How to Get Through the Airport Quickly and Efficiently

Co-authored by Stef Katz

Last Updated: January 13, 2023 Approved

Making your way through an airport can be stressful, especially if there's not much time before your flight starts boarding. That's why we've compiled these expert tips for getting through airports faster. Follow the steps below to get to your gate as quickly as possible. No more long, stressful airport journeys—we promise.

Steps

1
Purchase your plane ticket in advance. This can be done either online or through your airline. This will save you time at the airport since you won't have to buy your ticket there. If the online ticket purchase gives you the option to print out your boarding pass, this is recommended, especially if you are not checking bags.
2
Pack your bags, keeping in mind that you can only have one piece of luggage and a smaller, carry-on item with you on board the plane. Make your bag identifiable by tying a ribbon on it or putting a tag on it, or you can use a colorful/unique bag. This can save you time and confusion if your bag ends up looking similar to someone else's.
- When you pack any liquid items in your carry-on, such as lotion, shampoo, body oils, etc., make sure they are 3 oz. or less. Keep them together in a plastic Ziploc bag, and remember the rule 3-1-1, containers must be 3.4 ounces or less, stored in a 1 quart/liter zip-top bag and only 1 zip-top bag per person.^{[1]
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3
Arrive at the airport 2 to 3 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This is in case of delays getting to the airport, checking in, or clearing security.^{[2]
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4
Find the check-in counters for your airline. These should be indicated by signs outside the terminal building on the departures roadway, as well as their logos on the wall and above the counters. Get in line and wait until you are asked to come forward. There is usually a bin that allows you to see if your luggage is small enough to go on the plane or if you have to check it. Also, keep in mind you may only have one piece of luggage and one smaller carry-on item. Have your ID on hand.
5
Show the agent your ID when asked to do so. If your luggage is getting checked, place it on the nook in the counter as well when asked to. The agent will tag it, and either place it on the conveyor belt behind the counter, or tell you to carry it over to a scanner. If not, tell them you have nothing to check. In either case, they will then hand you your boarding pass unless you printed it online. If you do not have bags to check and checked in online, you can skip this step entirely.
- You can get your boarding pass on the airline's website and print it.
- Pull it up on your phone in the airline's app.
- Or print it at the airport.
6
Make your way to the security checkpoint assigned to your departure gate. You will meet a security worker who will check your boarding pass and ID and send you forward (make sure you have a proper ID, keeping in mind that this varies depending on your state).^{[3]
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- You will then wait in line to get into an x-ray machine and metal detector. You will put all of your bags, metallic objects and shoes on the conveyor belt to be scanned. If you have a Ziploc bag of liquids in your bag, remove it to be screened on its own. If you have any objects that would show up on the x-ray as a box, such as a laptop, tablet or video game system, remove it and send it through separately. Take off any jackets or sweatshirts, as those need to be screened as well.
- Remove all metal objects, including keys, jewelry, belts, etc. Then, remove your shoes and place them on the belt. If you get confused, just ask a security worker politely and they should be able to help you.
7
Wait for an agent will tell you when to walk through the metal detector or x-ray machine to the other side of the conveyor belt. This area is where you will pick up your items. Replace anything you may have removed from your bag, put your shoes on and leave the security checkpoint.^{[4]
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8
Know that you are now in the secure boarding area. Gate numbers are indicators of areas where you will board the plane. The airline agent may have told you your gate number, it might be on your boarding pass, or you can find departure monitors in the area which will have a list of flights and gate numbers. Find your gate, which will be indicated by signs with numbers on them. These are very visible so do not worry.^{[5]
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9
Have a seat in your gate area and wait for the plane to be ready for boarding. Make sure you bring 2 portable chargers that are fully charged in the event that your flight is delayed and no wall outlets are available.
10
Wait for the gate agents to announce boarding and give you instructions. As you approach the jetway, you will hand them your boarding pass, and it will then be scanned and returned to you. Sometimes, the gate agent may tear off and keep a portion of it.
11
Find your assigned seat and place your luggage in the overhead bin. If you have a smaller bag you'd like to hold on to, simply slide it under the seat in front of you so the area around your feet is clear.
12
Enjoy your flight!

Community Q&A

Question

At what point do you go through immigration when you are leaving a country? Is it before or after check in?

Community Answer

You don't go through immigration when leaving a country. You go through immigration when arriving in a country that is not your native country.
Question

What do I do when I reach the destination? Do I just leave the airport?

Community Answer

When you get to your destination, get off the plane and claim your bags. Then you can leave.
Question

Will my metal knee replacements be a problem when going through airport security?

Community Answer

Before you travel, get a note from your doctor and copies of your x-rays if possible. Check with the airport to find out if any other supporting documents will be necessary to go through security.

Warnings

Do not take sharp objects, they'll only be taken away.

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Do not joke about bombs, bombings, or terrorists, because airport security will take them very seriously.

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The traffic and craziness of the airport can make you feel flustered and at a loss. Take a breath and think about what's next. Don't sweat it!

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