Traveling via air has a number of required steps to get from home to destination. Some of those are based on the logistics and layout of the airport, some are security related, and some are to try to make your trip easier. This post will cover what to expect from the process, step by step. Please note that this applies primarily to US airports but is likely pretty similar at airports all over the world. So, this is our Car to Plane: Step-By-Step Guide.
Looking for steps on what happens after you land at your destination? Check out that Guide here.
From Car To Plane: Arrival at the Airport
Arriving at the Airport
When you arrive at the airport, you’ll have a few choices. If you’re coming via taxi, train, bus, Uber/Lyft, or a friend, you’ll likely get dropped off at the airport. Most larger airports have multiple terminals, so you need to make sure you’re going to the right place. Some airports use letters, some use numbers, and some use different names. Often different airlines operate out of a specific terminal. So if you know your airline, you should be able to determine which terminal they fly out of. The airline app or flight tracking app will also tell you which terminal you’ll be leaving from.
A note of caution, international flights often don’t follow the same terminal designations. Some airlines may have domestic flights out of one terminal and international out of another. I use FlightView to track all of my flights, using the cell phone app. The app will track your flight details, and also provide you with the terminal and gate number of the flight. Most airline apps will also do the same thing, but FlightView will do it for all the airlines in one place. It will also warn you of gate or departure time changes.
Driving Yourself To The Airport
If you’re driving yourself, note that parking at most airports can be costly. Take a look at the airport website in advance for parking options before showing up at the airport. Most airports have different costs for different lots based on proximity to the airport. For a short shuttle ride, you can save yourself a lot of money. Again, note the terminal that you need to go to as the shuttle will likely go to all of them and you want to make sure that you get off on the right one.
The terminals may not be connected via walkway. If this is the case then you will need to take shuttle between terminals. A final note on terminals; Just because there are A, B, & C Terminals doesn’t mean it continues that way. For example, Boston skips “D” Terminal for some reason and goes right to “E” Terminal.
PRO-TIP: I always suggest taking a look at the airport map before traveling to an unfamiliar airport. Identify your terminal, the drop-off locations, parking lots (if needed), the check-in gates, and security checkpoints. Nearly every airport in the world has its maps online.
From Car To Plane: Once inside the airport
Checking In For Your Flight
Take a moment to ensure that you have all of your things. It’s much easier to get them now than after you’ve started the check-in process. If you have checked baggage, you may be able to curbside check it at some airports. Note that there may be an additional cost for curbside check-in. But it relieves you of having to carry around additional luggage for any longer than necessary.
Most airports and airlines now do digital kiosk check-in these days to improve speed and efficiency. Find the check-in kiosks for your airline (make sure it’s your airline or it won’t work). To check-in, you’ll generally need your confirmation number, or credit card used to make the purchase. Complete the couple of screens that will ask you to confirm information, check bags (and pay for checked bags). Lastly, it’ll print off boarding passes and usually your luggage tags for checked bags.
Dropping Off Your Checked Bags
If you have checked bags, you’ll generally need to see an agent at the ticket counter to drop them off. Make sure that there is a bag tag with your name and contact information on the outside of your bag. I also recommend adding something unusual to the outside of your bag, a colorful ribbon or an unusual luggage tag, to make it easier to identify later at baggage claim. Hang on to your ID and Boarding Passes as you will present them again. Once you have your boarding passes (commonly called Plane Tickets) and your luggage has been dropped off at the ticket counter, it’s time to head off to Security.
PRO-TIP: If you have arrived with enough time to the airport that you don’t need to head directly through TSA Security now; food, drinks, and travel supplies are much cheaper pre-security than post-security. Just make sure that you leave enough time to get through security and to your gate before your boarding time. Remember not to buy anything that cannot pass through security. Many airports now include an estimate of how long it’ll take to get through security on their website based on the current length of the lines.
From Car To Plane: Security Checkpoint
TSA Security Checkpoint Lines
Head to the Security Checkpoint for your gate. Some airports break even the terminal into different sections with different security checkpoints for each. The gates are clearly labeled. Plus your boarding pass should include your gate number on it. However, in some airports, every security checkpoint in the terminal goes to all of the gates. If that’s the case, use whichever line is shortest.
TSA has a pretty significant list of rules on what can and cannot go through the Security Checkpoint. But, luckily, they have a very detailed list of what you can and cannot bring in your checked and carry-on bags. Just make sure you don’t have any of those prohibited items and the checkpoint should be a breeze. There are two steps to the screening process; screening your bags and screening you personally. Although generally, both will happen at the same time.
Want an even easier and faster screening method? Consider TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry.
The first TSA Officer in the process will ask you for your government Issued ID. You’ll need a REAL ID Compliant ID, which includes most driver’s licenses or passports. They no longer need to see your boarding pass. They’ll scan your ID and then send you to a screening line. You can only pass this checkpoint if you in fact have a flight that day.
Screening Your Luggage
Place your bags on the conveyor belt, remove laptops and liquids, and place them in a separate bin. You don’t need to remove empty water bottles, but you won’t be able to bring full ones. Remove belts, keys, wallets, cell phones, and anything else metal that might set off a metal detector. You’ll likely also need to remove your shoes and jacket. There will generally be plenty of TSA Officers there to assist you if you have any questions. You’ll also see lots of signs and possibly videos describing the process.
Screening Yourself
Once you’ve dropped off your bags and checked your pockets, wait for a TSA Officer to motion you forward. There are currently two types of screenings done at airports. The screening you go through depends on a variety of factors. But, you’ll either go through a metal detector or a body scanner. Metal detector, just walk through when they tell you to without touching it. Scanner, walk into the scanner, and stand in the position indicated on the glass (feet spread, hands above your head). Remain in that stance until the TSA Officer directs you through.
You’ll generally wait a few seconds until they clear you to pass through. Sometimes something will show up in the scanner and they’ll want to do a pat-down. Because of the new technology, they’ll generally only need to pat down a small area where they see the concern. For example, when my wife is scanned, her long thick hair often shows up as suspicious. So they often pat her head down and wave her hair around before clearing her.
Clearing TSA Security
Once you’re cleared, pick up your bags (and reassemble them), put on your shoes and belt and anything you took off, and you’ll be ready to be on your way. The TSA Officers are there to be helpful and get you through the process, but they do take security seriously. Be careful what you say around the security checkpoint and be honest with the TSA Officers. Generally, if you have something that you aren’t supposed to have, you’ll have two choices. You’ll either have to surrender it or bring it back to the pre-security side (to put in your checked baggage or in your car or with a friend/family.) Lastly, don’t debate with TSA if something is allowed through security or not, you’ll rarely ever win, even if “you’ve brought it through Security before”.
From Car To Plane: Preparing To Board
Finding Your Gate
The hardest part of going from your car to the plane is done. As long as you’re not traveling internationally, the only thing you’ll need from here out to get on the flight is your boarding pass. If you’ve got time, this is an opportunity to fill your water bottle, get a snack or a meal or use the restroom. You’ll want to be at your gate about 45 minutes before your flight departure time. Which is generally the time listed on your ticket as the “boarding time.” If it’s a big airport, I would recommend finding your gate first and then looking for all of those other services in the area of your gate. So you know how long it’ll take to get back to your gate and can plan accordingly.
Using either the airline app, signing up for the airline text updates, or the previously mentioned FlightView App will let you know if there are gate changes, delays, or cancellations. Definitely worth having so you’re immediately notified of changes without having to try to find a bank of departure monitors.
Pro Tip: If you have a long layover or a lot of time before your flight consider getting an airport lounge pass.
Boarding Your Flight
Be at your gate before the boarding time starts. Check your ticket for your boarding group and board when they call your group. Present your ticket to be scanned when you get to the desk, and head down the jet bridge to your awaiting plane. You’ve successfully made it from your car to the plane. Have a safe flight!
Going on a nice long flight? See our article about things you’ll want for a comfortable and efficient flight.
From Car To Plane: In Conclusion
Airlines tell you to arrive 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. Although experienced travelers test those timelines all of the time, it’s not worth it. Even though the process is generally straightforward, there are a number of things that could slow you down ranging from long lines to bad weather. Once you are post-security think about it as a big expensive mall. Lots of stores, restaurants, and people watching – Arrive early and enjoy the experience. If you have a travel credit card that gives you access to a travel lounge, go enjoy the food and relaxation!
