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How to Navigate the Airport

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If you don’t fly often or you're a first-time flyer, going to the airport can already feel like you’re entering a new universe of moving walkways, long hallways and gates to other cities. Some airports even have their own mini train or tram system to help customers get between terminals, so you might have to figure out which line to take and which direction.

It may look and sound overwhelming, but learning what to do at the airport can be easy.

The good news is that most airports have a similar basic design, and the steps that you need to follow are essentially the same, no matter which airport is closest to your home. You won’t even need a map to master the airport process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you learn how to navigate the airport as we move headlong into busy travel seasons.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

How to find your way around an airport

1. arrive in the right spot — and at the right time.

Follow the signs at your respective airport to make sure you find the correct terminal building for your flight. For instance, at Denver International Airport, Terminal East hosts airlines like Alaska, Delta, Frontier, Southwest and Spirit, whereas Terminal West hosts American, JetBlue, United, WestJet and others. Enter the airport at your terminal to simplify the next steps of the process.

Research the correct terminal in advance of your departure. This will help you feel less overwhelmed by any of the directional signage lining your route to the airport itself.

Most airlines recommend that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. You’ll hear all sorts of advice about whether you need to be there that early, but it’s a good general rule.

There are several reasons why you might need extra time:

Are you checking a bag? If so, you might have to spend more time checking in and getting someone to weigh your bag, instead of going straight to the security checkpoint with your boarding pass. Check-in line wait times can vary greatly, so you'll want to build in some time for this if checking a bag.

Are you parking at the airport? If so, give yourself an extra 20 minutes on top of what time you already planned to be there. Sometimes, airport parking lot shuttles can take a long time to make their rounds or get filled to capacity with families and their luggage. If you budget extra time, waiting for the next shuttle won’t derail your travel plans.

Do you have TSA Precheck or Global Entry ? These security pre-clearances can make it faster to get through security at the airport. If you don’t have one of these, keep in mind that you might have to wait in line longer, and budget ahead of time to accommodate the potentially long queues.

2. Check in

Once you enter the airport, the first thing you should do is check in (if you haven’t done so already online).

Many airlines allow you to check in online 24 hours before your flight. If you’re not checking a bag, this is a great option because it allows you to download a mobile boarding pass to your phone to bypass check-in and head for security (Step 3).

If you’d like a paper boarding pass or if you’re checking a bag, you’ll have to officially check in. Some airlines will offer self check-in kiosks, where you’ll enter some information about your flight reservation to print boarding passes, check bags and select seats. From there, you’ll need to find your way to the luggage drop line to get your checked bag weighed.

For airports without self check-in machines, the airline’s customer service agents at the check-in counter will handle the entire process.

» Learn more: Airline credit cards that offer free checked bags

3. Go through the security checkpoint

Once you’ve checked your luggage and gotten your boarding pass, you should go to the TSA checkpoint leading to the proper concourse for your flight. Concourses are usually marked by letter (e.g., Concourse A, B, C) and align with your gate designation (so Gate B12 would be in Concourse B).

Sometimes, the signage will say things like “To All Gates” to help lead you away from the check-in area. There may also be separate security checkpoints for different gates, so if there are directions based on your gate number, default to those instructions.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by where to go, generally follow the crowd of people who just checked in.

Once you see the area with different lines, TSA personnel in blue shirts, stacks of bins, X-ray machines and metal detectors, you’ve made it to the right place. Get in the proper line based on whether you have TSA Precheck (it will be noted on your boarding pass) or not.

Understand what items you can and cannot bring through airport security. Many prohibited items should be fairly obvious; you can't bring weapons, flammables or other sharp objects in your carry-on. But there are some surprising items you cannot bring through airport security, too. A common one that gets people is that liquids are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces. You can't bring through beverages, but it also means you can't bring through foods like peanut butter jars or yogurt containers.

» Learn more: TSA carry-on restrictions you need to know

It also means that — unless they're in a small package — you can't bring through many toothpastes, lotions and shampoos. If you must travel with your own toiletries, consider packing products like the shampoo and conditioner bars that become activated with water. They aren't actually a liquid — so you can still take them in your carry-on through security.

» Learn more: Can you bring food through TSA?

The general security checkpoint process usually goes something like this:

A TSA agent will check your boarding pass and ID. Have both items out before you walk up to their podium to save time. Then, stow these items safely before you go through the security checkpoint — as you don't want them to fall through the cracks or get forgotten.

Walk up to the baggage screening line and when it’s your turn, grab however many plastic bins you think are necessary. A good rule of thumb is one for your clothing and liquids, one for electronics and one for your personal item, if needed.

Place your bins on the belt. Take off your shoes and jacket and empty your pockets; put these items in one of your bins. Take your toiletries out of your carry-on and put them in a bin (hopefully any liquids are TSA-compliant). Note that you can stack these on top of other items if needed.

Take out your laptop, iPad and other large electronic devices and put them in the second bin. These cannot be stacked with other items.

Add your carry-on luggage or personal item to the belt, if applicable.

Push your bins and your carry-on luggage through the scanner and then join the line to go through the X-ray machine.

Once you’re out of the machine, grab all of your bins and luggage. To avoid crowding and holding up the line, take your luggage and bins to the sitting area away from the scanner so you can take your time putting your bags back together. Make sure you didn’t forget anything — especially that boarding pass and ID you were supposed to put away or your laptop that had to be in its own bin.

» Learn more: 7 must-know tips for first-time flyers

Depending on the airline you fly with as well as how long you’re traveling for, you might wonder whether you’re better off traveling with a checked bag rather than a carry-on . This can be especially relevant if you’ve got some liquids with you that exceed the TSA carry-on liquid limits.

WANT TSA PRECHECK FOR FREE?

A number of popular travel credit cards reimburse you for the application fee for trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Among them:

on Bank of America's website

on Chase's website

$0 intro for the first year, then $95 .

Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to the card. Available once every 4 years.

Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.

If your credit card offers reimbursement for the application fee for programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you must pay the fee with the card. You cannot submit a claim for reimbursement if you paid with some other method. Reimbursement will usually appear as a statement credit in your account within two months.

Cards typically offer reimbursement of only one fee once every four to five years. Check the terms and conditions of your card for the specific rules that apply. Note also that these cards only reimburse the application fee for a trusted traveler program. They don't automatically enroll you in the program or guarantee that you'll be accepted by the program. You still have to apply and go through the required screening, which in the case of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry includes an in-person appointment.

Aeroplan® Credit Card .

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card .

The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card .

United Club℠ Infinite Card .

United℠ Explorer Card .

United Quest℠ Card .

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card .

Terms apply.

» SEE the best credit cards that pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

4. Find your gate

Once you’ve been cleared through security, follow the signs to your gate. It should be listed on your boarding pass, but the most up-to-date information can be found on departure monitors throughout the airport.

Once you confirm the gate for your flight, look for signs that direct travelers toward different parts of the airport. You might have to take a quick tram to another terminal, but this should be clearly marked for travelers. In general, you will want to follow signs with numbers and arrows — somewhat like when you head to a hotel room.

If you have any questions, try to find an information kiosk or a fellow traveler to help point you in the right direction.

5. Wait at the gate

Now, depending on how much time you have before the boarding time listed on your boarding pass (usually 30 minutes to an hour before your departure time), you may have some time to kill.

You’ll usually want to stay nearby so you can quickly get back to the gate if you need to. Make sure you can hear any pertinent updates about your specific flight, such as delays.

This is the time you can use to grab food or shop at the establishments inside the concourse. It’s notoriously expensive to eat at the airport, but it’s even more expensive to purchase food onboard. Plus, your options will be much more limited, so it’s a good idea to grab a bite before you get on the plane if you’ll need a snack later on.

Some travelers also use this time to go to the bathroom or refill their water bottle. Unless you decide to buy Wi-Fi onboard, your time at your gate might be your last chance to charge your electronics and download movies, music or podcasts before the flight. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck with whatever your airline is offering for in-flight entertainment .

An airline lounge might be a good place to stop if you have a lot of time before your flight. If you’re flying first or business class or your credit card comes with lounge access , you might be able to wait for boarding time from the comfort of a lounge, which usually offers more spacious seating and unlimited food while you’re there.

UNLOCK AIRPORT LOUNGES WITH THE RIGHT CARD

Major U.S. airlines operate airport lounges for high-priority customers, as do some credit card issuers, most notably American Express. A number of airports also have independently operated lounges that are accessible through networks like Priority Pass. Several credit cards provide airport lounge access, although no single card gets you into every lounge. Among cards with lounge access:

on American Express' website

on Citibank's application

Access to more than 1,300 lounges worldwide, including:

• The issuer's own Centurion Lounges and International American Express lounges.

• Delta Sky Clubs , when flying Delta.

• Priority Pass Select lounges (enrollment required).

• Lounges in the Plaza Premium , Escape and Airspace networks.

Complimentary Admirals Club membership, plus access to partner lounges with which American Airlines has a reciprocal agreement.

Access to United Club locations and participating Star Alliance affiliated lounges worldwide.

For occasional United travelers, a different card, the United℠ Explorer Card , gives you two one-time passes to the United Club each year. That card has an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $95 . Read our review of that card .

• Access to Delta Sky Club when traveling with Delta, plus two one-time passes each year for guests. (Note that limits on lounge visits are scheduled to take effect in 2025. Read more about that here .)

• Access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta.

• Priority Pass Select membership, with access to over 1,000 airport lounges internationally and meal credits at select airport restaurants and bars.

• Access to Chase's own Sapphire Lounges , though there are currently only a couple of locations.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , see this page .

6. Board the airplane

The last step is to get on board. Wait for your boarding group to be called, which should be listed on your ticket. Most airlines board by a numbered boarding group, and people with elite status and those flying first class usually board in the earlier groups.

You won’t be able to board with an earlier group than the one listed on your ticket unless you need special accommodations, like if you’re flying with small children. In those cases, they’ll usually announce when they’ll allow people who need extra help or time to board. If you miss your boarding group, you will still be able to board with later groups.

If you’re flying on Southwest, be aware that it has a unique boarding system where people must line up near the poles in the boarding area by numerical order when their alphabetical group is called. Learn more about boarding groups on Southwest here .

Once you hear your group, get in the correct boarding lane. Usually there’s a general boarding lane and another lane for people in priority boarding groups or those with elite status. The gate agent will scan your boarding pass and you can proceed down the jet bridge.

Normally, you won’t have to show your boarding pass again on the plane, but make sure you know your seat number before you put it away and keep it accessible in case needed. Then find your seat and stow your luggage as quickly as you can, so the plane can take off on time.

7. Retrieve your luggage

Once your plane arrives at your destination, you’ll want to follow the signs to baggage claim to pick up your checked bags. Each flight is assigned a luggage carousel, so check the monitors near baggage claim to find out which one your bag will arrive on. The time you spend waiting for your luggage to arrive can vary, sometimes up to 30 minutes or more. This is usually a good time to go to the bathroom or grab a snack.

Alaska Airlines has a 20-minute baggage guarantee, so if your bags take more than 20 minutes to show up on the baggage carousel, you can report it to the Alaska baggage office and get a $25 discount code or 2,500 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan bonus miles for use on a future Alaska Airlines flight.

If you don’t see your bags after all the luggage from the flight has been unloaded, find the airline’s baggage office at the airport to report your missing items. They should be able to help you find them. If your luggage is missing, document your loss and collect the necessary paperwork such that you can file a claim with your travel insurance provider or credit card issuer (assuming it includes insurance coverage ).

8. Exit the airport and enjoy your trip

This can be the trickiest part. Each airport has different rules about where to pick up rideshare services. You might need to figure out which level of the airport is designated for ground transportation — meaning buses, shuttles and cars to catch a ride out of the airport. Sometimes, you might be able to take the metro right from the airport to the heart of the city. Follow the signs and ask for help. Your trip is just getting started.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.

70,000 Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

• COVID-19 travel advice

Lower your risk of COVID-19 as you travel for a safe and fun adventure.

Successful travel starts with being prepared for the unexpected. Coronavirus disease 2019, known as COVID-19, is now a part of standard travel planning.

As you choose a destination, travel group or event, add COVID-19 to the list of things to research. When packing for yourself or anyone you're caring for on the trip, consider COVID-19 prevention and testing.

No one wants to plan for the worst. But having a plan in case you catch the COVID-19 virus while traveling can save time if you need medical care.

To start, it can help to ask these basic questions as you make plans.

Am I up to date with my COVID-19 vaccine?

Staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine helps prevent serious illness, the need for hospital care and death due to COVID-19 .

If you need a vaccine, plan to get it at least a few weeks before you travel. Protection from the vaccine isn't immediate.

Am I, a travel companion or a person I live with at high risk of serious COVID-19 illness?

Many people with COVID-19 have no symptoms or mild illness. But for older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions, COVID-19 can lead to the need for care in the hospital or death.

If you or those around you are at high risk of serious COVID-19 illness, take extra safety measures during or after travel.

Ask a healthcare professional if there are any specific actions you should take.

Does my destination, tour group or event need proof that I had a COVID-19 vaccine? Do I need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test?

The country you travel to may not need to know your COVID-19 status. But you might need the information for other reasons.

Events, venues or tour groups might require proof that you are COVID-19 negative or are up to date on a COVID-19 vaccine. Check before you go so you have all the paperwork you need.

What's the plan if I get COVID-19 on my trip?

No one wants to get sick while traveling. But in case you do, it helps to know where you can get medical care and whether you'll be able to stay apart from others while you have symptoms.

Put together a COVID-19 kit with rapid home tests, masks, a thermometer, disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Before you leave, gather health information from your healthcare professional. Make sure it gives the details on any health conditions you're managing and medicine you take.

COVID-19 spread during travel

The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person. When the virus is spreading, spending time indoors with a crowd of people raises your risk of catching it. The risk is higher if the indoor space has poor airflow.

The coronavirus is carried by a person's breath.

The virus spreads when a person with COVID-19 breathes, coughs, sneezes, sings or talks. The droplets or particles the infected person breathes out could possibly be breathed in by other people if they are close together or in areas with low airflow.

The virus carried by a person's breath can land directly on the face of a nearby person, after a sneeze or cough, for example. And people may touch a surface that has respiratory droplets and then touch their faces with hands that have the coronavirus on them.

Clean hands

While you travel, one way to lower your risk of COVID-19 is to clean your hands often.

Wash your hands after using the bathroom, before making food or eating, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. If you touch something that others regularly touch, such as an elevator button or a handrail, make sure to clean your hands afterward.

Also, try to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Wearing a face mask is another way to lower your risk of COVID-19 .

Travel brings people together from areas where viruses may be spreading at higher levels. Masks can help slow the spread of respiratory viruses in general, including the COVID-19 virus.

Masks help the most in places with low airflow and where you are in close contact with other people. Also, masks can help if viruses are spreading at high levels in the places you travel to or through.

Masking is especially important if you or a companion have a high risk of serious COVID-19 illness. Choose the most protective mask that fits well and is comfortable.

Get the COVID-19 vaccine

As the virus that causes COVID-19 changes, COVID-19 vaccines are updated, so stay up to date with the recommended shots.

Know when the COVID-19 virus is spreading in your area

Check with health agencies in the area to see where the COVID-19 virus is spreading. Information about the spread of the virus may include the number of people in the hospital with COVID-19 or the number of people who test positive for the disease.

Keep some space around you

Choose outdoor activities and keep some distance between yourself and others. Poor airflow plus lots of people crowded together equals a higher chance you'll come in contact with the virus that causes COVID-19 .

If you can, try to avoid spending time with people who have COVID-19 symptoms or who are sick.

There will likely be times during travel when you don't have a choice about how close you are to others. Here are some tips for air travel, public transportation and lodging.

The risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from air travel is thought to be low.

Air in the plane's cabin changes over quickly during the flight, being replaced every few minutes in some planes. Airplane air also is often filtered. So germs, including viruses, are trapped before they spread.

The air flowing down from vents above the seats in each row may help keep germs from spreading. Seats also may act as a barrier to germ spread on a plane, unless the person who is ill is sitting close to you.

You can help lower your risk by spreading out to keep distance between you and others when you can and cleaning your hands regularly.

Wearing a mask in crowded areas, such as security lines and bathrooms, can help protect you from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.

Trains, buses and cars

Trains and buses may have good airflow and air filtering. But check before you travel so you know what to expect. When a vehicle is crowded, wear a face mask and take other steps, such as cleaning your hands.

Taxis and private cars used for ride-sharing may not have air filtering. But in most cases, rolling down a window could be an option to improve airflow.

Rental car companies may post their cleaning policies on the internet, or you can ask directly when you book the vehicle.

Hotels and other lodging

Cleaning protocols at hotels, vacation rentals and other lodging have largely returned to the way they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have questions about how hosts or businesses protect guests, contact them directly. In public areas of hotels, take steps to lower your risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 .

Put safety first

Despite your planning, an illness may delay or cancel your trip. Stay home if you or anyone you're traveling with has:

• Symptoms of COVID-19 , such as fever or new loss of taste or smell.
• Taken a COVID-19 test and is waiting for results.
• Been diagnosed with COVID-19 .

Keep watch for serious symptoms of COVID-19 , such as trouble breathing or chest pain. If you or a person you're taking care of has symptoms that worry you, get help.

Once the fever is gone and symptoms are getting better, you may choose to travel. But for about five days after feeling better, you could still give others the virus that causes COVID-19 . Take extra actions to protect the people around you.

• Wear a mask.
• Keep your distance from others, especially when indoors.
• Clean your hands regularly.
• Keep the air flowing by turning on fans or opening windows when you can.

If you start to feel worse or your fever comes back, avoid being around others again until you feel better.

Stay flexible

With COVID-19 vaccinations, testing and treatment, events and travel are back to typical levels in many places. But as waves of COVID-19 outbreaks happen, it's important to stay flexible with your plans. Knowing whether the COVID-19 virus is spreading in your area or in places where you're traveling can help you make decisions about whether to go and what to put on your agenda.

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed May 15, 2024.
• Understanding how COVID-19 vaccines work. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html. Accessed May 15, 2024.
• People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Accessed May 15, 2024.
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel advice for the general public. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-travel-advice-for-the-general-public. Accessed May 15, 2024.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19. In: CDC Yellow Book 2024. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/infections-diseases/covid-19. Accessed May 15, 2024.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obtaining health care abroad. In: CDC Yellow Book 2024. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/health-care-abroad/health-care-abroad. Accessed May 15, 2024.
• Goldman L, et al., eds. COVID-19: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, community prevention, and prognosis. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Elsevier; 2024. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 16, 202.
• Taking steps for cleaner air for respiratory virus prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/air-quality.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• How COVID-19 spreads. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• COVID-19 overview and infection prevention and control priorities in non-U.S. healthcare settings. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/non-us-settings/overview/index.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• Hygiene and respiratory viruses prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/hygiene.html. Accessed May 14, 2024.
• About handwashing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/index.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• Masking during travel. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/masks. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• Masks and respiratory virus prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/masks.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• How to protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• About physical distancing and respiratory viruses. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/physical-distancing.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• How can ventilation reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 on airplanes? World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-travel-advice-for-the-general-public. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• Bielecki M, et al. Air travel and COVID-19 prevention in the pandemic and peri-pandemic period: A narrative review. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease. 2021; doi:10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101915.
• Symptoms of COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• Preventing spread of respiratory viruses when you're sick. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.

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15 Extremely Helpful Airport Tips to Make Travel Easier

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Airport Tips You Need to Know for Your Next Trip

This post is all about the best airport tips. Traveling is fun, but getting through the airport can be an exhausting and hectic experience sometimes.

Since I worked for a big firm, I spent a LOT of time in airports traveling for my job. In fact, there have been a few months where I was flying for work every single week!

With all the time I’ve spent at airports, I’ve picked up quite a few helpful tips along the way.

So here are 15 awesome airport tips to help make your travel experience better!

1. Bring your own snacks.

Avoid paying super-steep airport prices for snacks by bringing your own with you! Some of my favorite snacks to bring with me for flights are popcorn, fruit leather, energy bars, and trail mix.

🥜 See more airplane snack ideas for long flights .

2. Pack an empty water bottle.

I always bring an empty water bottle with me in my carry-on luggage so I can fill it up once I get through security.

Most airports have water bottle refill stations or at least a water fountain you can use. This will help you save money instead of buying an overpriced water bottle at the airport.

This refillable water bottle is perfect for travel because it comes with a filtering straw that makes water from anywhere safe to drink!

3. Check in for your flight in advance.

Be sure to check in for your flight online 24 hours in advance so you don’t have to wait in line once you get to the airport. This can also be a great way to grab a good seat assignment if you weren’t able to select your seat when you booked your ticket.

Another incentive to check in for your flight before you arrive at the airport: Some budget airlines are now charging extra if you wait to check in with an agent!

4. Wear socks

Some airports make you take your shoes off when going through security, especially in the US. To avoid standing barefoot on the dirty airport floor, make sure to wear socks! They will also come in handy for keeping your feet warm on your flight.

5. Dress in layers for your flight

On a similar note to above, dress in layers to stay comfortable while at the airport and on your flight. Airports and airplanes can either be extremely cold or extremely hot and usually there’s no happy in-between so wearing layers will help.

6. Bring a portable charger

Not all airports have convenient outlets or charging stations while you’re waiting at the gate, so be sure to bring a portable charger with you! I take this portable phone charger everywhere I go and it has been a lifesaver when I’m traveling.

7. Pack your laptop in an easy to reach place

You will have to take your laptop or any other large electronics out of your bag when going through security. To avoid having to dig through your bag while waiting in line, make sure to pack your laptop or any other electronics in a side pocket of your luggage with easy access.

For frequent business travelers, you may also want to get a carry-on suitcase with a laptop compartment . This makes it a breeze to reach for your laptop at the airport!

8. Take a photo of your parking space

If you’ll be parking at the airport, make sure to take a picture of your parking space and any helpful signage or numbering that will help you find it again when you return.

There’s nothing worse than returning from a vacation only to be unable to remember where you parked your car, leading you to wander around the airport parking garage for an hour!

9. Take a photo of your checked luggage

On the off chance that your checked luggage gets lost, having a photo of it in addition to your luggage receipt can make it much easier to locate.

10. Pack hand sanitizer

Airports and airplanes are a mecca for germs, so pack a travel-sized hand sanitizer wherever you go. I like  this hand sanitizer because you can easily clip it to your backpack or purse.

11. Research sleep spots

If you’ll need to spend the night in an airport because your flight was delayed or you have a long layover, check out this website for the best and worst sleeping spots in most airports around the world.

Sleeping in the airport is never fun, but you can make it a little more comfortable if you plan in advance and know the best places to go.

12. Keep and pack hotel toiletries in carry-on

Every time you stay at a hotel, bring extra travel-sized toiletries home with you. Then any time you travel with only carry-on luggage, you’ll have a collection of TSA-approved toiletries to pack.

(And bonus, you won’t need to buy your own shampoo/conditioner as often!)

13. Put a colorful ribbon on your luggage

If you’re checking luggage, tie a colorful ribbon on the handle of your suitcase to make it stand out so you can find it quickly in the sea of similar luggage on the conveyor belt.

14. Go left at security

Studies have shown that people naturally veer right, so when you reach a security checkpoint, head to the line furthest to the left and you just might save a few minutes waiting in line.

15. Have a designated airplane outfit

Choose a comfortable outfit and make it your designated outfit for air travel. (I always wear leggings, a loose, lightweight hooded sweatshirt, and a coat if I’m going somewhere cold.)

If you have a designated outfit, you won’t be scrambling for something to wear on the day of your flight and you’ll always be comfortable at the airport and on the plane.

16. Invest in Global Entry

Having Global Entry has improved my airport experience a million times over.

If you are a frequent flyer (or even fly just 3-4 times per year) then Global Entry is worth the cost. Global Entry includes TSA Precheck, which allows you to skip the general security line and go through the faster TSA Precheck line (where you don’t have to take off your shoes or take your electronics out of your suitcase.)

When traveling internationally, you can also go through to an expedited customs line upon returning to the US. Global Entry costs $100 and is good for five years. If you just want TSA Precheck, you can get that for $85 and it’s good for five years.

My company paid for my Global Entry, but I would absolutely spend my own money on it. Some travel credit cards will also cover your Global Entry fee.

I hope you enjoyed these helpful airport tips!

For more travel tips, be sure to check out these posts:

• 15 Tips for Long Haul Flights
• How to Stay Healthy While Traveling
• 25 Ways to Save Money on Travel

And to find the absolutely best deals on flights, I always recommend using Skyscanner .

If your travel dates are flexible, you can use their advanced search feature to find the cheapest travel days. And if you don’t have a particular destination in mind, use Skyscanner ’s “Everywhere” search function to find the cheapest places to go from your city!

✈️ Find your flight with  Skyscanner . 🛎 Get your hotel with  Booking.com  or hostel with  Hostelworld . 🏠 Rent a unique home or apartment with  Plum Guide and VRBO . 🚘 Rent a car with  Discover Cars . 🏰 Book tours and excursions with  Get Your Guide or Viator . ☂️ Get travel insurance from  SafetyWing . 📱 Avoid roaming fees with eSIM card from  Airalo . 🌋 Go on an adventure with   G Adventures .

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About Denise Cruz

Denise is a marketing executive who escaped corporate to travel the world… twice. A Brazilian native living in the U.S., she’s lived in 4 countries and visited 35+ others. After side-hustling her way to financial independence, she curates solo destination guides, slow travel tips, and travel blogging advice on Wander Her Way. When she’s not on the road, you can find her in Miami with her dog Finnegan.

UponArriving

What to Do at the Airport [Step by Step Guide]

If you don’t have a lot of experience with traveling through airports, you might be wondering how to successfully navigate through the airport problem free.

In this guide I’ll give you a step by step approach you can take so that you don’t have any mishaps.

I’ll simplify everything to make it as easy to remember as possible but you also may want to bookmark this article for easy access.

Table of Contents

Pre-airport steps

While this article will focus on what to do when you arrive at the airport, I’d be remiss if I did not mention a couple of things you need to do before you show up at the airport.

Confirm flight details

Before you ever get to the airport, you should confirm your flight details to make sure your flight date and time are correct.

I hate to admit it but in my early travel days I once missed a flight because I thought I had booked it for a day later. Had I simply checked my flight 48 to 72 hours before my trip I would’ve caught the mistake.

If you are new to traveling then this should be one of the top priorities a few days before your flight!

You should be able to check in online through the airline’s website or through their app before you ever step foot in the airport. This will open up 24 hours before your flight in most cases.

Checking in is helpful because it can save you time when you arrive at the airport but it could also be helpful for other reasons . For example, did you know that it can decrease the odds of you getting bumped from your flight?

Don’t bring things that are not allowed

As you are packing for your trip, make sure that you are not bringing along prohibited items that could get you hung up going through airport security.

On UponArriving, we have written extensively about all the different types of objects allowed and not allowed on planes. So you can do a search on our blog to see if you can find anything relevant to an object you want to bring.

The TSA website is also a great resource as well but they don’t always go into a lot of detail so it’s always good to supplement your knowledge with a detailed blog post.

Have your documents with you

In order to fly around the US you’ll need to have an ID recognized by TSA. For most people, this is a driver’s license although in 2025 this will have to be a REAL ID compliant ID.

If you are flying internationally, then you will want to make sure that you also have your passport.

Okay, so those are all the steps you need to do just before your flight and now let’s focus on what to do when you arrive at the airport.

Step 1: Arrive to the airport at the right time

You want to make sure that you are arriving at the airport at the correct time. The general rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.

However, those time recommendations can be divided in half for some people , depending on the route, the airport, etc. If you don’t have a lot of experience with traveling then it’s best to play it conservatively.

But don’t get there too early if you have a really early flight because you might be sitting around for a while with no facilities open!

Related: What Time Does the Airport Open?

Step 2: Arrive at the right departures terminal

First, make sure you are getting dropped off or that you find parking in the correct departure section.

It may sound silly but some people get mixed up on the difference between arrivals and departures.

Because they are “arriving” at the airport they think that they need to head to arrivals but you will want to head to departures. (In the end, this doesn’t always make a huge difference because you can just take an elevator to go from one to the other but it can complicate things like parking.)

When arriving at the airport your goal is to find the terminal you are departing from and then find the section of the terminal serving your airline.

Finding the terminal you are departing from is usually easy because you can just look at your boarding pass. If you don’t have that information, you can look it up on the airline’s website or look for signs when you arrive at the airport. That’s because certain terminals will be designated to specific airlines.

Next, if you’re dealing with a terminal that serves multiple airlines you want to find the section of the terminal that is serving your specific airline. Again, just look for the signs.

If you are getting dropped off by an Uber driver or Taxi, let them know what airline you are flying on and they should take you right to that section of the terminal.

Step 3: Head to a check in/baggage counter if needed

If you already checked in on your mobile device you don’t need to go to any check-in desk unless you have bags to check.

(If you do need to check in then you can probably do that at a kiosk or you can go speak with an agent at a check-in desk.)

If you have bags to check then the first thing you want to do is to weigh your bags.

A lot of airports now set up special weigh stations so that you can make sure your baggage is underneath the weight requirements. This would typically be 40 to 50 pounds for a standard economy ticket . If your bag is over that amount then you want to re-shuffle some contents and try to put them into your carry-on bag.

Once you know that your bags are under the weight limits you will have to make your way to the baggage counter.

There will usually be two lines at these check-in/baggage areas. One line will be for non-elite members and also for economy passengers. Most likely, this will be the longest line.

There will also be a separate line for elite passengers and for people flying in business class or first class. So make sure that you join the proper line based on your ticket and elite status.

Step 4: Prepare for security

It’s always helpful to prepare for security before you step foot in the line.

That’s because you would otherwise be forced to get ready in a hurry or to remove items as you are trying to pull your luggage along.

So before you even head over to the security line consider doing the following:

• Remove watches, belts, or anything else that could set off the metal detector
• Place your electronics like your phone in a compartment in your bag
• Empty out anything in your pockets and place them in your bag
• Have your ID and boarding pass in your hand

Step 5: Head to the right security line

As soon as your bags are checked and you have your boarding pass, you are ready to go through airport security.

But you should take a few seconds to make sure that you are choosing the right security line . I constantly see people entering the wrong line and then slowing things down so don’t overlook this step!

Here are the different lines you may see:

• Elite status line: Only for passengers with elite status or flying first/business
• TSA Pre-Check : Expedited screening line only for Pre-Check members
• CLEAR: Allows you to skip the line; only for registered members.

If you don’t have any special membership then you will just head to the general security line which once again will probably be the longest line.

Step 6: Make your way through security

When you arrive at the security line you will show your ID and boarding pass and then it will be time to go through the security checkpoint.

When going through the standard security line, you will have to remove:

• Light jackets
• Liquids ( 3-1-1 Rule )

When you remove these items you will place them on a tray and then make sure that you push that tray onto the conveyor belt before you walk through the full body scanner or walk-through metal detector.

(TSA agents are notorious for scolding passengers for not pushing through trays.)

Once you step in front of a scanner, a TSA agent will signal for you to walk through and then you’ll simply wait to be cleared.

If an alarm goes off or you have an item with you that needs enhanced screening, an agent may need to take a closer look. This could involve your items getting swabbed or you getting some type of pat down or both.

Step 7: Verify your gate

At this point, all of the stressful stuff is over with!

Now, you can relax as you head to your gate assuming that you are not running through the airport Home Alone style.

But this is also the perfect time to verify that your gate number has not changed.

The way to do this is to simply check one of the flight monitors found in the airport, often located near security.

You will look for your flight number and destination on that screen and verify what terminal and gate you are flying from. While this information should also be on your boarding pass, sometimes it can change which is why this is such a good time to verify.

Step 8: Find the food court or airport lounges if needed

If you have a lot of time to kill you may want to spend it at a restaurant or bar inside the airport. Or, if you have lounge access then you’ll want to find an appropriate lounge to visit.

Ideally, you will find a restaurant or lounge close to your gate. If you are lucky, you might even be right next to your gate and in that case you can really relax because you know it will only take you a couple of minutes to get to your gate when it is time to board.

I typically try to first make my way towards my gate and see if I see any stores or restaurants located along the way.

If you need to venture far from your gate then try to ask an airport agent or employee how far away your gate is. They should be able to let you know if you’re dealing with a five minute walk versus a 20 minute walk.

Step 9: Get any drinks or snacks needed for the flight

The most important thing for me on a flight is to have sufficient water. I don’t trust the water on the plane so I always make sure I have bottled water.

Ideally, I have my refillable water bottle with a filter that I can fill up at the airport with a drinking fountain machine or fill station. But if I don’t have that then we will just buy the overpriced water bottles at one of the new stand stores in the terminal.

You also want to think about snacks.

Food on the aircraft is not always the most appetizing so you might want to purchase something at one of the stores to take with you, especially on a longer flight. Good food items include sandwiches and wraps but just try not to buy anything that will have a strong odor!

Step 10: Show up to boarding on time

The boarding time for your flight should be found on your boarding pass.

The exact boarding time will depend on the size of your aircraft but generally you can expect boarding to be about 35 to 50 minutes prior to departure.

These are the absolute latest times you should arrive at the gate for boarding:

• Domestic: 15 to 30 min before departure
• International: 45 min+ before departure

Step 11: Make any needed boarding requests

If you think that you’ll need extra time to board or if you will need some type of assistance then you most likely qualify for pre-boarding .

This will give you an opportunity to get on the plane before all of the boarding groups are called. If you think you fall into this group simply speak with an agent at the gate and they can get you situated.

Step 12: Final bathroom check

While there will be a bathroom on the airplane, it helps if you relieve yourself just before the flight while still on the ground.

You can do this by hitting up the bathroom nearest to your gate just a little bit before boarding begins.

Another way to do this is to use the bathroom on the aircraft as soon as you enter the plane. That can be a little bit more tricky because you might be dealing with a lot of passenger traffic so it’s not always recommended.

Step 13: Begin boarding when your group is called

Your boarding pass will have a specific boarding group listed on it and every airline has a different system for how they board.

Most of them utilize boarding groups and the order of those groups is determined based on things like your cabin, elite status, credit card membership, etc. All you need to do is to wait for your specific group to be called in then head to the line.

For a deep dive into the boarding policy of a given airline, check out the guides below:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Frontier Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

If you follow these 13 steps, your next airport visit should be pretty smooth as you’ll know exactly what to expect and you will avoid creating a lot of bottlenecks that inexperienced travelers often create!

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

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Frequently asked questions

Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler

Editor's Note

Travel demand is on fire.

The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen a record number of passengers this summer. According to the TSA, seven of the 10 busiest days for screening passengers occurred in the past month alone.

As millions of travelers take trips by plane , cruise ship or car , we've gathered some essential travel tips on how best to book and enjoy your journeys.

Whether you're an occasional road-tripper or a frequent globe-trotter, these TPG-backed top travel tips can help you avoid unnecessary headaches when you spend time away from home.

How to find travel deals

Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap airfare any time of year. Changing your arrival or departure date by a single day can save you hundreds of dollars on airfare. If you don't mind altering your family's plans slightly, consider booking travel directly on major holidays like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas for cheaper prices and thinner airport crowds.

One of TPG's favorite tools for finding deals is Google Flights . You can use the search field to find the cheapest (or best) flights. Google will also give you a historical view of past price ranges, and it will even send you email alerts if fares jump or drop on specific routes you've selected.

It also has some fun tools for finding a cheap destination. By clicking the "Explore" button on the sidebar and entering your departure airport, Google Flights will give you a map or list of the most wallet-friendly destinations.

However, Google isn't the only place to find deals: TPG publishes regular deal alerts. You can sign up for alerts on X and subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest deals news.

Don't sleep on mileage awards, either. If you've been hoarding miles since the beginning of the pandemic, it's time to spend them. Cash prices are high, so it can be a good time to burn those miles.

No matter how much you think you know about redeeming miles for flights , there are always new tips and tricks for turning those earnings into dream trips. Turn to TPG for guidance on sweet spots for redemptions. Sites like ExpertFlyer (owned by TPG's parent company, Red Ventures) supply additional redemption ideas or even business-class upgrade inventory.

You may even want to consult a travel agent to get access to special deals that aren't available anywhere else. Travel agents can sometimes get extra perks at hotels or even cheaper business-class airfare to your dream destination.

Be your own best advocate

Because there are still air traffic controller shortages and there's little room for error in the system these days, travelers have to be their own best advocates.

There are ways to get ahead of any possible travel nightmares.

First, be smart when booking. Try to find a nonstop flight rather than one with connections, even if it costs a little more. You'll eliminate the risk of missing connections and lessen the chance of an airline misplacing your luggage during a transfer.

You could also take one of the first flights of the day, as those are least likely to face afternoon thunderstorms and most likely to depart on time. We've even compiled five reasons to book the first flight of the day with all the data.

Related: Your flight is canceled or delayed — here's what you should do next

Download your airline's mobile app to keep track of potential flight delays in real time. The airline app is a secret weapon in case things go wrong. Not only will you know when boarding starts, but you'll also learn of any delays first. Some airlines even allow you to rebook yourself in the app.

If your flight is canceled, you'll want to beat everyone else on your flight who is also looking to get rebooked.

We recommend heading to the customer service desk (or lounge desk if you have access). If there's a delay, you could also get on the phone with the airline or contact them via social media . Sometimes, an airline's representative on X will help you faster than a phone or in-person agent can. You have to use every tool at your disposal when things go south.

Many airlines now have live chat capabilities to help navigate delays and cancellations.

I always have an alternate plan (or two) in the back of my mind in case a flight gets canceled or delayed. I also look to see what other airlines are flying the route I'm booked in case something goes awry. This way, I'll know what to ask for if I need to be rebooked.

Also, save all the receipts for the expenses you incur during delays or cancellations. You'll want excellent documentation in case of meltdowns like the one Southwest Airlines passengers experienced during the 2022 holiday season .

If you're stuck at an airport for an extended period, seek out your airport's secret quiet spaces for a brief escape from the travel chaos.

Get Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck

One of our favorite ways to speed through the airport and avoid those summertime megalines is via Trusted Traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry .

Essentially, the government prescreens you for security, saving you a bit of time during your travels. You'll need to apply ahead of time and pay a fee. The great news is that many credit cards will give you a statement credit for these fees. TSA PreCheck is a $78 application fee for five years, and Global Entry is $100.

Related: Ways to get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and/or Clear for free

TSA PreCheck allows you to speed through airport security without removing your shoes, laptops or liquids. With Global Entry , you can breeze through customs when you return from an international trip.

If you have the time, it makes sense to go for Global Entry rather than simply TSA PreCheck . Global Entry requires an interview with Customs and Border Patrol ahead of time, but once you're approved, TSA PreCheck will be included.

One other hack to mention is Mobile Passport . You don't even need to be preapproved for the service, and it can speed you through customs at some airports.

Related: Here's what you need to know about Mobile Passport

Get Clear for the ultimate security trifecta

The other security tool we recommend you have in your travel toolbelt is Clear .

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear

The expedited security program allows you to bypass long security lines by using a separate lane at many airports. You'll approach a kiosk that confirms your identity via an iris scan or fingerprint. A Clear employee will then escort you to the front of the security screening line.

A Clear membership combined with TSA PreCheck will enable you to go to even shorter lines at some airports with designated Clear/PreCheck lines. Clear isn't perfect at all airports where it's very popular and there are now long lines (cough, Atlanta). However, it will still lead to shorter lines overall.

Related: Guide to using the Amex Platinum Clear benefit

Make copies of your important documents

Make digital and hard copies of all your important travel-related documents. Start by photographing your driver's license, your state ID and/or your passport.

You should have copies of your IDs in your phone's library in case you get separated from the actual document. Sometimes, it also helps in a pinch if you are asked for ID but didn't bring the hard copy. For example, I was recently asked for my ID to enter One Vanderbilt to have dinner at the new American Express Centurion Lounge in New York. The receptionist would have accepted a photograph of the ID if I didn't have the physical document.

TPG also recommends having an actual photocopy in a separate place. TPG editor Kristy Tolley said she stores a hard copy in a separate place from where she keeps her passport in case she loses a bag. "I also leave a copy of it at home if I'm traveling alone," she said.

Check expiration dates

If you aren't 100% certain of the expiration date of your passport and other travel documents, go check them now. Renewing passports takes time, and some countries require six months of future passport validity to allow entry. Remember that child passports expire every five years, which can sneak up on you.

Related: How and when to renew your passport

Double-checking the expiration dates for driver's licenses and state IDs is also a good idea. Remember that TSA checks the expiration dates on your documents when they screen you for security. Don't forget to check the expiration dates for your Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry, Clear and TSA PreCheck, too. It can take a while to get a Global Entry interview appointment if you need one to renew.

No one wants to get to the front of the security line only to realize that the PreCheck mark is gone from their boarding pass.

Finally, check the entry requirements if you are traveling internationally. Some countries require visas that you must acquire before arrival.

Consider travel protection

When booking your travel, try to use a credit card that offers some built-in travel protection . Many credit cards, including TPG favorites like The Platinum Card® from American Express , offer this when you use those cards to purchase your airfare and similar travel.

Related: Best credit cards for trip delays and cancellations

If the coverage offered by your credit card isn't enough, you might also want to purchase travel insurance . These policies can sometimes go beyond trip cancellations to cover things like medical evacuations. Warning: Carefully read the fine print on any extra policy to ensure it covers the situations that matter the most to you.

Those who frequently travel abroad may want to consider purchasing an annual travel insurance policy instead of buying one on a trip-by-trip basis. Some TPG staffers purchase annual policies because of the cost savings for multiple trips. Some will find having an annual policy is easier than juggling separate policies or various credit card coverage terms and conditions.

Tips for your luggage

TPG has a ton of tips when it comes to luggage.

First and foremost, try to be on Team Carry-On whenever possible. If you don't check baggage, you are much less likely to become separated from it. Many of us at TPG refuse to check luggage except under extreme circumstances.

Of course, other folks with families or those embarking on long journeys may still want to check bags. If that's the case for you, you can still do many things to lessen the chance you get separated from your stuff. For example, make sure your luggage is in good working order, your contact information is attached and the bag is within the weight limits. You should get to the airport early (but not too early) to check your luggage and confirm it is tagged to the right destination or connection.

Related: Tips to keep the airline from losing your luggage

After recent baggage delays and luggage disasters , we strongly suggest you put Apple AirTags (or the Android equivalent ) into your luggage to track your items if they go missing .

If you check a bag, keep extra medicine or medical supplies in your carry-on bag in case your luggage goes missing or gets delayed. "As a diabetic, I keep a tiny emergency kit in my backpack with enough supplies to keep me going in an emergency," TPG writer Tanner Saunders said.

Former TPG credit card writer Ryan Smith also offered words of advice regarding luggage. "The last items you pack in your carry-on will be most accessible, so use this for your passport, ID, ticket, headphones or whatever else you need during the trip," he said. By making sure those items you'll use most are easiest to reach, you'll save yourself the hassle of having to dig around (or partially unpack) your bag to grab what you need.

Finally, be sure to get compensated if your bags are late or lost. Many airlines will give you points or even cash for delayed bags, and the government has rules on compensation if your bags are lost.

Staying safe on your journeys

From potentially getting robbed while on the road to experiencing bad weather or natural disasters while traveling, many scenarios could arise when you're away from home.

To mitigate those risks, pay attention to U.S. Department of State warnings about the destination you plan to visit. Also, check local sources for the latest news from that country or region for additional context. Although the State Department tends to err on the side of caution with its warnings, it's still best to be aware of what you may face during your trip.

Also, know the local number in case of emergencies. In many places, including Mexico and much of Europe, dialing 9-1-1 on your cellphone will connect you to emergency services like in the U.S. However, you should know the local emergency numbers of whichever country you visit.

Let people at home know your itinerary and stay in touch with them throughout your trip. If something goes amiss, at least someone will know where you're supposed to be or the last place you visited.

If you're arriving at night, contact your hotel or home-share host to ask about the best way to get there and the safest ways to travel at night in that area.

Also, be strategic about how you check into a hotel. Some solo travelers request two keycards to imply someone else is on the trip. Giving thought to the hotel room's security swing bar can also make sense; some travelers place a hand towel over it to make it harder to dislodge from the outside.

Some final tips

• For cruisers, TPG principal cruise writer Gene Sloan suggests arriving in port at least a day in advance (if not several days ahead of time). This will eliminate the risk of missing your ship's departure time and help you acclimate to the local time zone.
• When taking road trips to out-of-the-way destinations, go old school and bring paper maps or download offline maps from Google. Using a paper map or an offline version means you always have a way to navigate around your chosen destination, even if you lose cellular service.
• You should reserve airport parking ahead of time during peak travel times. Some airport parking areas fill up fast around holidays, so reserving your spot ahead of time will save you from wasting time looking for a space when you need to catch a flight. You can also sometimes save by booking online in advance, too.

Bottom line

Whether you're fresh to the world of traveling or a seasoned expert, you can always learn new tips to maximize your time away from home. The more research and preparation you do before your trip, the better your experience will be — especially if things go wrong, as they sometimes do.

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6 Ways You Can Speed Up (or Skip) the Airport Security Line

Getting through airport security can be a time-consuming and frustrating ordeal, especially when traveling during the busy holiday season.

Thankfully, a variety of programs and passes allow travelers to speed up their airport security screening via dedicated entry lanes and the ability to avoid removing items like shoes, liquids, jackets, and belts. Here, a list of the options available, from subscriptions to one-time passes.

More than 2.5 million people are currently signed up with Clear , a company that utilizes biometrics to allow travelers to quickly identify themselves at airports with fingerprints and eye scans.

As a member of Clear , which is available in 40 locations across the U.S., travelers will be able to move through a dedicated Clear lane to skip through security lines. Thanks to Clear's identification technology, travelers also get to skip the lengthy ID check lines. A Clear membership costs $179 a year ($15 a month).

TSA Agents Are Going After Snacks More Than Ever and Travelers Are Not Happy

Elite status:.

Most U.S. airlines allow their mid-tier and higher elite members to access expedited security screening lanes at participating airports. The perk can sometimes also extend to companions traveling with an elite member, so be sure to check with your airline to see if this applies so that you and your travel buddy can both speed through security.

American Airlines: Priority privileges including priority check-in, security screening, and boarding are offered to AAdvantage members (Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, Platinum, and Gold), AirPass travelers, oneworld members (Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby), AAdvantage Citi Executive card holders, and passengers flying in first, business, and premium economy.

Economy passengers who do not fall under the specified categories above can purchase priority access. Prices vary depending on the itinerary.

Delta Air Lines: Sky Priority members have access to expedited check-in, security, boarding, and baggage. Sky Priority is available for Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members, as well as passengers with flights booked on Delta One, first class, or business class, and members of SkyTeam Elite Plus, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold, and Virgin Australia Velocity Platinum and Gold.

United Airlines: Premier Access perks apply to MileagePlus Premier members (Premiere 1K, Premiere Platinum, Premiere Gold, and Premiere Silver), Star Alliance Gold members, MileagePlus Club and Presidential Plus credit card members, and travelers with business and first class tickets.

Passengers not in these categories can also purchase Premiere Access for their flight at airports where the feature is available starting at $15.

Southwest Airlines: Fly by priority lane , which allows for quicker access to the front of the ticket counter and expedited service through security lines in select cities, is available for Rapid Rewards members (A-List and A-List Preferred), and for customers flying on business select.

JetBlue: JetBlue's Even More Speed lets passengers enter expedited lanes to get through airport security, and is automatically available for TrueBlue Mosaic and JetBlue Mint customers. Travelers also have the option to purchase Even More Speed in the "extras" section when booking flights or checking in for $15, or as a bundle with an Even More Space seat (prices vary by route).

Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines offers expedited security access for MVP Gold and 75K Mileage Plan members, as well as American AAdvantage Platinum and Executive Platinum members, and passengers traveling in first class.

TSA PreCheck:

TSA PreCheck provides a speedier airport security process by providing a separate security screening lane for TSA-approved passengers. With TSA PreCheck, passengers can keep their shoes, belts, laptops, and light jackets on, and are not required to remove liquids from carry-on baggage.

According to TSA representatives , signing up with the program can mean an average wait time of less than five minutes when going through airport security screenings. The service is available across 200 airports in the U.S. and 56 airlines participate.

The service is available for travel when departing from a U.S. airport to a foreign country and for domestic flights. A five-year membership costs $85. Several credit cards and loyalty programs also cover the cost of signing up for TSA PreCheck.

Global Entry:

Global Entry helps speed up the travel process when headed to international destinations, as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection program allows pre-cleared travelers to skip the customs line and head straight to automatic kiosks to get a customs declaration.

Global Entry members can use automatic kiosks available at participating airports to scan their passport or permanent resident card and place their fingerprint on the scanner to verify their identity and complete their customs declaration. Kiosks print a transaction receipt so they can head straight to baggage claim.

The program costs $100 for five years, though credit cards like the American Express Platinum Card will offer a rebate to customers who use the card for the application fee.

Mobile Passport Control gives travelers a faster way to get their declaration forms across 24 airports in the U.S and is the first app to be authorized by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

With the free app, U.S. and Canadian passport holders can create a profile containing their passport information along with a selfie and answers to a series of CBP inspection-related questions. They'll then receive a QR code that customs officers can scan with their passport. Unlike Global Entry, use of the app does not require a formal interview or fees, and while it does not let you skip lines completely, it does speed up the process.

Several apps will also let you check the length of security lines before you arrive at the airport, so you can plan ahead.

These include TripIt , which monitors airport security line wait times in real-time down to exactly how many minutes it will take to get to each gate. The feature is available to TripIt Pro users for $49 a year.

MiFlight is a free app that monitors airport security wait times based on social sharing. Crowd-sourced updates are available for over 100 airports, and terminal maps help navigate through the airport after security.

The TSA also runs an app called My TSA , which provides estimated wait times and answers travelers' questions about airport security, from which items can be carried on to which airports and airlines support TSA PreCheck.

Travelers looking to skip airport security lines completely can do so with Surf Air . The California-based service allows members to take unlimited flights for a fixed rate of $1,950 per month, or to pay an annual fee of $2,500 to take flights on private jets for a flat rate of $445.

The airline lets travelers book private travel at a lower cost by offering schedule-based services, with only eight people per plane. When flying with Surf Air, passengers simply need to arrive at private airports 15 minutes before their departure. Once at the airport, they can simply grab a complimentary snack or drink and walk directly onto their plane, as Surf Air checks members against TSA's No Fly list and conducts security screenings on its members to avoid having to go through this process each time they're at the airport.

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Flights to moscow - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends for flights to moscow to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., how many airports are there in moscow, there are 4 airports in moscow: moscow sheremetyevo airport (svo), moscow vnukovo airport (vko), moscow domodedovo airport (dme) and moscow zhukovsky airport (zia). the busiest airport is moscow sheremetyevo airport (svo), with 52% of all flights arriving there., how long is the flight to moscow, the duration of your flight to moscow depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to moscow on kayak are from san francisco , which takes 19h 20m, los angeles , which takes 20h 30m, new york , which takes 22h 15m, and miami , which takes 23h 25m., when to book flights to moscow, faqs - booking moscow flights, what are the stopover options for the us to moscow flights.

The stopover options for the US flights to Moscow depend on your airline, departure city, and arrival airport. If you're flying with Turkish Airlines from New York, expect layovers in Istanbul, Bodrum, and Antalya. United Airlines, British Airways, EI AI, Azerbaijan Airlines, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, and Emirates offer flights from New York to DME with common layovers in Tel Aviv-Yafo, London, Baku, Vienna, Zurich, and Amsterdam respectively. Flights from Los Angeles have common layovers in New York, Frankfurt, Dubai, Stockholm, Amsterdam, and Vienna.

Which US airports offer flights from the US to Moscow?

If you’re looking to fly to Moscow from the US, you will be happy to know that several US airports offer these flights. You can get flights from the US to Moscow from Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Newark (EWR), New York (JFK), Philadelphia (PHL), Chicago (ORD), and Atlanta (ATL) among others.

Does Sheremetyevo International Airport offer accessible services?

Yes. SVO is an accessible airport with management that strives to ensure that all passengers traveling through the airport get full access to its programs and services. The airport’s terminals are well configured to provide easy access for passengers with reduced mobility. SVO also offers accessible restrooms throughout its terminals. Disabled travelers are welcome to use Saturn Lounge in Terminal D or Sirius Lounge for passengers flying from Terminals D, E, and F.

How can I access the lounges at Moscow Vnukovo International Airport?

Art Lounge is near Gate 23 on the Second Floor of Terminal A. The lounge admits passengers on in-transit or international flights only and remains open for 24 hours. You can access the lounge through a pass or membership programs. Fountain Lounge is in the food court area on the Second Floor of Terminal A and admits passengers on membership programs. You can access Top Lounge through membership programs. The lounge is near Gate 21 on the Third Floor of Terminal A. Prokofiev Premier and Tchaikovsky Lounge admit travelers through membership programs. Prokofiev is near Gate 13 in Terminal A while the latter is on the International Airside of the same terminal.

What shopping options are available at the Moscow airports?

Travelers looking to shop while in Moscow need not go any further than the airports, as both airports have a wide range of options from fashion to jewelry and souvenirs. Popular shops in Sheremetyevo International Airport include Red Machine, Yarmarka, and Swarovski. For Domodedovo International Airport, Natura Siberica, Consul, and Frey Wille are all great stores to take a peek at.

What restaurant options are there at the Moscow airports?

Just as the shopping options were extensive at both airports, the dining is the same. For Sheremetyevo International Airport, consider paying a visit to Kolbasny Tsekh and Mama Russia. If you are flying into Domodedovo International Airport, Uzbechka and Edim Letim are sure to satisfy.

What facilities are available for children and families at Moscow’s airports?

In Sheremetyevo International Airport, travelers will be happy to note that there is a children’s play area in Terminal D. There are also mother-and-child rooms that feature play areas, showers, and couches for young children and their mothers. As for Domodedovo International Airport, there are two children’s play areas located at the International and Domestic Terminals.

How do I get from Domodedovo International Airport to downtown Moscow?

Fortunately for travelers, Domodedovo International Airport is very well-connected to downtown Moscow. If you are just in town for a visit, likely the cheapest and most convenient way to get into town is the Aeroexpress. Aside from the Aeroexpress, however, there are also bus, shuttle and taxi options available.

Which Moscow airport is closest to central Moscow?

There are 4 major airports in Moscow. The nearest airport from Moscow city center is Moscow Vnukovo (17 miles), followed by Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (18 miles), Moscow Zhukovsky (25 miles), and Moscow Domodedovo Airport (25 miles).

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to Moscow?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Moscow.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to Moscow?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Moscow is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Moscow?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Moscow with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Moscow?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Moscow up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Which airline offers the most flights to Moscow?

Of the 20 airlines that fly to Moscow, Aeroflot offers the most flights, with around 2,240 per week, followed by Pobeda with 495 flights per week.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Moscow

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Moscow flight deals.
• Moscow Vnukovo International Airport (VKO) consists of two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal D. The former is the main terminal that serves most international and domestic flights. Terminal D mostly serves flights arriving from North Caucasus. The terminals are a short walk from each other as they are adjacent and are connected by walkways.
• Passengers arriving at Moscow Domodedovo International Airport (MDE) can utilize the airport’s shower facilities to freshen up before leaving the airport. Showers are available in the Left Wing of the International Arrivals Area.
• Passengers looking to explore MDE luggage-free are welcome to leave their luggage at the airport’s storage lockers. You can find the lockers Landslide of the International Arrivals Area and on the Ground Floor of the Domestic Arrivals.
• Gadget-totting travelers can charge their devices at MDE. The airport offers stand-alone charging stations in every waiting lounge. You can also rent battery chargers from the Left Luggage room.
• Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) is completely smoke-free in the terminals. However, the airport offers designated smoking pavilions to accommodate smoking passengers. The smoking pavilions are outside at the terminals’ entrances.
• For flights to Moscow, travelers have four different airports to choose from: Domodedovo International Airport (DME), Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Vnukovo International Airport (VKO), and Zhukovsky International Airport (ZIA). However, most travelers will be flying into either Domodedovo International Airport or Sheremetyevo International Airport, as they are by far the most popular of the four airports.
• Getting from Sheremetyevo International Airport to downtown Moscow is simple, thanks to the Aeroexpress, which connects directly to both Belorussky Railway Terminal and Okruzhnaya station. From either station, you can head to a number of locations across Moscow in no time.
• Looking to head straight to the hotel after your flight to Moscow? If you are landing at Sheremetyevo International Airport, the Novotel Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport Hotel is within walking distance of the airport’s terminals. For Domodedovo International Airport, on the other hand, there is the Domodedovo AirHotel, which is located just half a mile away from the airport and offers free transfers to and from the airport.
• If you need to get between Domodedovo International Airport and Sheremetyevo International Airport, your best bet is to take a combination of the Aeroexpress and the Moscow Metro. There is even a special “Between Airports” ticket available for purchase at the Aeroexpress ticket office.
• Got a few hours to spare at Sheremetyevo International Airport? Why not stop off at the Aero-beauty hair salon for a cut, trim, or maybe even a dye? Another option is to spend some time at the History Museum of Sheremetyevo, which has several unique exhibitions on the history of the airport.

Prefer to fly non-stop to Moscow?

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Arrival and Departure: Moscow Airports, Train Stations, Buses

Flying to / from moscow.

If you take a domestic flight , it'll be either to / from Sheremetyevo 1 or Domodedovo airports.

The new and renovated Vnukovo airport serves mostly domestic flights (UtAir, Vladivostok Avia, flights to North Caucasus), as well as German Wings flights to/from Germany.

To get from the airports to the center of Moscow you can take Aeroexpress train, which is the fastest and easiest way to get to the city. A train ride takes about 35-40 minutes and costs about 500R (€8) one way. Tickets can be purchased on the spot or using Aeroexpress iPhone app.  You can also get a taxi from the airport . On average a trip to the center of the city takes about 1 hour (can be more during peak times and less in the night and on the weekends), prices start at €20 one way if you order a taxi through Uber or Yandex.Taxi. The problem is that there are many taxis outside and no designated waiting point, so if you don't speak Russian and don't have a Russian phone number it may be hard to coordinate with the driver. You can use one of the taxi desks at the airport (then you pay about €30 to €50 for a ride) or you can also order a transfer from the airport to any address in Moscow online through our site. We pass your orders to a reliable partner: they have English-speaking drivers, 24-hour customer support, and confirm within a few minutes.  

Sheremetyevo SVO Arrivals / Departures

Domodedovo (dme) arrivals and departures, arriving / departing with a train.

Schyolkovsky Bus Terminal, Moscow

That's the main bus station in Moscow located at the east of the city (25 mins by metro from the center). To read more about it, please, see Moscow Bus Stations page. 

• Moscow Airport Transfers
• Arrival and Departure: St. Petersburg Airport, Train Stations, and Bus Stations
• Rent a Car in Moscow and other Russian Cities

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Portland’s Revolutionary New Airport Terminal Is Like Stepping into the Lush Pacific Northwest Forest

The new main terminal is a triumph of tradition and sustainability.

Portland International Airport’s new main terminal officially opened today, marking a notable moment in architectural and environmental history. More than just a stunning state-of-the-art transit hub, the project is a fusion of contemporary design and the cultural legacy of the Pacific Northwest’s Native tribes. The forest-to-frame terminal is the first major building project in the United States to prominently feature Native-grown and harvested wood and is the largest mass timber construction of its kind.

Photo courtesy Port of Portland

It’s perhaps no surprise that the project is in Oregon, already a leader in the regenerative travel industry. Designed by ZGF for the Port of Portland, the terminal’s striking nine-acre roof is constructed entirely from Douglas fir. These materials were carefully selected and harvested by four local tribes: the Yakama Nation, the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Skokomish Indian Tribe, and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, all of which have a heritage of forestry and land management that inherently emphasizes environmental sustainability and community welfare. The materials were sourced via selective logging methods historically practiced by these tribes such as harvesting specific trees or using those felled by natural causes, which ultimately helps reduce wildfire risks and enhance climate resilience.

“I think forest management is a very misunderstood issue. With the wildfires happening and increasing in the state of Oregon and around the nation, we have to start talking about how best to manage these lands sustainably, holistically, and these types of projects afford the opportunity to start having these types of conversations,” says Brenda Meade, Chair of the Coquille Indian Tribe.

Photo courtesy of Port of Portland

Executing the build of the new main terminal was no minor feat, especially considering the airport had to remain operational during the construction. The assembly of the roof had to take place on an empty airfield. It was then slowly moved piece by piece to avoid disrupting operations. But the result will hopefully be as iconic as the PDX airports’ Instagram-famous kitschy carpet.

“I am hoping that travelers will take the time to learn, appreciate, and respect our natural resources and the communities that are here in the Northwest. It is important that people understand the history of where they are and the people that come from this land,” says Cristy Fiander, Resource Manager for Yakama Forest Products. “Tribal people are still here and have a deep connection to the land and resources.  We are taught to think about the seven generations behind us and seven generations in front of us.”

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Toronto Island airport says it needs to pave over part of the lake to meet safety standards

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Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport says it needs to extend further into Lake Ontario to comply with new safety standards, the alternative being the island flight hub's permanent closure in the not-too-distant future.

Details of the airport's proposed expansion were revealed during a public meeting covering recent changes to regulations regarding Runway End Safety Areas (RESAs), offering a glimpse into the travel hub's plans to adapt and meet compliance.

Ports Toronto commissioned airport consultants Avia NG to study how RESAs could be implemented at Billy Bishop Airport, resulting in a shortlist of three options that align with the facility's operational needs.

Options included preparing natural compacted open areas (i.e., soil or grass) to decelerate aircraft, shortening the runway or installing an arresting system to halt planes.

Of the three choices, only one was deemed a viable solution — an engineered materials arresting system (EMAS), also known as an arrester bed — with the report stating that "commercial air service would no longer be viable" if the other options were pursued.

EMAS is like a hybrid of the runaway truck lanes that use soil and gravel to stop malfunctioning trucks on highways, and the arresting cables used to halt landing planes on aircraft carriers, but on a use-and-replace, emergency-only basis.

Essentially, landing aircraft overshooting the runway would be safely halted by the EMAS's engineered materials crumbling beneath the weight of the plane and acting as an external brake, rather than having the plane careen into the lake in near-certain catastrophe.

It would mark the first implementation of an EMAS at a Canadian airport, though current options being explored would swallow up as much 4.5 hectares of the lake to accommodate this new safety feature.

This largest and most expensive option, at a staggering $100 million, includes 12,800 square metres of new landmass added to the west end of the runway and projecting 82 metres from the current seawall, combined with 32,700 square metres of landmass extension at the east end of the runway, extending out 66 metres from that seawall.

The Toronto Island airport @BBishopAirport wants permission to expand into the harbour. Here is one scenario, 4.5 hectares of lakefill and more than $100 million: pic.twitter.com/mNGm6p5zRm — Alex Bozikovic (@alexbozikovic) August 16, 2024

It should be noted that all of these potential expansion schemes fall within the airport's Marine Exclusion Zone (MEZ), which are sections of the lake/harbour where boating is already strictly prohibited.

Unlike the earlier runway extension debate that ultimately saw Billy Bishop's main carrier, Porter, launch jet operations from Toronto Pearson International Airport , PortsToronto stresses that "the project is not intended to address runway extensions or have any effect on current runway operations, runway capacity or aircraft types using the runway."

That being said, the plan notes that this supersized option would allow for "modest development opportunities" for the south airfield area.

Some possible benefits to entice the public are also mentioned, most notable a vague but intriguing "future consideration" of "possible space allocation for [the] provision of [a] landside perimeter pathway for public use," potentially providing a bypass to the airport lands and turning the existing fixed-link airport tunnel into a new public connection to the islands.

The plan is still in its consultation stages, and PortsToronto is expected to present a report on the proposed safety zone expansions to the mayor's executive committee later this year.

Vadim Rodnev / Shutterstock.com

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Urgent Majorca travel warnings as hundreds of holidaymakers stranded at airport

Tourists waiting for flights at Palma Airport, in Spain, were left stranded and slept on the floor after storms forced airlines to cancel and delay flights

• 16:22, 16 Aug 2024
• Updated 17:36, 16 Aug 2024

British holidaymakers in Spain have vented their fury after airlines have left them stranded at Majorca’s Palma airport following summer storms.

Ferocious weather in Spain has resulted in hundreds of people sleeping on airport floors, as flights have been cancelled. The concerned father of two British youngsters stuck at the airport said on Twitter this morning: “@easyJet can you please explain why my 18-year-old son and his girlfriend are still at Palma airport and have been since 1pm yesterday."

Another angry traveller wrote: “Stuck at Palma de Majorca airport overnight with many, many other people. Almost all flights delayed. Still have to get to Bristol and then to Cornwall (another four hour journey) which I have to pay another 120 quid for.

Were you left stranded at Palma Airport in Majorca, Spain? Email us at [email protected]

“I feel so bad for the people who stayed two nights already and the people with kids. No flights for most people until Sunday/Monday.”

Another angry Brit added: “Appalling from @easyJet in Palma airport. Trying to sleep on the floor with our three young kids. Cancelled flight. No info, no staff, no alternative flights until Sunday, no accommodation/food/water offered. And apparently it’s ‘exceptional circumstances’ so no recompense.”

Budget airline easyJet has apologised for the problems customers are experiencing, blaming adverse weather conditions and advising all customers due to fly with them to and from Palma to check on the status of their flights.

It said in an online message: “The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is our highest priority and while these circumstances are outside of our control, we are sorry for any difficulty or inconvenience caused by this. We would like to reassure you that we are doing everything possible to minimise the impact of the disruption and are working hard to ensure our customers reach their destination safely.”

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Ryanair, whose customers have also been affected, also apologised for the “excessive” delays and cancellations in a message posted yesterday on its website. But it went on to attack Spanish Air Traffic Control for its “nonsensical” decision to “block” inbound aircraft from landing.

It said: “It makes no sense given there were no weather issues in Palma this morning as confirmed by the fact that flights departing Palma were allowed to continue as normal. Passengers were allowed to leave Palma de Majorca but those coming on holiday were not allowed to arrive.

“Ryanair has been unable to contact the Head of Spanish ATC this morning to reverse this nonsensical decision and now calls on the Spanish Minister of Transport to explain why Palma de Mallorca was closed for arriving passengers due to non-existent weather issues.”

Jose Antonio Santana, president of Spain’s air navigation manager ENAIRE, responded by calling Ryanair’s criticism “unacceptable” and defended the limitations on flights for “public safety reasons" linked to the storms.

Fancy earning money when you book a holiday? Thanks to Quidco, you can. After signing up for free, Quidco gives you a chunk of money back every time you spend. If your first purchase is within 30 days of signing up and is £5 or more, you'll receive cashback on that purchase and a £15 bonus.

All the Balearic Islands have been affected by bad weather this week, with flooding in Menorca leading to the Civil Guard having to rescue 16 people from their homes yesterday by helicopter.

Officials in Menorca said overnight they wanted the centre of the island where the flooding was worse to be declared a “disaster zone” by the Spanish government.

The weather turned in some parts of Spain on Tuesday, with islands like Formentera and Menorca being badly affected yesterday and on Wednesday.

Ibiza and Formentera were the first to be hit by the storms before they moved towards Majorca and Menorca. An orange weather alert had been in place for the islands so the dramatic change in the weather had been predicted.

Council chiefs in Calvia, which covers the popular British resort of Magaluf, reacted by suspending local festivities and other outdoors activities which had been programmed for Wednesday and Thursday.

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UK Border Force staff at Heathrow to strike during homeward rush

’our strike action is likely to cause serious disruption to travellers using heathrow at the end of the summer’ – pcs general secretary fran heathcote, article bookmarked.

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Passport officers at Britain’s busiest airport, London Heathrow , will walk out during the homeward rush of UK holidaymakers at the end of the summer school holidays.

The PCS union says 650 members who work in passport control at Heathrow will strike from Saturday 31 August to Tuesday 3 September.

The stoppage will be immediately followed by a work-to-rule and overtime ban until Sunday 22 September.

The aim of the strike is to cause maximum impact as hundreds of thousands of families return from holidays abroad. While most arrivals at Heathrow use eGates to get through passport control, these are not available to children under 10.

The UK Border Force staff are in dispute about what the union calls “enforced changes to their rota”.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “Our hard-working members at Heathrow take great pride in keeping our country’s border safe, but many are being forced out of the job they love.

“They’re being told by managers to choose between caring responsibilities and their job, which is no choice at all. The only reason they’re being forced to choose is because their managers are forcing them.

“We know our strike action is likely to cause serious disruption to travellers using Heathrow at the end of the summer, but the strike can be avoided if the employer listens to the concerns of our members.”

Since the dispute began, the officers have taken seven days of strike action.

Previous walk-outs have not had a significant effect on operations , though the decision to target the end of the school holidays may lead to long queues.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We appreciate the tireless work that Border Force do to keep our borders safe and secure, and we are committed to continuing our conversations with the union so we can find an agreement that works for both the public and staff.

“We will have robust plans in place to minimise disruption where possible, but we urge passengers to check the latest advice from operators before they travel.”

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Delhi Airport's Terminal 1 to resumes operations on August 17 after roof collapse

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Created : Aug 14, 2024, 20:04 IST

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Delhi Airport's Terminal 1 was scheduled to reopen on August 17, following a closure caused by a roof collapse. SpiceJet and IndiGo were set to resume flights, aiming to ease congestion at Terminals 2 and 3. The reopening aimed to … Read more

Delhi Airport's Terminal 1 was scheduled to reopen on August 17, following a closure caused by a roof collapse. SpiceJet and IndiGo were set to resume flights, aiming to ease congestion at Terminals 2 and 3. The reopening aimed to offer enhanced amenities. Compensation was pledged for the affected victims. Read less

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Delhi Airport's Terminal 1 was scheduled to reopen on August 17, following a closure caused by a roof collapse. SpiceJet and IndiGo were set to resume flights, aiming to ease congestion at Terminals 2...

East Midlands Airport updates as 'traffic incident' closes off main route - as it happened

Traffic around the airport will be affected

• Updated 17:21, 13 AUG 2024

A major route to East Midlands Airport was closed this afternoon (Tuesday, August 13) after a collision.

The incident resulted in the A453 being shut in both directions from the roundabout leading to the East Midlands Airport's (EMA) long stay car park in Castle Donington. The route from the A453 to Green, Diseworth was also closed.

The disruption was expected to affect traffic flow in the area, and drivers warned to allow extra time for their journeys.

We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first

• Police confirm 2-vehicle crash 15:50
• Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service 15:32

Thanks for tuning in

Traffic data from Google suggests that the A453 is now open.

Our coverage ends here, thanks for tuning in.

Accident investigation

Traffic monitor Inrix says that 'accident investigation work' is underway.

Road closure

The road remains closed following an accident involving two vehicles just after midday.

Traffic delays

The road closure is affecting traffic between East Midlands Airport and Donington Park.

Police confirm 2-vehicle crash

Leicestershire Police have issued a statement on the incident.

A spokesperson said: "A two-vehicle collision was reported on the A543 just after midday. No life-threatening or life-changing injuries have been reported."

Further details

We are still trying to get more details on what has led to the road closures, however we understand that a road traffic incident happened on the A453 just after lunchtime.

We have approached Leicestershire Police for comment.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that it attended an incident at 12:10pm.

A spokesperson said: "The incident started at 12:10pm and we sent one appliance from Castle Donnington alongside Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.."

Road closures

Road closures are still in place this afternoon, Google Maps shows slow traffic in the area.

EMA Statement

A spokesperson for East Midlands Airport, told LeicestershireLive: "We’re aware of the incident but it has had no operational impact on the airport or on people travelling to the airport."

Motorists heading to and from Diseworth may face delays this afternoon.

The road from the A453 to the Green, Diseworth is also closed.

Long stay car park

We've contacted East Midlands Airport for comment on the incident.

We're still trying to get more details on the road traffic incident.

Impact on travel

Traffic service Inrix reports that there is slow traffic in the area.

Leicestershire Police

Leicestershire Police have advised motorists to seek alternative routes.

A road traffic incident has closed the A453 is closed in both directions from the roundabout leading to the East Midlands Airport long stay car park up to the Grimes Gate turn.

• East Midlands Airport
• Traffic and Travel
• Castle Donington
• In the News
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Security Screening

TSA incorporates unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, to accomplish our transportation security mission.

Security measures begin long before you arrive at the airport. TSA works closely with the intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information. Additional security measures are in place from the time you get to the airport until you get to your destination.

TSA adjusts processes and procedures to meet the evolving threat and to achieve the highest levels of transportation security. Because of this, you may notice changes in our procedures from time to time.

TSA counts on the traveling public to report unattended bags or packages; individuals in possession of a threatening item; and persons trying to enter a restricted area or similar suspicious activities at airports, train stations, bus stops and ports. If You See Something, Say Something™ . Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.

Passenger screening at the airport is part of TSA’s layered approach to security to get you safely to your destination. TSA’s screening procedures are intended to prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security from entering the sterile area of the airport and are developed in response to information on threats to transportation security. Learn more by viewing this timeline of transportation security events and measures .

Carry-on Baggage Screening

Carry-on Baggage Screening in Standard Lanes TSA screens approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags for explosives and other dangerous items daily. Here’s what to expect when taking your carry-on bag through security screening next time you fly.

Electronics You will be asked to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them into a bin with nothing placed on or under them for X-ray screening.

Common examples of these devices include laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles.

This does not include items such as hair dryers, electric shavers or electric toothbrushes.

Food Listen to the instructions of the TSA officer. In most cases, food or snacks such as fruit, health bars, and sandwiches can stay inside your carry-on bag. There are special instructions for liquids, gels, and aerosols, as well as for baby food, breast milk and medically necessary items.

A TSA officer will be available to guide you through the process.

Packing If you are preparing for your flight, be aware that how and what you pack can impact the screening process. Be sure that you check for prohibited items and remember to follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule .

In addition to screening personal electronic devices separately, including laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles, TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate other items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

We recommend keeping your bag organized to help ease the screening process as it takes time for TSA officers to make sure a jam-packed, cluttered, overstuffed bag is safe.

Check out our travel tips page for more packing and screening tips.

Checked Baggage Screening

TSA screens approximately 1.3 million checked bags for explosives and other dangerous items daily. Upon check in, your checked baggage will be provided to TSA for security screening. Once the screening process has completed, your airline will transport your checked baggage on your respective flight as well as deliver it to the baggage claim area. The majority of checked baggage is screened without the need for a physical bag search.

Inspection Notices : TSA may inspect your checked baggage during the screening process. If your property is physically inspected, TSA will place a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag. This is to inform you that an officer conducted an inspection of your property.

Claims : If your property is lost or damaged during the screening process, you may file a claim with TSA. If your property is lost or damaged during transport to the plane or baggage claim, please contact your airline.

Locks : TSA has been provided universal "master" keys under agreements with Safe Skies Luggage Locks and Travel Sentry so that certain branded locks may not have to be cut to inspect baggage. These locks are commercially available, and packaging on the locks should indicate they may be opened by TSA officers. TSA has no position on the validity or effectiveness of these product as a security measure and will be forced to remove these products if necessary during the inspection.

Monitoring : Responsibilities for access control and video monitoring of checked baggage facilities fall to individual airports as part of their security plan. Methods of monitoring vary from airport to airport and may include CCTV.

International Flights

TSA works closely with international partners to maintain aviation security standards abroad.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is actively working to raise the baseline for aviation security across the globe by requiring the implementation of enhanced security measures, both seen and unseen, at approximately 280 foreign airports with direct commercial flights to the U.S., in more than 100 countries around the world. Read about the security measures and FAQ for more information on aviation security worldwide.

What to Expect If you are flying from any of the last-point-of-departure airports into the U.S., you may experience a more extensive screening process and should prepare for additional screening of your property and personal electronic devices. We recommend arriving early to the airport to allow enough time for the screening process. Please know, there are no changes to items allowed in carry-on and checked baggage.

For your convenience, we encourage you to place powder-like substances over 12 oz. / 350 mL in your checked bags. Powders in carry-on baggage may require secondary screening, and powders that cannot be resolved by security officials will be prohibited from the cabin of the aircraft effective June 30, 2018.

Check with your airline if you have questions about your flight to the U.S.

Electronics Restriction There are currently no airlines under restrictions for large personal electronic devices.

Overseas Foods & Goods Visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Know Before You Go page for information on what you can bring upon entry to the U.S.

Hazardous Materials Most hazardous materials are forbidden in carry-on and checked baggage. There are a few exceptions for some personal items such as toiletries, medicines, battery powered electronics and assistive devices. To learn about transporting hazardous materials to the U.S., check the Federal Aviation Administration Pack Safe list .

Pat-Down Screening

Pat-down procedures are used to determine whether prohibited items or other threats to transportation security are concealed on the person. You may be required to undergo a pat-down procedure if the screening technology alarms, as part of unpredictable security measures, for enhanced screening, or as an alternative to other types of screening, such as advanced imaging technology screening. Even passengers who normally receive expedited screening, such as TSA PreCheck™ passengers, may at times receive a pat-down.

A pat-down may include inspection of the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet. This includes head coverings and sensitive areas such as breasts, groin, and the buttocks. You may be required to adjust clothing during the pat-down. The officer will advise you of the procedure to help you anticipate any actions before you feel them. Pat-downs require sufficient pressure to ensure detection, and areas may undergo a pat-down more than once for the TSA officer to confirm no threat items are detected. 

TSA officers use the back of the hands for pat-downs over sensitive areas of the body. In limited cases, additional screening involving a sensitive area pat-down with the front of the hand may be needed to determine that a threat does not exist.   

You will receive a pat-down by an officer of the same gender. TSA officers will explain the procedures to you as they conduct the pat-down. Please inform an officer if you have difficulty raising your arms or remaining in the position required; an external medical device; or areas of the body that are painful when touched. You may request a chair to sit if needed.

At any time during the process, you may request private screening accompanied by a companion of your choice. A second officer of the same gender will always be present during private screening.

Screening Technology

TSA uses millimeter wave advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detectors to screen passengers. Millimeter wave advanced imaging technology safely screens passengers without physical contact for metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives, which may be concealed under clothing. Generally, passengers undergoing screening will have the opportunity to decline AIT screening in favor of physical screening. However, some passengers will be required to undergo AIT screening if their boarding pass indicates that they have been selected for enhanced screening, in accordance with TSA regulations, prior to their arrival at the security checkpoint. This will occur in a very limited number of circumstances. The vast majority of passengers will not be affected. See the responses to frequently asked questions .

Safety : Advanced imaging technology is safe and meets national health and safety standards. This technology uses non-ionizing radio-frequency energy in the millimeter spectrum with no known adverse health effects.  It does not use X-ray technology.

Privacy : TSA has strict privacy standards when using advanced imaging technology to protect your privacy. Advanced imaging technology uses automated target recognition software that eliminates passenger-specific images and instead auto-detects potential threats by indicating their location on a generic outline of a person. The generic outline is identical for all passengers.

Light Outer Garment / Bulky Clothing:  Any individual wearing a light outer garment or bulky clothing when screened through Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) will be asked to divest their light outwear or bulky clothing. A light outer garment is defined as an outer layer of clothing which has a full front zipper or buttons used to fasten the outer garment, excluding button shirts. Examples include, but are not limited to, windbreakers and vests, suit/sport coats, blazers, and light jackets. Bulky clothing is a garment that is very loose or doesn't conform to the contour of the person. Examples include but are not limited to, oversize pullover hoodies, large sweaters, cardigans, and ponchos. If an individual cannot or is not willing to remove a light outer garment or bulky clothing, let the officer know and additional screening may occur. 

Secure Flight

Secure Flight is a risk-based passenger prescreening program that enhances security by identifying low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport by matching their names against trusted traveler lists and watchlists.

To protect privacy, the Secure Flight program collects the minimum amount of personal information, such as full name, date of birth, and gender, necessary to conduct effective matching. Read the Privacy Impact Assessment and the System of Records Notice for information about the program's rigorous privacy protections. Personal data is collected, used, distributed, stored and disposed of according to stringent guidelines.

Secure Flight transmits the screening instructions back to the airlines to identify low-risk passengers eligible for TSA PreCheck®; individuals on the Selectee List who are designated for enhanced screening; and those who will receive standard screening. Secure Flight also prevents individuals on the No Fly List and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Do Not Board List from boarding an aircraft. The Travel Redress Program provides resolution for travel-related screening or inspection issues.

Standard and TSA PreCheck® Screening

As you know, standard screening requires that you remove all items and place them on the X-ray belt for screening. With TSA PreCheck®, you are able to speed through security and don’t need to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. Learn about how you can receive expedited screening with TSA PreCheck® .

TSA uses unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.