Glossary

ATC (Air Traffic Control): A service responsible for the safe and efficient movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air.

BAGGAGE CLAIM: Area where arriving passengers collect their checked luggage.

BAGGAGE TAG: A label attached to checked baggage with a barcode and destination information.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE: The amount (weight and number) of bags a passenger is permitted to bring without extra fees.

BOARDING PASS: A document provided at check-in that allows a passenger to enter the aircraft.

CABIN CREW: The airline staff responsible for passenger safety and comfort during the flight.

CARRY-ON BAGGAGE (HAND LUGGAGE): Small luggage passengers are allowed to take into the aircraft cabin, typically stored in overhead compartments.

CHECKED BAGGAGE: Larger luggage that is handed over at check-in and stored in the aircraft's cargo hold.

CHECK-IN: The process where passengers confirm their presence on a flight and hand over any checked baggage.

CODE-SHARE: A flight operated by one airline but also marketed by others under different flight numbers.

CONNECTION / CONNECTING FLIGHT: A subsequent flight needed to reach the final destination.

DELAYED: A flight that will depart or arrive later than scheduled.

DEPARTURE GATE: The location in the terminal where passengers board their flight.

DEPARTURES: The section of the airport where passengers leave for their flights.

DESTINATION: The final location of a flight.

ETA / ETD (Estimated Time of Arrival/Departure): The predicted time a flight will arrive or depart.

EXCESS BAGGAGE: Luggage that exceeds the airline's free baggage allowance; usually subject to additional fees.

FLIGHT NUMBER: A unique identifier for a particular flight route and schedule.

GATE: The access point in the terminal where passengers board or deplane.

IATA CODE: A 3-letter code designating an airport (e.g., LAX for Los Angeles International).

IMMIGRATION: The process travelers go through when entering or leaving a country.

LANDSIDE: The part of the airport accessible to the general public (check-in counters, arrivals hall).

LAYOVER: A stop between two flights; can be short (a few hours) or long (overnight).

LOST & FOUND: A service for recovering lost items.

MAINTENANCE: Technical checks and repairs carried out on aircraft.

ON-TIME: A flight that departs and arrives according to schedule.

OVERBOOKING: When more passengers are booked than there are seats available.

PASSPORT CONTROL: The area where travelers' documents are checked by border officers.

PAX: Industry shorthand for "passengers."

SECURITY CHECK: Screening process for passengers and carry-on baggage before entering the airside.

SHUTTLE: A vehicle that transports passengers between terminals or to the aircraft.

STANDBY: A passenger who waits for an available seat after all confirmed passengers have boarded.

STOP-OVER: A planned stop on a journey, usually longer than 24 hours for international flights.

TRANSFER: Moving from one flight to another at an intermediate airport.

TRANSIT: Temporary stay at an airport while en route to another destination.

UMNR – Airline industry code used for “Unaccompanied Minor.”

WEIGHT & BALANCE: Calculations to ensure the aircraft's weight is properly distributed.

Overhead Locker: storage compartment located above passenger seats, typically in airplanes

FARES