One of the most important things for the first time traveler to keep in mind is that it is important to get to the airport early, especially when traveling at peak travel times, such as holiday weekends or the busy summer travel months. It is a good idea to call the airline a couple of days before the trip to get their recommendation for how early to arrive. Most airlines will provide a toll free number travelers can use to get important updates.

Upon arrival at the airport, it is important to check in with the airline as early as possible. For those travelers not checking luggage, the fastest way to the gate is usually one of the automated kiosks most airlines now provide travelers. These kiosks can automatically print a boarding pass, and they often allow travelers to choose their seat assignments as well. All that is required for their operation is the credit card used to purchase the ticket, or the frequent flier card issued by the airline. The kiosk is then able to retrieve the reservation and automatically print the boarding pass and other travel documents.

With boarding pass in hand, it is time to join the waiting hordes at the security checkpoint. If you are lucky, the line will be short. If not, well be prepared to wait. No one likes to wait on line of course, but it is important to bring your patience, and your sense of humor, when it comes to airline security. Remembering that the screeners are just doing their jobs will help a great deal, as will being prepared when it is your turn. Most airports will have an initial screener whose job it is to check travel documents and identification, so be sure to have those items handy, and keep them out until you have passed through the security checkpoint.

While in most cases the trip through security will be uneventful, it is important to keep a few tips in mind. Some of those important tips include:

Upon arrival at the airport, it is important to check in with the airline as early as possible. For those travelers not checking luggage, the fastest way to the gate is usually one of the automated kiosks most airlines now provide travelers. These kiosks can automatically print a boarding pass, and they often allow travelers to choose their seat assignments as well. All that is required for their operation is the credit card used to purchase the ticket, or the frequent flier card issued by the airline. The kiosk is then able to retrieve the reservation and automatically print the boarding pass and other travel documents.

With boarding pass in hand, it is time to join the waiting hordes at the security checkpoint. If you are lucky, the line will be short. If not, well be prepared to wait. No one likes to wait on line of course, but it is important to bring your patience, and your sense of humor, when it comes to airline security. Remembering that the screeners are just doing their jobs will help a great deal, as will being prepared when it is your turn. Most airports will have an initial screener whose job it is to check travel documents and identification, so be sure to have those items handy, and keep them out until you have passed through the security checkpoint.

While in most cases the trip through security will be uneventful, it is important to keep a few tips in mind. Some of those important tips include:

With boarding pass in hand, it is time to join the waiting hordes at the security checkpoint. If you are lucky, the line will be short. If not, well be prepared to wait. No one likes to wait on line of course, but it is important to bring your patience, and your sense of humor, when it comes to airline security. Remembering that the screeners are just doing their jobs will help a great deal, as will being prepared when it is your turn. Most airports will have an initial screener whose job it is to check travel documents and identification, so be sure to have those items handy, and keep them out until you have passed through the security checkpoint.

While in most cases the trip through security will be uneventful, it is important to keep a few tips in mind. Some of those important tips include:

With boarding pass in hand, it is time to join the waiting hordes at the security checkpoint. If you are lucky, the line will be short. If not, well be prepared to wait. No one likes to wait on line of course, but it is important to bring your patience, and your sense of humor, when it comes to airline security. Remembering that the screeners are just doing their jobs will help a great deal, as will being prepared when it is your turn. Most airports will have an initial screener whose job it is to check travel documents and identification, so be sure to have those items handy, and keep them out until you have passed through the security checkpoint.

While in most cases the trip through security will be uneventful, it is important to keep a few tips in mind. Some of those important tips include:

While in most cases the trip through security will be uneventful, it is important to keep a few tips in mind. Some of those important tips include:

If any problems do arise, either with the airline or with airport security, seek the assistance of the airline or airport personnel. The staff of the airline and employees of the airport can be very helpful, but it is important to approach the situation tactfully and clearly ask for what you want. Airline travel is not as simple or as straightforward as it once was, but with the right attitude traveling by plane can continue to be an enjoyable and fun adventure.

Copyright © 2006, Ian White A