Airport Navigation Guide

The day before departure, reconfirm your flight time, terminal, and gate. Check for any schedule changes or delays

Most airlines open online check-in 24-48 hours before departure. Select your seat and save your mobile boarding pass early

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your travel date. Confirm visa requirements and carry all necessary entry documents

Check your airline's carry-on and checked baggage size, weight, and quantity limits

Arrive 3 hours early for international flights, 2 hours for domestic. Factor in potential traffic delays

Each liquid container must be 100ml or less, all fitting in a single clear resealable bag no larger than 1 liter

Large airports have multiple terminals. Confirm which one your flight departs from. Inter-terminal transfers can take 15-30 minutes

Choose from counter check-in, self-service kiosks, or online check-in. Kiosks usually have shorter queues

Hand your checked luggage to the agent and receive your baggage claim tag. Keep this tag safely as it is essential if your bag is lost

Oversized sports equipment, musical instruments, or fragile items require special handling at a dedicated counter and may incur extra fees

After check-in, verify the gate number, boarding time, and seat number on your boarding pass

While in line, start removing your laptop and large electronics, get your liquids bag ready, and take off jackets and belts

Place carry-on bags in screening bins. Laptops and liquid bags must go in separate bins for scanning

Walk through the metal detector or full-body scanner. You may be selected for a secondary pat-down inspection

Knives, scissors, lighters, and certain tools cannot be carried on board. Check airport security guidelines if unsure about an item

After passing through, make sure you have collected everything, especially your laptop, phone, and travel documents

Present your passport and boarding pass. Have your visa or other travel documents accessible if required

Many airports now offer e-passport automated gates that process travelers faster than manual counters

Border officers may ask about your travel purpose, length of stay, and other basic questions. Answer briefly and honestly

Some countries stamp your passport on exit. You may need to show proof of departure when entering your next destination

Check the departure screens for your gate assignment. Gates can change at the last minute, so keep checking

Boarding usually begins 30-45 minutes before departure. Listen for announcements and watch the gate screens

Browse duty-free shops, exchange currency, eat, charge your devices, or visit the restroom before boarding

Airlines board by zones, cabin class, or loyalty status. Check your boarding pass for your group number

If your gate is far away, allow extra time for walking or taking an airport shuttle. Some terminals require 15-20 minutes to cross

Some countries require arrival cards. Fill them out on the plane to save time at immigration

Queue for document review. Have your passport, visa, and supporting documents ready. Be prepared to answer questions about your visit

Check the screens for your flight's carousel number. Use your baggage claim tag to verify you pick up the correct bag

If your bag does not appear, go immediately to the baggage service desk. Present your claim tag to file a report

Choose the 'Nothing to Declare' or 'Goods to Declare' lane. Declare excess cash, alcohol, tobacco, or restricted items as required

After clearing customs, enter the arrivals hall. Follow signs for buses, trains, taxis, or ride-hailing pickup zones

For international transfers, allow at least 2-3 hours. For domestic, at least 1-2 hours. Large hub airports may need more time

Confirm at check-in whether your bags will go straight to your final destination. If not, you will need to collect and re-check them at the transfer point

After deplaning, follow signs marked 'Transfer' or 'Connecting Flights' to reach your next gate

Some airports require transit passengers to go through another security screening. Budget time for potential queues

For extended waits, use airport lounges, rest zones, or duty-free shopping. Some airports have showers and sleeping pods