Navigating the Airport.

If you do not fly often or you're a first-time flyer, going to the airport can be exhausting. It may look and sound, and initially feel overwhelming, but learning what to do at the airport can be easy. And I do not care what anyone says, if you have conquered 1 airport, you just about have conquered them all. While I do not know it all, I have been through my share of airports and these tips all seem to be true for about 90%. So, allow me to share some TSA navigation tips

1. Make sure you are going to the proper airport.

Living in cities with multiple airports, I have heard my share of horror stories of someone frantically running to TSA for a soon-departing flight, only to learn that they are at the wrong airport. While this may not happen often, for a first-time flyer, this can be nerve-shattering. Map out your route, grab your bags, and head to the CORRECT airport.

2- Make sure you are going to the proper terminal.

Follow the signs at your respective airport to make sure you find the correct terminal building for your flight. This information is usually listed on your boarding pass, if not follow the signs for the airline you will be taking. Once you see your airline, enter the airport through the closest doors.

Most airlines recommend that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. While I do not personally follow this recommendation, as I do not check a bag and I have TSA Precheck. But for first-time flyers or those who do not fly frequently, giving yourself time eliminates anxiety. It is better to be early, instead of late and miss your flight

3- The Check-In Process

There are 2 options: 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.

However If you’d like a paper boarding pass or if you’re checking a bag, this is a little extra work. Locate the check-in counter area associated with the airline you will be flying. Most 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.

4- TSA

Now that 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 associated with your gate (so Gate D15 would be in Concourse D). Signs are usually posted all around the airport so follow signs that say "To All Gates" or ask an airport representative if you truly need assistance.

Once you reach the TSA personnel in blue shirts, and a line 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.

7 Steps to TSA Success:

The general security checkpoint process usually goes something like this:

1. Have boarding pass and ID- READY. You know you are in line, the least you could do is have the stuff accessible. Do not hold up the process looking for the 1 thing you double-checked for just 10 minutes ago.

2. Walk up to the scanner and metal detector and when it’s your turn, grab however many plastic bins you think are needed to hold your items

3. Place your bins on the belt. Take off your shoes and jacket and empty your pockets; put these items in one of your bins.

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

5. Add your carry-on luggage or personal item to the belt

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

7. Once you’re out of the machine, grab all of your items. PLEASE, take your luggage and bins to the sitting area away from the scanner so you can take your time getting redressed. Double-check to see if you forgot anything, if not proceed to the gate listed on your boarding pass. Follow all signs to ensure you are going in the proper direction.

5- Boarding the flight.

It's simple. Once you are at your gate sit and wait until your group/zone is called. This information is printed on your boarding pass. Most airlines board by a numbered boarding group, so the earlier your group the earlier you can get on the plane. Almost every airline, besides Southwest, assigns seats, so there is no rush to board the plane unless you need overhead bin space and your flight is full. Once you hear your group, get in the correct boarding lane. The gate agent will scan your boarding pass and on to the plane you go. While waiting to walk down the jet bridge make sure you know your seat number before you put it away and keep it accessible in case needed. Once on the plane find your seat and put away your luggage as quickly as you can, and SIT DOWN.

6- Baggage Claim

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, once you land your flight attendants will announce it over the intercom. If you do not hear them once you are off the plane, 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. After about 30 minutes, 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.

7- Exiting the airport

Each airport has different rules about where to pick up rideshare services. Many have designated spaces, so you might need to figure out which level of the airport is dedicated to transportation — meaning buses, shuttles, and cars to catch a ride out of the airport. Follow the signs, exit the airport and enjoy your time there!

When it's time to go back home- repeat these steps and after a while going through the airport will be a cakewalk.