Enjoy hassle-free travel with our Airport Guide.

Don't fret about making your connecting flight or missing check-in. We've consulted our travel experts to address the most common airport queries, ensuring you glide through your next airport visit with ease.

Essential airport tips to get you started.

Navigating the airport can be daunting without the right strategies. Review these tips to ensure you're prepared for a smooth layover experience.

Which airport should you pick? Check out our guides.

Navigating a city with several airports can be overwhelming. Our experts offer their top recommendations for selecting the best airport for your journey in these guides.

Decoding airport terminology.

Airport aprons

Inside most airports, expansive windows offer views of planes queued at the gates, with busy staff bustling around. Jet bridges are maneuvered to and from fully loaded aircraft, while passengers board and disembark. Baggage handlers are seen loading and unloading luggage, and planes undergo refueling and inspections.

These activities occur in areas officially designated as aprons, which are often colloquially called ramps. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, both terms describe “the areas where aircraft park, load and unload,” with aprons being the official designation.

Airport aprons are separate from runways, where planes take off and land, and differ from taxiways, which are the routes that aircraft use to travel to and from the runways.

What about the term tarmac? Tarmac is actually a registered trademark for the material used to surface runways and other airport areas. Technically, there is no specific airport location called the tarmac. However, travelers, reporters, and even the U.S. Department of Transportation commonly use the term to refer to the activities happening on the airport apron. In fact, the DOT has a rule regarding delays, known as the “tarmac delay” rule, which imposes fines on airlines for not providing passengers with water, snacks, or the chance to exit during long waits before takeoff or after landing.

Airport codes

BWI. SEA. LAX. ORD. You’ll find these letter combinations on your flight bookings, boarding passes, baggage tags, and various airport merchandise like caps and mugs.

These letter combinations represent official airport codes. Every commercial airport worldwide, regardless of size, is assigned a unique three-letter code by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and a four-letter code by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These codes serve as shorthand to differentiate airports, with the three-letter IATA codes being the ones you’ll encounter most frequently. Pilots and air traffic controllers utilize the four-letter ICAO codes.

Many three-letter codes are intuitively connected to their respective cities, such as DEN for Denver International Airport and ALB for Albany, New York’s airport. Others derive their codes from notable individuals; for instance, New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport is designated as JFK, while Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport is labeled CDG.

Then there are the amusing airport codes that spell out words or evoke laughter. For example, Fresno International Airport in California has the code FAT, while St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport in Florida is known as PIE. Although they initially attempted to change it, Iowa’s Sioux Gateway Airport has embraced its IATA code, SUX. Curious about an airport code for your destination? You can easily look it up by name or code on the IATA website.

Airport gate

The area in the airport where you wait to board your flight is referred to as the gate, boarding gate, or hold room. You can find your flight’s assigned gate number on your boarding pass or displayed on the flight information screens throughout the terminal. In larger airports, the walk from the main terminal to your gate may take 15 to 20 minutes, so it’s wise to double-check your gate assignment before heading over.

In the gate area, an information board typically shows details about your flight, including scheduled boarding and departure times. This board may also display updates on seat assignments, delays, and other flight-related information.

Gate agents generally arrive at the gate 45 minutes to an hour before departure to manage the counter and address various flight-related tasks, such as finalizing seating for upgraded and standby passengers, answering inquiries, and ensuring that all passengers board the plane for a timely takeoff.

At many airports, gate areas consist of simple rooms or open spaces along the concourse corridor with hard seating. Therefore, you might prefer to spend most of your pre-flight time exploring nearby shops or restaurants. However, some gate areas are more inviting, featuring comfortable worktables, lounge chairs, ample charging stations for devices, impressive artwork, great views of the airfield, and even the option to have meals and drinks, including cocktails, served at your seat.

Airport security check

Before you can board a commercial flight in the United States (or any country), you, your checked luggage, and any carry-on items must pass through an airport security screening.

In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for overseeing airport security. This government agency ensures the safety of mass transit systems (and ports) and prevents prohibited items from entering secure areas of airport terminals. TSA inspects checked baggage in secure zones at airports using advanced X-ray scanning technology. The same technology is employed at security checkpoints, where you and your carry-on items are screened for dangerous or forbidden items like weapons and explosives.

In the regular screening lane, you’ll need to remove everything from your pockets before going through the screening machine, place your shoes on the X-ray conveyor, and put any liquids that adhere to TSA’s 3-1-1 rule as well as all electronics in trays or bins. If you have TSA PreCheck, while you still need to empty your pockets, you can keep your shoes on and send your carry-on bag through the X-ray machine with electronics and liquids still inside.

Airport security programs

Tired of waiting at the airport? There are security programs designed to minimize your time spent at checkpoints before your flight and on customs and immigration lines after international flights when you return home.

Clear also offers Reserve, a complimentary program available at over 20 airports across North America and Europe. This allows travelers to bypass long security lines by making a reservation to use a dedicated standard TSA lane at a specified time.

Airport terminal

At an airport, the terminal refers to the building or group of buildings where airline passengers check in for their flights, board planes, and where arriving passengers disembark. The terminal is where passengers can check in for their flights (if they haven’t done so online), drop off their luggage, go through security, and wait at gate holding areas until their flights are ready to depart.

Additionally, the terminal is where arriving passengers go through customs and immigration (for international flights), collect their checked luggage at baggage claim, and head to either private or public ground transportation, or reunite with friends or family in the arrivals area or curbside.

Smaller airports typically feature a single main terminal with a few boarding gates. In contrast, larger airports might have a central terminal with gates spread across multiple corridors, or concourses. There could also be separate 'satellite' terminals connected by walkways, trains, or buses. Regardless of their size, airport terminal buildings commonly include check-in counters, boarding gates, airline desks, shops, restaurants, bars, play areas for children, restrooms, and various other amenities.

Airport transfer

Airport transfers encompass a range of shared, private, and scheduled services that provide transportation to or from the airport and destinations like hotels, cruise ships, event venues, and residences.

While convenient, public transport, taxis, and popular rideshare services do not fall under the category of airport transfers. Instead, services such as hotel shuttle vans and private car services are included.

Private airport transfers

Those individuals in the arrivals hall, holding handwritten signs or electronic displays with names, are drivers providing pre-booked airport transfers, often in town cars or luxury limousines. You can also arrange this type of airport transfer from your home to the airport. While it tends to be pricier than public transport or typical taxis and rideshares, this option is favored for its reliability and convenience.

If you’re part of a tour group or cruise, the company you booked with might include or offer airport transfers in a town car, van, or bus as part of the package.

Shared airport transfers

Another option for airport transfers is shared bus or shuttle van services. You can book a ride in a shared van that picks up other passengers en route to the airport. Likewise, you can secure a seat in a shared van at the airport that will drop off passengers at their homes or other local destinations.

Shared airport transfers also encompass the complimentary shuttle vans often provided by hotels located at or near airports. Most operate on a regular curbside pick-up schedule, while others might require you to call the hotel from baggage claim to arrange for a pick-up, particularly during off-hours. Keep in mind that some hotels, especially those near busy cruise ports, may charge a fee for their shared van services to and from the airport or port.

Baggage claim

The baggage claim area, often called the baggage hall, is where passengers arriving on flights go to retrieve their checked luggage that has traveled in the aircraft's hold.

At nearly all airports, except the smallest ones, bags are taken from the airplane and placed on rotating conveyor belts, known as baggage carousels, within the baggage claim area. You’ll need to keep an eye out for your bag as it moves along the conveyor and grab it as it passes by. Although other passengers may crowd around, the etiquette is to wait back until you see your bag, then step forward to collect it. The great thing about carousels is that if you miss your bag the first time, it will come around again.

How do you find out which carousel has your luggage? A flight attendant or gate agent may announce the designated carousel number or letter for your flight. Your airline’s app could also send you a notification. Alternatively, follow the signs to the baggage claim area and check the display boards for your flight number, origin, and the corresponding luggage carousel number.

As for how long it will take for your bags to show up at baggage claim, the playful answer is ‘it depends.’ While it can sometimes feel like forever waiting for your bag, advancements in technology have made it easier for airlines to get your baggage off the plane and to the claim area. In fact, both Alaska and Delta Airlines offer a 20-minute bag service guarantee (conditions apply) and compensation if your bags aren’t delivered on time.

Boarding a flight

Boarding a flight involves transitioning from the gate's waiting area onto the aircraft.

To board a flight, you'll need a boarding pass. If you check in online, your airline will provide an electronic boarding pass that can be printed or saved on your smartphone. You can also obtain printed boarding passes at the airport from self-service kiosks or your airline's ticket counter. After clearing security, proceed to your assigned gate. You can find the gate number on your ticket or the airport's information display screens.

For domestic flights, boarding typically starts around 30 minutes before departure, while international flights usually begin boarding 45 minutes to an hour prior. Most airlines close boarding at least 15 minutes before takeoff. Even if the plane is still at the gate, being late may result in denied boarding.

Airlines board passengers by zones, groups, rows, or seats. To ensure a smooth process, travelers are advised to approach the jetway entrance only with their assigned group. First and business-class passengers typically board first, followed by premium and economy class travelers. However, airlines may grant early boarding privileges to parents with small children, those needing assistance, active military personnel, and others.

When it's your turn to board, either scan or present your boarding pass to the gate agent at the jet bridge door. Then, proceed along the walkway to the airplane door, locate your row and seat number, stow your bags in the overhead compartment or under your seat, and get comfortable for your flight.

Check-in

Checking in for your flight can be as simple as tapping a few buttons on your airline's app, or it might involve standing in line at the airport check-in counter. Regardless, you must check in to receive your boarding pass. Failure to check in on time will prevent you from boarding your flight.

Checking in for your flight can be as straightforward as a few taps on an airline app or may require waiting in line at the airport check-in desk. Either way, checking in is necessary to obtain your boarding pass, and if you're late, you won't be able to board your flight.

Checking in for your flight can be done easily with a few taps on an airline app or by standing in line at the airport check-in counter. In either case, you need to check in before receiving your boarding pass. If you miss the check-in deadline, you won't be allowed to board your flight.

Customs & Immigration

International travelers arriving in a country must present their passports and pass through a customs and immigration checkpoint before exiting the secure area of the airport.

Upon arrival, international travelers need to show their passports and go through customs and immigration before they can leave the secure airport zone.

All international arrivals must display their passports and navigate a customs and immigration checkpoint prior to leaving the airport's secure area.

Hub airport

Imagine being able to fly directly from your local airport to any destination you dream of or need for work. While some major airports proudly claim to offer over 200 nonstop flights to various domestic and international locations,

most airlines typically utilize a hub and spoke model. In this system, key airports act as hubs, serving as central connection points for flights originating from various cities, which function as spokes. Therefore, unless you reside near a major airport with direct routes to your desired locations, you may need to connect through a hub before reaching your final destination.

The duration between connecting flights can vary greatly, ranging from under an hour to several hours. Frequent travelers often become quite familiar with specific hub airports due to these connections.

Airlines may designate one or more airports as their hubs, and many major airlines operate hubs at multiple locations. For instance, American Airlines primarily hubs at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), with additional domestic hubs in cities like Charlotte, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C.

Delta Air Lines primarily operates out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) as its main hub, but it also has domestic hubs in Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York (JFK and LaGuardia), Salt Lake City, and Seattle. United Airlines, on the other hand, focuses its domestic hubs in Chicago (O’Hare), Houston, Los Angeles, Newark (EWR), San Francisco, and Washington (Dulles).

Travel experts share their top insider tips.

Uncover the best strategies for ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey between airports, featuring insights from industry veterans like Harriet Baskas, Stefanie Waldek, and Blane Bachelor.

1. Getting ready for a layover

If your layover is brief, familiarize yourself with the airport terminal map before you land to avoid wandering around looking for your next flight’s gate. For longer layovers, lasting a few hours, you might be tempted to settle in one location.

Enhance your layover experience by checking the airport’s website (or stopping by an information desk) to enjoy a pleasant sit-down meal, embark on an art tour within the airport, purchase a day pass to a lounge, or find some private time to work or nap in a short-stay hotel located airside.

You could also explore an airport yoga studio, an outdoor observation deck, or indulge in a spa that offers massages, manicures, and various salon treatments.

2. Airport security tip

Navigating airport security can often be a hassle, but there are ways to simplify the process. I suggest enrolling in TSA PreCheck. Most airports feature dedicated lanes for members of this Trusted Traveler program, managed by the Transportation Security Administration, which tend to be significantly shorter than standard security lines. Additionally, TSA PreCheck members are not required to remove liquids, electronics, or shoes during the screening process.

You can also obtain TSA PreCheck at no cost by enrolling in Global Entry, a Trusted Traveler program designed to expedite your entry into the U.S. Additionally, there's the private service Clear, which lets you bypass the security line, although it comes at a higher price than TSA PreCheck, and from my own experience, the lines may not be significantly shorter these days. However, you might find a free or discounted Clear membership through specific credit cards and airline loyalty programs. Lastly, if you’re not a member of these programs, there are still ways to streamline your airport security experience.

3. Dressing for the airport

Many travelers carefully consider their outfits for long flights, but one of my top airport hacks is to ensure you’re also dressed appropriately for the airport experience before you even board your flight.

If you, like me, prefer to avoid checking bags whenever possible, you can save space in your carry-on by wearing an extra layer or two. An essential item for almost every trip I take is my denim jacket. It strikes the perfect balance between style and utility, complementing nearly any outfit. Plus, its pockets are my secret weapon at the airport, especially the two inner ones, which are perfect for keeping important items like boarding passes, phones, and passports close at hand.

This convenience is beneficial during the flight as well: they’re easy to slip off when you’re seated and simple to put back on when you need to get up or stretch your legs.

Tips for wheelchair users at the airport.

Cory Lee, our expert on accessible travel, offers valuable insights on considerations like wheelchair rentals, pre-boarding processes, and more.

Additional guides for enjoyable travels.