If you have multiple flights due to layovers, ask the attendant to print your boarding passes for all flights. Some do this automatically, but it is good to ask if they don’t. Checked luggage must typically weigh less than 50lbs and costs about $25 to start. This varies from airline to airline though, so check your specific airline’s requirements online. If you don’t want to worry about checking bags, you are allowed one carry on item and one personal item - one that goes under the seat in front of you, and one stored in the overhead bins above your seat. Ask the gate attendant if your bags are small enough to bring with you as carry-ons. If you print your boarding pass online and are not checking luggage, you can bypass stopping by the airlines counter.
Airports are very picky about security, but they will also be very vocal about it. Check for signs about what to do in order to successfully pass through security, and if you’re still not sure ask someone for help. Liquids and laptops must be in their own bins separate from other items. Any items (including gum and unused gum) that are found in your pockets must be placed in the bins to be scanned by the x-ray. Also, all airports will want you to place any metal objects in the bins as well (and that includes metal earrings and jewelry). Some security checkpoints require you to remove your belt, shoes and jackets; look for signs to see if your airport does as well. Some airports may ask you to remove your socks as well, but this varies. A TSA agent will guide you through the process if there happens to be an issue with something in your luggage or on yourself. If you have TSA Precheck printed on your boarding pass, visit the TSA PreCheck security line instead. [3] X Expert Source Amy TanTravel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers Expert Interview. 12 March 2020.
If your boarding pass does not have the terminal number (and very few don’t these days), find a monitor with the flight schedules and check that instead.
Be careful not to stray too far from your gate so that you don’t miss an important announcement about your flight or early boarding opportunities. If you want, you can speak to a flight attendant at the counter of your gate about changing your seats. This is the only opportunity you have to grab a different seat or to upgrade to business or first class. [5] X Research source
First class always boards the plane first, followed by business class and people with disabilities or infants. Although it is not always the case, it may be beneficial to try to snag a place in line early on so that there is still room in the overhead bins for your luggage. Otherwise, if storage space runs out your bags will have to be checked.
