First-Time Flyer Tips

Airport Arrival Time

The TSA recommends arriving at the airport two hours before domestic flights, and three hours before international flights. Peak holidays or morning travel hours may require additional buffer time.

Transport to/from the Airport

Do research, including on the Airport's website, on transportation options. Plan these out in advance!

Travelers with disabilities can request assistance from the airline in order to navigate the airport. (See Special Procedures)

Check-in

If you download your airline's app you can check-in on your phone before even getting to the airport. Otherwise, you can always check-in upon arrival at your airline's kiosk or the counter. If you check-in through the app or at a kiosk you will still want to go to the counter to check-in your bags.

Checking Bags

Do research and make a plan with your luggage, thinking through what you may check, carry-on, or have as a personal item.

Dress Comfortably 

Wear comfortable clothes. You might be traveling for a long period and being dressed in something you are comfortable in can help you feel at ease.

Going Through Security

Be prepared for airport security. After checking in, you will go through a security check before entering the secure part of the terminal. TSA agents will instruct you in the security process, which change regularly. To prepare, please review the current details.  After getting your items ready to be scanned, you will be asked to walk through a scanner. 

Additional Inspection

Some passengers may be asked for more information or pulled for more inspection. Generally, this is resolved simply. However, if you feel that you are treated disrespectfully know that TSA screening must comply with all applicable civil liberties and rights. It may be helpful to ask for a supervisor or to later submit a Traveler Redress Inquiry. 

Special Procedures 

Travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or cultural or religious needs should review information on Special Procedures to help accommodate their needs and prepare for screening. 

Travel to Your Gate

After the security screening, you will be in the “airside” portion of the terminal. We recommend that you travel from security to your boarding gate, where you will eventually board your plane. You can then wait there for boarding to begin, or you may want to get something to eat or shop near the gate area. 

Some large airports will have their own rail and/or bus systems to get passengers to their boarding areas. Others will have walkways. Smaller airports might have just one terminal that you can walk through. 

Be aware that sometimes boarding gates change. It is good to keep an eye on your boarding gate or to sign up for text alerts and updates in case you need to go to a different gate.

Board the Plane

Airline staff will make an announcement when it is time to board the plane. This normally begins between 30-45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Boarding typically ends 15 minutes before departure. 

Find Your Seat

When you get on the plane, go to your seat. You can place your carry-on items in the overhead bin. You can keep a small item with you if you wish to access it easily during the flight (a purse, small backpack, etc.) This item will need to fit underneath the seat in front of you.

Safety Briefing

Flight attendants will provide some instructions and safety guidance before takeoff. During this period, you will be asked to stay in your seat. After the plane achieves its desired elevation after takeoff, the airline will indicate when you can get up to walk or use the restroom freely.  They will also indicate what food and beverage services are offered.

Turbulence

Experiencing turbulence is normal. 

If you experience turbulence on your flight, try to remain seated, buckle up, and stay calm. If you are feeling nervous about turbulence, it might help to watch the video below about air pressure.

When you land, the airline staff will let you know when it is time to get off the airplane. If you are arriving in a new country, you will now go through Customs & Immigration. Afterwards, you can head over to the luggage carousel to pick up your other baggage. From there, you can exit the airport using your preferred method of transportation to your destination.

Contingency Planning

Have a backup plan in case your flight is delayed, or cancelled, or you miss a connecting flight. If this happens, talk to the airline and they can put you on the next available flight for no extra charge. Contact your faculty-director, or host institution contact, so that they know you will be delayed.  Stay calm – this happens sometimes, but you will still get to where you are going.