Departure Day
How to navigate through the airport by yourself step by step
I have traveled solo to 14 countries and learned a lot! I'm here to help you have a good time with yourself!
Now that you've booked your ticket, remember that this is not your actual boarding pass yet. The journey from departure to arrival can take up to 1-2 days, including navigating the airport system and following various checking points and signs, and I’m here to guide you navigate the airport by yourself step by step. I think of it as a series of tasks that I need to master like a game. Traveling internationally for the first time can be both exciting and challenging, but let’s make it fun! I have written down a series of steps so you know what to expect from departure to landing! I hope you have a great travel day!
1. From booking to departure day
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After purchasing your ticket, you should have received a confirmation email. Nonetheless, continue to monitor updates from your airline until your scheduled flight day and adjust your travel plans as necessary. In other words, change is normal for the airline, and it can be from time change to cancel flight, but no worry, as long as you follow the instruction in the email, you will be fine.
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Confirm your flight on the airline's website 24 hours before departure to ensure everything is proceeding as planned.
If you encounter any issues checking in online, plan to arrive at least 2.5 hrs. early at your airline to check in in person on your travel day. Be sure that you have every document with you, and let them know that you are not be able to check in online, this happened to me beore, so no worry.
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If your flight is delayed for a significant amount of time, it could potentially impact any connecting flights you plan to take. If you're worried about missing your connection due to this delay, reach out to your airline or booking agency as soon as possible. It is our responsibility to reach out and ask for their attention to help you out, so be calm and take the initiative.
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Keep checking the status of your flight before your arrival at the airport. Some airlines will send text updates about delays, but it's important to stay informed. Be attentive during traveling season, holiday, or when adverse weather is forecasted, as this often impacts flight schedules for everyone’s safety. Keep yourself informed and make new decisions accordingly.
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Airports are divided into terminals, and different airlines are housed in different terminals. There are also different terminals for arrivals and departures. Finding out the location beforehand can save you a lot of time, and make sure you are head toward right direction on your way to the airport.
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1, Passport (make sure it is not expired)
2, Print your air ticket- Even though there are many ways you can show your purchased ticket to your airline to exchange your boarding pass, I still always print my air ticket, just in case the Wi-Fi not stable in the airport, or your phone does not operate somehow. I learned my lessons not to fully depend on my phone, and prepared so there are no unwanted surprises.
3, Driver license ID.
2. Depature Day- At the airport
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For international flights, ideally arrive at your airline’s service counter at least 2.5 hours before your flight. This allows you enough time if you come across long lines, check your bag, and get your boarding passes. Note that if your trip in between city A to B involves three flights, you should have three boarding passes, and ideally, if you already have gate number on each boarding pass is good. If you only have gate number on your first flight, and no gate number on the 2nd, or 3rd, you will need to find out from the flight screen at the airport (You can see more on -How to find your gate number.
Baggage:
1. Avoid over-packing. Exceeding the weight limit for checked baggage can result in fees over $75.00. Always check your airline’s baggage policy.
2. Most airlines permit one carry-on bag and one hand-held bag, such as a laptop case or a purse.
3, Let’s say if you fly out from St. Louis, to Rome, then your checke baggages should be claimed in Rome, Italy.
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Ensure to have them handy when checking in and going through security, so don't pack them in hard-to-reach places.
3. Going through Airport Security check
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After checking your bags and receiving your boarding pass, proceed directly to the security checkpoint. The process can be lengthy, so remain calm and patient. While waiting in line, prepare by removing your outerwear. To pass through security successfully, you'll need to take off your shoes, jacket, and belt but do it as you approach your turn. If you're wearing any metal jewelry or accessories, remove these too, as they can trigger metal detectors.
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If you are planning to pack liquids or gels in your carry-on, they will need to be removed from your bag at security. All liquids traveling with you need to be less than 3 fluid ounces and you will only be able to carry. If you bring containers of liquids like water bottles, they will be taken from you and confiscated by TSA, so buy water and drink after you go through security.
It is generally easier to keep all your personal travel items in one gallon-sized Ziploc bag. That way, when you have to remove them for security, it will be easier for you to reach, and you can purchase some items at the airport after passing through security, but the cost will be a bit more.
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If you are traveling with a laptop, iPad, or cellphone and so on, take them out of your packed bag and place them on the container to be scanned. Do them beforehand so you can move through quickly.
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Going through security checks can be stressful. However, remain calm, and once you've put on your shoes and collected your belongings, double-check everything and your documents before you leave. I see some people leave their phone or passport behind and it can cause you to miss a flight, so be mindful at this moment.
3. Find Your Gate to Board Your First Flight
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After your security check, take out your first boarding pass for your first flight. It should display your gate number. If, for any reason, it only shows an English letter (usually the case for the second and third flights), then go to the flight information screen nearby, look carefully as the words on the screen can be small if it far from you, always double check to make sure you head toward to right direction.
Here is an example:
Departure time 8:30 am - Flight number AA144 - Gate B (you need to find out the number, for example B55)
Tips:
The distance from where you are to the gate can be short or very far, it depends on the size of the airport and the location of the airplane. Sometimes, it can be in another terminal, no matter what, I suggest going straight to your gate right away after security check.
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I’m glad you are here!
International flights often involve spending long hours up in the air, so make your trip as comfortable as possible. If you have time before boarding, consider using the restroom and packing some food in your bag. If this is not a direct flight, then the first flight might only serve a small meal, with the primary meal being served on the second flight, potentially many hours later.
4. You are taking off!
Now, you can finally relax and enjoy your flight. Hopefully, you'll manage to get some rest after all the preparations. If you have a window seat, don't forget to look out and enjoy the view. After all, how often do we get to see the world from above, and isn't that why we travel?
Keep in mind: If you are not flying directly from your city to your destination, for example, from St. Louis to Rome, you will need to transfer to your second, or even third flight. This can be in another country besides Italy, so keep your boarding pass handy.
4.Trasnsfer to your next flight
After your first flight has landed, follow the Transfer direction signs to find the gate number for your second flight. Ideally, if you have all the gate numbers on your boarding passes, that's the best. If you have time before your second flight, you can refresh yourself or go straight to the gate for your second flight.
If your second flight doesn't show the gate number on the boarding pass (often because the airline didn't know yet at the time when they printed it), then you will need to find out locally, just go to the flight information screen in the airport and search for your gate number based on the flight information on your second boarding pass.
Repeat this exercise if you have a third flight.
5. Enter the country- Immigration checkpoint
The next stop is the immigration checkpoint. Follow the Arrival and Immigration Checkpoint signs in the airport, where you will show your passport and visa to gain entry into the country.
Note: Your port of entry may not be your final destination. For example, if you are traveling from St. Louis to Sicily, you will first go through Italy’s immigration check, then take your next transportation from Rome to Sicily.
5. Don’t forget to claim your checked suitcase and bags.
Claim your checked bags by following the Baggage Claim sign.
After passing through the immigration checkpoint, follow the Baggage Claim sign to retrieve your checked bag from your departure city.
To find out where to wait for your bag, refer to the flight information screen to determine the correct number. Be aware that many people use black and red suitcases that can look identical, so ensure you have the right one and that others haven't mistakenly taken yours. Things happen when people are tired after a long trip.
Tips: If you have someone to pick you up, you can suggeste them to meet you at the baggage claim area.
There are two terminals you could exiting from: Terminal 1 and 3, depending on the airline you’re flying with. However, most international flights arrive at Terminal 3.
From Terminal 3, you will exit through the doors from the security restricted baggage claims area, and enter the Main Waiting Hall where travelers are met by friends and family, and of course, our Wellness retreat teacher Christy, our guests, and our private drivers are all here waiting for you at 3:00 p.m. local time at Terminal 3