Airline Travel – The Steps For Boarding a Plane

If you are looking for easy steps on how to board an airplane, you will want to read this article. To make air travel less stressful and easy, plan to arrive at the airport early. Have all of your documents readily available and checked luggage packed appropriately. Ensure your carry-on luggage is organized, wear proper clothing and you will fly through security. By following these simple steps, you will arrive at your gate in a timely manner and boarding an airplane will be a breeze.
Plan ahead. Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to departure time for a domestic flight. If you are taking an international flight, allow at least two to three hours prior to your flight. When traveling from a major airport such as New York’s JFK, Atlanta, London Heathrow or Paris’s Charles de Gaulle, give yourself extra time as these airports are very busy and crowded.
Have all of your documents, such as tickets, photo id and credit card easily accessible and organized. This will expedite the check-in process. Make sure all of your checked baggage have the proper luggage tags, are within the proper weight limits and have TSA approved locks. Do not pack unapproved items in your checked bags. The TSA website has a list of approved items and non-approved items you are allowed in your luggage. You do not want to be contacted at the gate only to be informed your bag is not going on the trip with you do to a prohibited item. The TSA does scan checked bags, so follow the rules.
To help you and the security line move faster, ensure your carry-on baggage is organized. At present, the 3-1-1 Rule is in effect. The 3-1-1 Rule is all liquids and gels must be in a 3 ounce container or less, must be in a one-quart plastic bag, and one plastic bag per traveler. The one quart plastic bag must be removed from you carry-on and placed in the bin separately. If you are traveling with a laptop or other large electronic device this must be removed from the bag and placed in a separate bin. One exception is if you have an approved TSA laptop case. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Slip on, slip off shoes make it easier and faster to go through security since all shoes must be removed prior to going through the scanner. Double check to make certain you have all of your items before exiting the security check-point area.
Once through security, check the gate information and be at the departure gate no later than thirty minutes prior to departure. Most airlines board domestic flights thirty minutes prior to departure and international flights forty-five minutes prior to departure. Have your boarding pass ready and listen to the boarding announcements. Board with your group or zone number, stow your carry on luggage in the overhead bin or underneath the seat in front of you. After stowing your luggage, step into your row so other passengers can get to their seats. There is a lot of pressure on the airline staff for an on time departure. Nearly all of the airlines have adopted the practice of closing the passenger door to the aircraft ten minutes prior to departure. This makes certain the aircraft is physically pushed back from the gate at departure time. Arrive at the gate early so you don’t get left behind.Boarding an airplane can be easy. Plan to arrive at the airport early and check-in will quick and efficient. By having your documents and luggage organized, passing through security will be fast and friendly. By following the steps outlines in this article and arriving at the departure gate early, boarding an airplane couldn’t be easier.