of the TV screens so you do not block the path for those trying to get to their gate on time. It is only courteous.

Once you've found your gate, if you have time to spare, you can visit the gift shops or snack stands and have a bite to eat. You are allowed to take drinks onto the plane that come from inside the airport, so feel free to buy a coffee or water or whatever you see fit. If you brought an empty bottle, now you can fill it with a water fountain inside the airport and take it onto the plane with you.

When boarding begins, double check your boarding pass to make sure you know which seat you're supposed to be in. Keep your pass out as you head into the jet way, you will present it one last time before they will let you on the plane. Once you're on the plane, push your bag into the overhead compartment closest to you (or under the seat in front of yours if it's small enough) and have a seat so you are not in anyone's way as they board themselves.

Once you're settled, take a few minutes to reflect on your airport experience. Did you do everything as quickly and efficiently as you could? If so, good job. If not, think about ways to make it better next time, then sit back and enjoy your flight.