Q&A for How to Get Through the Airport Quickly and Efficiently

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Question

What do I do on arrival at the airport?

Community Answer

The first thing you should do at the airport is check in for your flight. Look for your airline's desk, have your photo identification ready and ask the customer service agent for the next steps.

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Question

How do I get through the airport when travelling with a small dog?

Community Answer

Security will ask you to take your dog out of the carrier. You can either walk or carry your dog through the metal detector.

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Question

After the plane lands, where do I go to collect my bags?

Community Answer

Follow signs to the baggage claim. There, you will find a screen which tells you what luggage belt to go to. There you will find your bags.

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Question

How can I bring my dog with me on a plane?

Community Answer

Some airlines will allow small pets on board in contained crates, while some require that animals be checked and travel with baggage. Check the airline's website for the specifics on their policy.

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Question

When can I pick out my seats for the airplane?

Victoria

Top Answerer

Usually, unless you are flying an airline that doesn't have assigned seats (check on their website for this information), you will be able to pick your seats when you buy your tickets.

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Question

I have 1 hour to connect flights, will I have enough time to eat at a restaurant in the airport?

Community Answer

You won't have time for a sit-down meal, but you could pick something up to take with you to your next gate.

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Question

Is eight minutes enough time to have between two flights?

Community Answer

No, an eight-minute layover will not give you enough time to exit the first plane and board the second.

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Question

What can't I take in my luggage on an airplane?

Community Answer

Depending on where you are traveling, liquids in excess of 3.4 ounces (100mL), explosives, aerosols, weapons, fuels and other potentially dangerous items may not be carried on an airplane. Check with the specific airline you will be flying on for details.

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Question

Will they ask me for my passport if I'm traveling from California to Texas, or will my ID work?

Community Answer

Your ID should be fine. You don't need a passport unless you're traveling outside of the United States.

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Question

If I have a boarding pass on my iPhone, do I still need to print out a boarding pass?

Acurry628

Community Answer

No.

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Question

Will a 50-minute layover provide me with enough time to make my connecting flight?

Curtishuber5

Community Answer

In most airports, yes. But keep in mind that boarding often starts 20-30 minutes before departure, and in larger airports you may have a good walk from to your connecting terminal. If there are any delays with your first flight, it's likely you'd miss your second.

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Question

Can I check in by myself if I'm 17 years old and already bought my ticket?

Community Answer

I've done it, so yes. It may depend on how far you are going. I was going from LA to Ohio and I didn't need an adult.

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Question

Do I need to remove my socks during the airport security screening process?

Klm9658

Community Answer

No, you can keep them on. I always wear my socks during the security screening because you never know what germs are on the floor of the airport.

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Question

Do older people have to remove their shoes?

Victoria

Top Answerer

As per TSA policy, if you are 75 years of age or older then your shoes can remain on. If the alarm sounds, however, then you may be required to remove your shoes.

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Question

Do I have to take all my bags on the airplane with me?

Community Answer

Yes, but you may be able to check your luggage so it will be held for you in the airplane during the flight.

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Question

Do you need a passport when traveling from Texas to Minnesota?

Community Answer

No. Passports are only needed for international travel. You won't need one for domestic travel.

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Question

Can I take tweezers or nail cutters in my carry-on or checked bag?

Community Answer

No, tweezers or any other sharp metal objects will be considered weapons and confiscated by the TSA agents/security.

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Question

TSA Pre-check works for flights within the US. What is the equivalent for international flights to get through security faster?

Community Answer

Global Entry is a similar program for international flights.

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Question

Can I take tweezers in my purse?

Community Answer

No, you cannot take tweezers in your purse. The TSA agents will confiscate them.

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Question

What kind of ID should my 3-year-old have? We won't need passports because we will be within our home country.

Klm9658

Community Answer

All your 3-year-old needs is her boarding pass. IDs aren't required for children under 18.

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Question

How do I find my seat on the plane?

Community Answer

Your seat number will be on your ticket. When you get into the plane, you can see that the seats are numbered. You can usually find these numbers directly under the overhead bins. Check your seat number on the ticket, and read the numbers until you get back to your seat. The number on your ticket indicates the row your seat is in. The letter indicates which seat in the row. So if your ticket says 7C, you are in row seven, seat C.

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Question

I'm 13. Will I be able to travel from Pakistan to the UK on my own?

Community Answer

Most likely no. People still consider you a minor. Your parent(s) will probably need to travel with you.

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Question

My child is traveling from Saudi Arabia through Amsterdam to Montreal. Can my 13-year-old son travel alone without the unaccompanied minor service?

Community Answer

It depends on the airline. For most of them, the child is an unaccompanied minor if they are 12 or under, but for others the cutoff is 18, so you will have to check with the airline.

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Question

Do I have to take off my sweater when going through security?

Spaceship

Community Answer

If your sweater has a zipper on it you will have to remove it as it will set off the metal detector. If it does not have a zipper you may leave it on unless you are asked to remove it.

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Question

Will my internal defibulator/pacemaker be affected by inspection?

Spaceship

Community Answer

If you have a defibrillator and you are travelling, bring a note from your doctor to explain to security officers that you have a pacemaker.

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Question

Is an hour and a half enough time to get a connecting flight from the same terminal?

Victoria

Top Answerer

It may be, especially if you don't have to go to a different terminal. However, to account for any possible delays, it's best to schedule a flight with a slightly longer layover, if possible.

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Question

What time should I arrive at the airport if my flight departs at 12:00 a.m., but my boarding time is 11:00 p.m.?

Victoria

Top Answerer

You should arrive no later than 9:00 p.m. If you're traveling internationally, or you're traveling around a holiday, it's best to arrive even earlier than that so you'll have enough time to check in for your flight, go through security and find your gate.

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