Modern day airports have grown in size rapidly to cope with the ever increasing number of travelling passengers. This had led to bigger planes which in turn have required new bigger runways. As a result most airports now have many large terminal buildings. This has resulted in the first area of confusion when arriving at an airport to check in.



Many passengers do not know which terminal that they are flying from. It is essential that you read your travel ticket to discover which airline you are travelling with and more importantly, which terminal they fly from.

Once inside the terminal it can still be confusing if you have never been involved with the check in process before. Knowing where to go without getting lost can be a major headache. There are so many different airlines that finding your flight number can a difficult task if you are not familiar with the area.

A map of the airport showing where your ticket agent is located is going to be a helpful tool in checking in. You will also find that that most airlines check in desks are clustered together and so if you find where they are located you are half way to finding your particular flight.

It is critical that you have all the correct paper work with you. You will need at least one form of government issued photo id such as passport, driver's license, or military ID. If you already have your tickets make them readily available as this will cut down on the time you will spend checking in. Do not pack any of this information in your luggage as it will be difficult to access.

You should arrive at the airport about 2 to 3 hours early to allow enough time to pass through all security check points. If you are taking a carry on make sure not to lock it so you will not be delayed by security personal. Also be prepared to turn on any electronic such as laptops, cameras, and other hand held electronics. When going through the medal detectors place all change, watches or anything that might set them off in your carry on, this will help save time in line.

Many airlines have baggage check before you even enter the actual building. You do not have to check your luggage there, you may go inside to a ticket agent and check everything at one time. When checking in your luggage, it is wise to make sure that you check it all the way through to your final destination so it will not have to go back through security again.

There are certain rules that pertain to your carry on luggage such as you must pack any liquid in no more than 3 oz bottles and everything must be in a quart size plastic bag. This is a new regulation that many people do not realize. The authorities will not allow you bring anything that does not fit this standard on board the plane.

The way to have the best travel experience is to be prepared. Knowing how the airport is set up and knowing where your particular airline is located in advance will help to keep the confusion to a minimum. Checking your airlines policies on checked luggage and carry on will help you pack for your trip the right way. You should also make sure you have all your ID's ready to go with easy access because you will need them a lot.

By being prepared will make the check in process so much easier and will help reduce stress levels before your flight.