Airplanes are one of the most important ways people move about the country for business and leisure travelers. Like any form of travel, airplanes have a protocol all their own. In order to successfully traverse the skies, you must follow this protocol as much as possible. Some of these steps you must follow by law, while others developed over time as air travel became more sophisticated.
Successfully navigating the airport is the first thing you will have to do. If possible, print your boarding passes before arriving at the terminal, which will save time and eliminate your need to go to the counter for passes. If you are unable to print your passes beforehand, you will need to get them at the airport. Many airlines have automatic boarding pass terminals which can assist you in obtaining your passes without going to the counter. If you do need to visit the counter to get your boarding pass or check a bag, have your ID and confirmation number ready so you do not hold up the line.
Security has been much tighter in recent years and can be the biggest source of delays in your trip. These delays are usually caused by unprepared people who hold up the line. The best way to get through security quickly is to anticipate what you will be asked to do. Before you arrive at the security terminal, remove your belt, wallet, keys and cell phone from your pockets. Place them in one bin once you get to the security terminal. Make sure you are wearing slip on shoes so they can be taken off easily and also placed in the bin. Place all carry-on luggage on the conveyor belt (with the bins) and remove laptop computers from their cases. This will ensure you get through security quickly.
Boarding is one of those areas where you do a lot of hurrying just to wait. Make sure you get to the airport in plenty of time to find your gate. Give yourself two hours before flight time to get through security, check in and board the plane. When you arrive, find a seat and keep your belongings out of the way of others. Don't get up and hover around your gate until your seat is called. Once your seat is called, you may go up to the gate.
Airplanes can be crowded so the goal is to make your flight as enjoyable as possible without destroying the flight for others. Be aware of the people around you. Don't use another person's seats as leverage to stand up and don't fight over the arm rest. If you need a nap, don't spread out as far as you can. Finally, if you are flying with friends and you did not sit together, don't stand in the aisle to talk.
Disembarking is one of the best parts of the flight. However, as excited as you are to be at your destination, allow others to get out of the way before you move. The people who are seated in front of you should be allowed to leave the plane first. If you have a complicated carry on set-up, for example a laptop case which will be placed on top of a rolling bag, wait until the majority of the plane has disembarked before taking your luggage down.
