How to Navigate the Airport in 12 Simple Steps + FREE Checklist

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Let me guess: you’re about to go on your first solo trip and feeling anxious about what to do when you get to the airport.

Or you haven’t traveled in a while and need some pointers to make sure you don’t get patted down by TSA or miss your flight because you got lost.

No matter the situation you’re in, I’m here to help!

I remember doing endless research for my first flight when I was sixteen. I flew to Virginia on my own to spend the summer with my family and I know for sure it only went as smooth as it did because, well, I was prepared.

Almost too prepared, but hey, I think I prefer it that way!

So, as I write this guide, I’m going to put myself back in my own shoes and share with you the EXACT step-by-step airport navigation process I followed back then and still follow for every trip.

As someone who dreads everything leading until I pass security, I know how it feels to panic and try to remember everything. If you find yourself in the same boat, don’t worry — I’ll do everything I can to prepare you and make you a confident traveler.

By the end of this post, I hope you’ll feel prepared and confident to navigate the airport like a pro. I’ve included a free checklist and glossary, so check that out if you want!

Here’s exactly what we’ll cover:

• Step-by-step guide for navigating the airport
• Essential airport and airplane terms you need to know
• Tips for your first airport experience and flight
• Airport mistakes to avoid
• An important (and annoying) thing to know about airports
• How to deal with layovers
• Airport & airplane FAQs

Ready, friend? Let’s go!

THIS POST IS ALL ABOUT HOW TO NAVIGATE THE AIRPORT.

BEFORE WE CONTINUE

This how-to guide, by nature, is extremely long. Even as I’m writing it, I’m getting ever-so-slightly overwhelmed with how many sections and steps there are.

As you navigate through this guide, I want you to simply read it first.

Scroll and stop at whatever sections pique your interest. Then, read it again and take some notes. Jot down the things that you believe will be useful for your first time at the airport.

WHO IS THIS AIRPORT GUIDE FOR? DOES THIS GUIDE APPLY TO INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS?

This airport guide is for travelers navigating the airport alone for the first time. I also wrote it with anxious travelers in mind. However, if you don’t match this description, you can absolutely still follow the steps in this post.

Whether it’s your first time flying or it’s simply been a long time since your last flight, feel free to use this guide how ever you see fit.

To answer your other question: no, this airport guide DOES NOT apply to international travelers.

Why? Because I haven’t traveled abroad yet and I’m extremely opposed to the concept of writing a 2,000+ word guide on something I’ve never experienced.

I’m planning an entire international travel series that includes all of the relevant information you need to know, so please stay tuned for that! It’s coming sooner than you think!

GET A FREE AIRPORT CHECKLIST & GLOSSARY

This is the perfect checklist to follow every time you go to an airport. Feel free to grab it by joining the TSS Freebie Library. There’s a button below to gain access.

HOW TO NAVIGATE THE AIRPORT: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

STEP 1: CHECK IN TO YOUR FLIGHT

Check in to your flight. Navigating the airport begins 24 hours before you even get there!

This step is crucial because it secures your spot on the plane and gives you access to your boarding pass.

You can check in up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure, and I suggest doing it ASAP. If you don’t check in, you’ll risk losing your spot on the plane — and I doubt you’d want that happening!

Follow the steps below to check in to your flight. The process should essentially be the same no matter what airline you’re flying.

First, you can check in on your phone, which is the easiest and quickest method. Follow these steps to do so:

• Start by heading to your airline’s website or mobile app.
• From there, you might have to sign in to your member account or manually enter your flight details (like your confirmation number or name).
• After that, there should be a section that’s clearly labeled something like, “CHECK IN.”
• Simply click that button, wait for it to do its thing, and boom! You’re all checked in.

You can also check in at the airport. There are actually two ways to do this, so let’s discuss both.

• Use the self-serve kiosk: walk to one of these kiosks at the airport. Make sure it’s for the right airline! Enter some basic information about your flight, such as your confirmation number, loyalty number or known traveler number (KTN). After that, you should see an option to check in for your flight. Hit that button and you should be all set!
• Have an airline employee do it for you: find an airline employee and kindly ask them to help you check in to your flight. Be prepared by having some form of identification (like a driver’s license, state ID or passport), along with some basic flight information like I mentioned above. After a few clicks, you should be good to go!

If you check in on your phone before getting to the airport, you can print your boarding pass at home.

You could definitely wait until you get to the airport, but if you want to get it this way, it’s an option that’s available to you.

So long as you have a printer, of course! I wouldn’t go out my way to find one at a library, office store, or anything. In that case, just wait until you get to the airport.

STEP 2: FIGURE OUT HOW YOU’RE GETTING TO THE AIRPORT & WHICH TERMINAL AND CONCOURSE YOU’LL BE IN

Figure out how you’re getting to the airport. There are tons of ways, including:

• Having a friend or family member drop you off
• Driving yourself and parking at the airport
• Taking public transportation (buses, trains, etc)
• Taking an Uber or Lyft

Having this situated beforehand can save you a lot of time and stress. So take whatever time you need to get it all figured out!

Along with this, PLEASE figure out what terminal and concourse you’ll be in.

There were a few times in the past where I panicked when I got to the airport and didn’t know which terminal to go to. It wasn’t a huge deal since we could just circle back around, but it would’ve helped save a few minutes.

Psst: if any of these terms, like terminal or concourse, sound unfamiliar, scroll down to the airport and airplane glossary. I’ve got all the basic terms you need to know for your first airport experience.

You can figure this out by looking at your boarding pass (which you should already have by now!) or going online and searching the terminal your airline flies out of at your local airport.

For example, if I’m flying out of St. Louis Lambert International Airport on Southwest Airlines, I’ll search something like: southwest terminal stl and Google will tell me I’m flying out of Terminal 2 or Concourse E.

Which sounds accurate because I’ve done that several times now!

STEP 3: GET YOUR DOCUMENTATION READY

Get your documentation ready. You don’t necessarily need it right now, but it’s nice to gather everything so you won’t be scrambling for things before you leave.

Since this post is geared toward domestic travelers, you’ll only need one of the following documents (you can also use your passport for domestic travel):

• State-issued REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or identification cards
• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID)
• U.S. Passport
• U.S. Passport Card
• Permanent Resident Card
• Border Crossing Card

This is not a full list of acceptable IDs. Visit the official TSA website to view the full list.

Please make sure that whatever document you choose, it’s valid and undamaged. TSA agents can deny you if your document is expired or damaged.

And please be sure that your ID is a “Real ID.” Visit the TSA ConfirmID page for more information if you don’t have one.

STEP 4: GET READY ABOUT 3 HOURS BEFORE BOARDING

Get ready about three hours before boarding. Do any last-minute packing, say goodbye to your family (and furry friends!), and mentally prepare yourself for this special experience you’re about to have.

Notice how I said three hours before BOARDING? Yeah, don’t get that confused. You’ll want to leave three hours before you board, which is NOT the same time you depart the airport.

STEP 5: MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE AIRPORT 2.5 HOURS BEFORE BOARDING

About 2.5 hours before boarding, you should start making your way to the airport. This will slightly change depending on how far you live and how much traffic there is at the time.

But this is a good general rule of thumb to follow. Make sure you have everything you need before you leave! It might be a headache trying to turn around.

STEP 6: CHECK IN, PRINT YOUR BOARDING PASS & DROP OFF YOUR BAGS

Here’s the thing: if you checked in on your phone, don’t want a physical boarding pass, and are traveling carry-on only, this tip DOES NOT apply to you.

In fact, as you become a more advanced of a traveler, you probably won’t need to do this too often at all.

But in the meantime, you’ll probably want to stop at that kiosk and handle your business. I already discussed checking in to your flight and printing your boarding pass, so I’ll save you the reading time.

As far as dropping off your bags, this only applies if you’re checking one.

Checking a bag means to put a bag tag on it and have it go in the “belly” of the plane. It doesn’t go in the cabin with you and you won’t see it again until you navigate to baggage claim once you get off the plane.

You can do this one of two ways!

First, while you’re at a self-serve kiosk, you can print and place the tag on your bag. Then you’ll walk to an airline employee and tell them you’re checking your bag.

Alternatively, you can completely skip the kiosk, walk to an airline employee and kindly ask them to assist you. They’ll print your baggage tag for you, help you put it on your bag, and place your bag on the conveyor belt.

Either way, before you do this, make sure you have a luggage tag on your bag in case your bag gets lost.

If you have some basic identifying information (such as your name and email address), someone will be able to get in contact with you and return your bag.

Please remember this is NOT the same as the bag tag, which is what you’ll get when you check your bag at a self-serve kiosk or get help from an airline employee.

After this, it’s time to go through security. Which is likely the part you’re most anxious about. Don’t worry — I’ll guide you through all of it!

I think it’s worth mentioning that even if you don’t check your bag now, you still might end up checking it at some point before boarding the plane.

With costly checked bag fees, travelers are resorting to traveling carry-on-only. And while it’s a great idea, many people have caught on, resulting in limited space in the overhead bins.

It’s quite common nowadays for gate agents to ask for volunteers to check their bags at the gate.

STEP 7: GO THROUGH SECURITY (AKA THE MOST DAUNTING PART OF THE PROCESS)

Go through security. This step is a LOT, so brace yourself. I’m going to tell you exactly what you need to know and do.

First, let me lay out some basic groundwork.

Here are some items that are PROHIBITED in airport security. If you have any of these items, please properly dispose of them before entering the security line. Failure to do so can result in costly fines and/or imprisonment:

• Sharp objects like knives (of any kind), box cutters, razor blades (not in a cartridge), and scissors (with blades longer than 4 inches)
• Explosives and flammable items like fireworks, flares, dynamite, and gasoline
• Weapons and self-defense items like guns (including BB guns and airsoft guns), ammunition, tasers, and pepper spray
• Liquids over 3.4 ounces

Here’s a link to the full list of allowed and prohibited items. If there’s something you’re unsure about, visit this website and you should find your answer.

If not, you can contact TSA for clarification. It’s always better to ask beforehand than to be surprised at the airport.

Next, let’s talk about the 3-1-1 rule for liquids.

As you probably already know from the preliminary research you’ve done (I know you did some!), any liquids over 3.4 ounces are strictly prohibited at airport security. This includes things like full-sized bottles of lotion and perfume.

The 3-1-1 rule outlines a maximum of 3.4 oz (100 mL) max per container, one quart-sized clear bag and one bag per person.

There are tons of TSA-approved bags, bottles and products on Amazon. I personally have these bottles that came with a free quart-sized clear bag, and I love them!

Since the bottles are silicone, they don’t take as much space in my clear bag if they aren’t full.

Please note that the bottle itself must be 3.4 ounces or less. You can’t just bring a bigger bottle that’s only partially full.

That won’t slide, as TSA agents can’t verify exactly how much liquid is in the bottle. It’s easier for them to enforce this universal rule across all bottles.

Sometimes the agents may let you slide if you have something that’s technically over the limit. But I’d caution against this and stick to the rules!

Now, let’s talk about preparing for the security line. Below is a simple list to follow.

I suggest completing these steps BEFORE you get in the security line, as you’ll likely be rushed if you wait until you’re already in line.

• Completely empty your pockets. Make sure there’s NOTHING in your pockets, including wrappers, money or your ID.
• Remove your jacket. Unless you’re going through the TSA PreCheck line, you’ll have to remove your jacket. This ensures that you don’t have anything hiding inside your jacket.
• Remove your belt. Belts contain metal which, you guessed it, trigger the metal detectors.
• Remove your shoes if you’re wearing heels or boots. If you’re wearing heels or boots, you’ll be asked to remove them before walking through the metal detector or body scanner. You might be aware of the now-rare rule of removing your shoes. While some airports and specific scenarios require you to remove them, you likely won’t have to remove them most of the time. Just be prepared in case you do — wear socks!

Really quick, let’s discuss the two types of security machines you’ll see at the airport.

First, there’s the traditional metal detector. It’s usually pretty skinny and you simply walk through it. If the agent suspects anything, they’ll have you walk through again or pat you down.

Then there’s some more modern technology: the body scanner. Officially known as the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanner, this machine has you step in with your arms up and scans your body.

AIRPORT TIP: If you don’t feel comfortable being pat down in front of everyone, you can request a private screening in an enclosed room.

Finally, it’s time to get in line. Patiently wait until you reach the front of the line. When you do, the first thing you’ll do is have your ID verified.

At some airports, you’ll hand it to the TSA agent. They’ll verify your ID belongs to you and matches the flight information on the computer. At other airports, there will be this small machine called a Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) machine, where you insert it.

While this happens, you’ll step back and have the CAT unit scan your face to verify your identity. It’s a super quick process, so you won’t be there long.

I wish I could give you a more universal tip, but this is one thing you’ll just have to prepare for. No worries — it’s nothing major!

AIRPORT TIP: If you don’t feel comfortable with this method, you can opt out and use the traditional method, where a TSA agent visually compares your face to your ID photo. There’s zero facial recognition technology involved with this method.

Once your identity is verified, you’ll head over to the actual security line and start grabbing some bins.

This is, annoyingly, another thing that changes depending on the airport.

For instance, in the past, you’d need one dedicated bin for your laptop. But now at some airports, you can leave it in your bag!

Just know that these requirements and protocols can look different at any airport, so be prepared to act accordingly.

I’ll usually put my carry-on suitcase directly on the conveyor belt. Then, I’ll place all of the following items in one bin:

• Both of my phones
• My Kindle and iPad
• My personal item (usually my Marc Jacobs tote)
• My jacket (if I’m wearing one, which, most of the time, I am since airports and airplanes tend to be quite chilly)

If you’re confused, don’t worry. I typically copy whatever the person in front of me is doing. I’ll also closely listen to what the TSA agents are instructing us to do.

By doing this, there’s really no way to mess up. And remember: ask questions to clarify things! It’s better to ask and be sure than to do something wrong on accident.

Please stay patient during this entire process. Rushing won’t make it go any faster!

I know it can be a pain to have to navigate the airport alongside people who are seemingly experiencing their first day on earth, but we won’t judge them (side-eye)…

Everything all binned up? Perfect! Wait for your turn to walk through the metal detector or stand in the AIT scanner.

Once again, PLEASE do not rush this. Speaking from experience (looking at you, Miami International Airport!), the TSA agents will get ticked off if you try to enter either scanner too early.

Also, pay attention to which scanner they ask you to enter. Sometimes they’ll have some people use the metal detector, and other people use the AIT scanner. I’m unsure of the reason, but just listen to them!

If you get assigned to a metal detector, you’ll simply walk through and wait for the agent tell you that you’re all good.

If you get assigned to an AIT scanner, you’ll walk inside, line your feet up with the stickers on the floor, and hold your arms in a fixed position.

The little thing inside will move side to side to scan your body. Stay inside until the agent tells you to exit. Step out, confirm with the agent that you’re done, and you should be good.

Before we move onto the next step, I wanted to discuss what happens if one of your items gets flagged. Even if you packed correctly, there still might be something that gets flagged on the computer.

Don’t worry — a TSA agent will usually either announce something like “Whose is this?” or look at your bag tag and call you over.

You’ll say that the item is yours and see what’s wrong with it. Usually for liquids or prohibited items, they’ll tell you what was flagged and they’ll confirm whether want to throw it in the garbage or check your bag.

No matter the situation, be sure to obey them. I know I’m getting annoying by repeating this, but I just don’t want you to cause any problems!

Once you’ve successfully passed security, you need to retrieve your items from the bin.

Please remove your items and find a nearby bench to sit at. The area can get pretty crowded, and you won’t want to rush yourself and lose something important, like your ID.

STEP 8: FIND YOUR GATE & COMPLETE DUTY-FREE TASKS

Find your gate and complete duty-free tasks.

Finally, you can breathe. You’ve done almost all the hard stuff, and you now have time to relax before your flight (as long as you got here early enough, of course… otherwise it might already be time to board the plane).

I personally don’t stop anywhere until I’ve located my gate and I know exactly where it is. I just have to, you know, confirm it exists! That totally normal, right?

Once I know where my gate is, I’ll complete a few duty-free activities, which are basically the things you do after you pass security and get all situated. Mine are pretty simple, as I usually only use the restroom and head to a shop to get some overpriced water and pretzels.

I could just fill my water bottle at one of the numerous water fountains in the airport (which I would actually advise you do), but the water always tastes, um, questionable?! Then again, I say that as a water connoisseur, so you miiiiight want to take that with a grain of salt.

STEP 9: PLAN HOW YOU’LL GET TO YOUR FINAL DESTINATION

Plan how you’ll get to your final destination.

You can totally do this sooner (like on the way to the airport), but I figured it’s smart to do it when you get to your gate. This will probably be the only downtime you’ll have before your flight, so I advise using it wisely.

Just like the whole airport situation, there are many ways to get to your final destination. Here are some options:

• Rent a car
• Have someone pick you up
• Take an Uber or Lyft
• Book a private transfer
• Use an airport or hotel shuttle
• Use public transportation (train, bus, etc)

If you’re following any of my itineraries, I almost ALWAYS recommend using public transportation to reach your final destination. It’s not always the quickest option, but it’s definitely one of the cheapest and most environmentally friendly.

STEP 10: BOARD THE PLANE & ENJOY THE FLIGHT

Board the plane and enjoy the flight.

Now THIS is the moment you’ve been waiting for. It’s time to get in that line, board the plane and enjoy your very first flight. How exciting?!

Let’s talk about the boarding process so you’ll know exactly what to expect. You didn’t think I’d leave you hanging, did you?

Most airlines — like Delta, Southwest, United and American — will have a specific boarding process where your zone/group will be announced, line up and wait to board the plane.

You’ll typically see something like “Zone 1” or “Boarding Group 3.” Your group will be based on where you’re sitting on the plane, any status you may have with the airline, and ticket type (basic economy, economy plus, first class, etc).

The boarding announcement will always be made over the gate intercom, but some airlines also show it on their mobile app.

Now let’s discuss what happens once you’re on the plane.

Refer to the seat number on your digital or physical boarding pass. This will tell you exactly where you’ll be seated for the flight.

Usually, it’ll be a combination of a number and a letter, like 21A. The number indicates what row you’ll be in, and the letter indicates whether you’ll be in the aisle, middle or window seat.

These numbers and letters will be shown on the overhead bins. If you have trouble finding your seat or someone’s sitting in it, don’t hesitate to ask a flight attendant for help. Remember: they’re here to help you with things like this!

They’re also here to comfort and reassure you if you’re feeling anxious about flying for the first time. I have a full guide where I share my top tips for overcoming fear of flying, so if that pertains to you, please read it once you finish this post.

One last thing: longer flights can feel boring after a while, which is why I suggest having a good number of things to keep your brain stimulated. Read my guide here for over twenty of my favorite things to do on the plane.

STEP 11: PICK UP YOUR BAGS

If you checked a bag (either before passing security or at the gate), you’ll want to head to the luggage carousel to pick it up.

Sometimes finding this information can be a bit difficult, but you’ll usually find it on your boarding pass. Or the flight attendants will announce it upon arrival, so listen up!

Getting there is easy. Simply follow the signs that say “Baggage Claim.” Sometimes if I’m confused, I’ll just follow the people who were on my flight.

Be sure that you’re navigating to the DOMESTIC baggage area though, unless you’re flying internationally, of course.

Once you get there, read the destination on the screen to make sure you’re at the right carousel. You definitely don’t want to grab someone’s suitcase on accident!

STEP 12: TRANSPORT TO YOUR FINAL DESTINATION

Last but not least!

Once you’ve gotten off the plane and picked up your luggage, you can finally head to your final destination which, in most cases, will be your accommodation.

IMPORTANT AIRPORT & FLIGHT TERMS TO KNOW

Here are some important airport and flight terms to know. Knowing these beforehand will make your experience go a LOT smoother, so memorize these in advance.

• Departing Flight: the flight that is leaving the airport
• Returning Flight: the flight that is going back to your origin destination
• Origin Destination: the beginning destination for a flight (JFK airport in New York, for example)
• Boarding Time: the time that your flight starts boarding (the process of passengers lining up, entering the plane, and taking their seats). Your boarding time is usually 30-50 minutes before departure, and ends 15 minutes prior to departure. Once the door is shut, you are no longer allowed to enter the plane.
• Departure Time: the time that your flight leaves (or departs) your origin destination. Your departure time is usually 30-50 minutes after boarding, depending on whether it’s a domestic or international flight, as well as any delays that might intervene.
• Terminal: a large section of the airport where flights depart and arrive
• Concourse: a hallway or area within a terminal that leads to multiple gates
• Gate: the specific spot where you wait and board your plane
• Gate Agent: the airline staff member at the gate who scans boarding passes, manages boarding, and assists you with any flight-related questions (i.e. changing your seats, getting an upgrade, or checking your carry-on bag)
• Flying Standby: a perk that family and friends get from airline employees, such as pilots, flight attendants, and other airport staff. You don’t have a guaranteed spot on the flight, but you do often get amazing flight opportunities that you otherwise wouldn’t have.
• Layover: a short stop between flights where you stay in the airport while you wait to board your next flight
• Nonstop Flight: a flight that goes directly to your destination with zero stops
• Connecting Flights: multiple flights you take to reach your final destination (instead of one nonstop flight)
• Stopover: a longer layover (often 24+ hours) where you can leave the airport and explore the city
• Airline: the company operating your flight (i.e. American, JetBlue, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, etc.)
• Boarding Pass: a digital or physical pass that allows you to board the plane (also displays information like your gate, seat, loyalty status, and more)
• Airport Lounge: a private, more comfortable waiting area in the airport (usually with food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and seating) — you typically need a certain credit card or flight type to access these
• Duty-Free Stores: airport shops where certain items (like perfume, alcohol, etc.) are sold without local taxes
• TSA PreCheck: a program that lets you go through airport security faster, and with fewer restrictions
• TSA: this stands for Transportation Security Administration — the agency that handles airport security screening
• Overhead Bin: the storage compartment above your seat for carry-on bags
• Turbulence: those bumpy, shaky, sometimes scary (but totally normal) moments during a flight caused by air movement
• Emergency Exit: special exits on the plane used only in emergencies
• Exit Row: the row of seats next to the emergency exit (usually with extra legroom, but more responsibility)
• Flight Attendant: airline staff who ensure passenger safety, provide service, and assist during the flight
• No-Fly List: part of the U.S. government’s Terrorist Screening Database, managed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and used by agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). If someone is on the no-fly list, they’re not legally permitted to board a commercial flight within, into, or out of the United States.

TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST FLIGHT

GIVE YOURSELF EXTRA TIME FOR MISTAKES & DELAYS

Remember it’s your first time doing all this alone (or possibly in general if you’re like me).

I suggest giving yourself at LEAST a 30-minute buffer in case something goes wrong, like if security lines are longer than expected or you get lost in the airport.

Speaking of which…

DOWNLOAD THE MyTSA APP

This is a free app that allows you to check the estimated wait times for security lines at the airport.

It isn’t 100% accurate, but it can give you a good idea of how long you’ll be waiting in line. This app can really come in clutch if lines are extremely long, as it can inform you to leave your house a bit earlier.

Keep in mind it may not provide wait times during government shutdowns. In those scenarios, you’ll want to visit the airport’s website for the most up-to-date estimates for security lines.

DOWNLOAD YOUR AIRLINE’S MOBILE APP

Whether you’re flying with Delta or Southwest, I recommend downloading your airline’s app to stay updated and in-the-know on gate charges, flight delays, and boarding announcements.

These things will be displayed on the screens throughout the airport, but it’s nice to have it on your phone.

DOWNLOAD A FLIGHT-TRACKING APP

I also recommend downloading a flight-tracking app like Flighty to get immediate updates on flight delays.

Anytime something about a flight changes, I always get the information from Flighty first!

WEIGH YOUR LUGGAGE BEFORE LEAVING

If you plan to check a bag and are worried it might be overweight, I have two tips for you:

1. Remember the weight limit is usually around 50 pounds. Even if you think your bag is overweight, there’s a chance it isn’t, ‘cause, um, fifty pounds is a decent amount of weight.
2. But juuuust to make sure, you can use a luggage scale and weigh it. I have one from Amazon and it works quite well. I don’t check a bag very often since I usually only pack a carry-on, but for those rare times that I do, this really comes in handy.

DON’T HESITATE TO ASK FOR HELP

You’re not alone! Airport staff are aware that millions of people fly for the first time every year, for better or worse (hehe).

If anything, they expect people to ask questions. And they are very much there to answer them.

I highly suggest doing this instead of waisting your time getting more confused and frustrated. Because those are two emotions that you prooooobably don’t want to deal with in this kind of environment.

I mean, you’re about to be 30,000+ feet in the air! You’ve got to keep your calm!

KNOW THAT YOUR GATE MIGHT CHANGE

I admit, this is very annoying, but it happens. There will be times where your initial gate — like A21, for example — may be different than your actual departure gate (like A49).

And sometimes, your gate will change a good handful of times. Just try not to get too comfortable at your gate, and enable notifications from your airline’s mobile app.

This way, if your gate changes, you’ll get a notification informing you where your new gate is located. Sometimes it’s a pretty far walk, so you might want to get up and start the trek sooner than later.

LET A FLIGHT ATTENDANT KNOW YOU’RE FEELING UNEASY

If you’re feeling anxious or uneasy, you can let a flight attendant know how you’re feeling. They’ll be able to calm you and make your flight go as smooth as possible.

Sometimes they can even sit near you for a few moments if that makes you feel more comfortable.

EDUCATE YOURSELF & BE PREPARED

Props to you, friend — you’re already doing this by reading this blog post! Personally, when I’m trying something new, I like to educate myself so I know what I’m getting myself into.

And for something as momentous as this, you’ll definitely want to be prepared.

AIRPORT MISTAKES TO AVOID

As a first-time flyer, you’re bound to make mistakes.

This is a large, unfamiliar environment, with tens of thousands people and about a hundred different ways to get lost and confused.

As long as you’re educated and prepared, though, you should be able to avoid most of the following newbie mistakes.

ARRIVING AT THE AIRPORT TOO EARLY

Yes, this is a thing. On my most recent trip to Washington DC, I arrived at the airport about 3.5 hours before my scheduled departure.

I usually wouldn’t do this, but with all the stuff going on at the time now, I didn’t want to risk it. Buuuuut it kind of backfired because my flight got delayed by two hours and I had to spend an extra, you guessed it, two hours at my gate.

So there were four hours between the time I got to the airport and the time I actually boarded my plane. I could’ve gotten two extra hours of sleep!

Thankfully, I wasn’t in too much of a rush, though, but if I could go back in time, I definitely would’ve gotten there later.

So, how early is TOO early?

Factoring in whether it’s an international or domestic flight, how long it takes you to get to the airport, how busy it is, and other things, I’d say anything more than 3 hours is probably too early.

I understand, especially as a Type-A traveler, that it’s nice to get there early, but at some point you really have to think about how boring it is just sitting at your gate waiting to board the plane. There’s only so many episodes of Abbott Elementary or Beyoncé songs to stream!

ARRIVING AT THE AIRPORT TOO LATE

Now THIS is a lot more common. I can’t tell you how many TikToks and YouTube videos I’ve watched where someone foolishly got to the airport late and missed their flight.

Are you serious?! With how expensive flights can be nowadays, I wouldn’t dare risk that!

In general, I’d say anything less than 1.5 hours is too late. Of course, this will change depending on how busy the airport is, but I think this a good general rule of thumb to follow.

I don’t have any personal experience to pull from (for better or worse) because I’d never do that to myself. And hopefully since you’re reading this guide, you won’t, either. Pinky promise?!

NOT CHECKING IN TO YOUR FLIGHT

This is more serious than you think. And people seem to underestimate it because they don’t know the importance of checking in to your flight.

You should check in to your flight because, like I passionately emphasized earlier, it secures your spot on the plane. Also, checking in will give you access to your boarding pass which, um, you kind of need to board the plane!

NOT KNOWING HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR BELONGINGS IN THE SECURITY LINE

Not only will this stress you out, but it’ll likely stress everyone else out, including the TSA agents and the people behind you.

Please know the correct procedures BEFORE you get to the line so you can save everyone’s time (including yours)!

NOT LISTENING TO THE TSA AGENTS

Remember, the TSA agents are there to keep everyone safe. They can get a little groggy and upset at times, but at the end of the day, they’re simply trying to do their jobs.

Please listen to them — if you don’t, you might get in trouble. And I’m sure you don’t want that happening!

BUYING SNACKS & DRINKS AT THE AIRPORT

Airport food is notoriously expensive, if you didn’t know. But hey, that’s just their business model, I guess!

If you’d rather keep that extra money in your pockets (erm, who doesn’t?!), I highly suggest bringing snacks and drinks from home. These will easily cost only half of what you’d pay at the airport.

Because who the heck wants to pay $8 for a bottle of water or $7 for a bag of pretzels?

THE TRICKY THING ABOUT AIRPORTS

The tricky thing about airports, specifically for anxious travelers, is that some rules and procedures aren’t universal.

For example, some airports like Boston Logan International (BOS) require you to scan your boarding pass before you enter the security line.

And some airports still may require you to remove your shoes to pass security. These kinds of variables can make it challenging to plan your airport journey.

But don’t let these stress you out! I account for these factors in this airport guide.

HOW TO DEAL WITH LAYOVERS

Ugh, layovers. Tell me about ‘em! As a frequent traveler, I try to avoid them when possible, but sometimes if I’m traveling far, that’s simply not the case.

Especially because my nearest airport (STL) doesn’t exactly have the best flight options. Why the heck does every flight have a layover nowadays? And why in the world are they always so tight?

My first layover experience wasn’t the smoothest, to say the least. I’d just gotten off my first flight and my heart was racing as I frantically navigated to my next gate, which was TWO concourses away!

I initially thought I had enough time, but when we landed, I realized I severely underestimated everything. I didn’t even have time to grab a snack or use the restroom!

I want you to learn from my experience and try not to make the same mistakes.

So, here are a few tips for dealing with layovers. Because at SOME point you’ll have one (unfortunately):

• Layovers are slightly less common for domestic travel, but definitely still exist.
• Avoid scheduling a layover shorter than one hour. This isn’t always possible, but when you can, please book a somewhat longer layover. It’ll give you some breathing room in case your first flight is delayed and you’ll have time to use the restroom or grab a snack if needed.
• Don’t panic if you miss your connection. In most cases, the airline will book you on the next available flight. Please beware this is only possible if there is room on the plane. Also, kindness and patience can go a long way.
• Know that layovers are planned strategically. Even though a layover may seem short, airlines know they’re possible. That said, try not to book an extremely tight connection, like thirty minutes. Even if your first flight is delayed by fifteen minutes, you’re already screwed since the boarding door typically closes by then.
• Let a flight attendant know in advance if you have a tight connection. In extreme cases, they may be able to let you off the plane quicker than everyone else.
• Sit closer to the front of the plane. De-boarding the plane can take a decent amount of time, and every second counts. Try to sit as close to the front of the plane as possible if you have a (tight) connection.
• Use the airport’s AirTrain and people-movers. Don’t waste precious time walking between gates or concourses. In large airports, it could easily take 30+ minutes doing this.
• You’re more likely to have a layover if you aren’t close to a major airport. When I say major airport, I’m referring to ones like: JFK in New York, ORD in Chicago, LAX in Los Angeles, MIA in Miami, DTW in Detroit, and DFW in Dallas/Fort Worth.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS: AIRPORTS & AIRPLANES

HOW EARLY SHOULD I ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT?

Generally, you’ll want to arrive at the airport about two hours before your scheduled departure time.

Note that this depends on a number of factors, including whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, how far the airport is, what the traffic is like, and how long the security lines are.

For international flights, you’ll want to get to the airport three hours early.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CHECKED BAG, PERSONAL ITEM AND CARRY-ON?

A checked bag is a bag that you drop off before going through security. This bag goes in the cargo hold at the bottom of the airplane and can be retrieved at a baggage carousel at your final destination.

A personal item is a bag that must be small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you. You can keep things like chapstick and snacks in it. This can be a backpack, tote bag, purse, small duffel, or other similar bag.

A carry-on bag also goes on the plane with you, but it must be placed in the overhead bin. If space is limited, you may be asked to check your bag at the gate.

This is usually free unless your bag exceeds carry-on size limits, you brought more bags than allowed, or you purchased a basic economy ticket that prohibits carry-on bags. Most airlines allow one personal item and one carry-on bag.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PASS SECURITY?

It only takes about 3-5 minutes to pass security once you get past the initial document check.

I think what you’re really asking, however, is how you’ll spend in the security lines. And the answer that question: it depends (I’m sorry!).

During peak hours, wait times can exceed an hour. During low periods, though, you could stand in line for as little as a few minutes.

I suggest using the MyTSA to view the wait times before you head to the airport. This way, you’ll have a good idea of how long you’ll be waiting in line (and you’ll know when to leave your house).

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS MY FLIGHT?

Not to be annoying or indirect, but this depends on the REASON you missed your flight.

If you missed your flight due to a short layover, the airline will typically book you another flight for free.

However, if you missed your flight due to personal error, there’s still a chance you’ll make it to your destination. Visit an airline employee and describe your situation. They’ll try to put you down as a standby flyer for the next outbound flight.

This does mean you’re guaranteed a spot on the plane, but it’s definitely worth a shot.

You can also make a claim with your travel insurance provider. Many providers cover missed flights, so definitely look into that. Otherwise, you’ll have to, for lack of better words, suck it up and pay for another flight.

And given that it’s so last-minute, the price might be twice as much as what you originally paid. Hopefully that’s convincing enough to avoid missing your flight!

WHAT IS TRAVEL INSURANCE? DO I NEED IT & IS IT WORTH IT?

Travel insurance is a plan that protects you from certain financial risks and losses — like a medical emergency, lost baggage, or missed flight — that can occur while traveling.

If you’re concerned about this at all, you need travel insurance, and it’s definitely worth it.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET LOST AT THE AIRPORT?

Use the signs and maps around the airport to navigate your way to the right area.

Or, find a nearby employee and kindly ask them to direct you in the right direction.

Don’t waste too much time figuring it out on your own — if you believe an employee can save your time, don’t hesitate to ask them for help.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY FLIGHT GETS DELAYED?

First, don’t panic! Flights get delayed all the time (especially later ones), but the issue is usually resolved in a timely manner.

Be sure to listen to announcements in the airport and check your airline’s mobile app for updates. If the delay is extremely long, you might be able to request a different flight or even get compensation for your inconvenience.

The process will look different for every airline, so refer to your airline’s website for more information. Keep in mind this is another thing that’s included in most travel insurance plans/policies.

DO I NEED BOTH A DIGITAL AND PHYSICAL COPY OF MY BOARDING PASS?

No, you don’t necessarily NEED both copies, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to have them. You’ll be passing the self-serve kiosks anyway, and if you arrive early enough (which you will because you’re reading this guide), you’ve got extra time!

Your phone might die, glitch, or lose service right before you board. If this happens, you can easily use your physical boarding pass instead.

On the flip side, you might lose your physical boarding pass, so your phone could be a great backup.

WHAT IS TURBULENCE? IS IT DANGEROUS & SHOULD I BE WORRIED?

Turbulence is a sudden, violent shift in airflow that creates up and down currents caused by irregular atmospheric motion.**

It feels like you’re jerking up and down in the plane. Think of it as bumps on the road during a road trip!

You shouldn’t be worried at all — turbulence is completely normal. Extreme turbulence is rare and, in the event it happens, everyone will be instructed to remain in their seats until further notice.

I talk a bit more about this in my flight anxiety guide, so check that out if you want.

FINAL THOUGHTS: HOW TO NAVIGATE THE AIRPORT

In this post, I gave you an extremely detailed rundown on how to navigate the airport. I know I give you all kinds of destination guides, but what good are they if you don’t even know the first thing about the airport process?

It was imperative that I gave you this guide so you can do just that! And that said, I hope, after reading it, you feel readier than ever to conquer this seemingly chaotic and stressful environment.

Now, friend, it’s your turn. I’m opening the floor for you to start a conversation in the comments. Here are some discussion topics:

• What questions and concerns do you still have after reading this airport guide? As a frequent traveler, I might be able to help you even further!
• Was there a certain section in this guide that answered a specific question you had?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you feel more comfortable chatting with me directly, shoot me a DM on Instagram or email me at demarcus@thesolosolstice.com.

ABOUT DEMARCUS

DeMarcus is a Midwest-based travel content creator and the founder of the solo travel blog, The Solo Solstice. He began his solo travel journey in December 2025 and since has been creating practical, in-depth travel guides for a like-minded community of first-time solo adventurers.

Visit the About Page to learn more about DeMarcus, and visit the Ethical & Responsible Tourism Page to learn more about his efforts to promote responsible tourism.