How to Adult: Using the Airport

Most adults are responsible for their own transportation for vacations, job interviews, family commitments and other reasons. Travelling through the airport can be a chaotic experience for first time flyers, especially when ground transportation may not be convenient for every situation. Transitioning into adulthood accompanies people with several required tasks and on that list is air travel. Whenever the option to fly becomes highly likely, use this step-by-step list to help ease the process of using the airport:

Choose an Airline
The airport uses many different airlines depending on your destination such as American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, etc. Certain airlines only fly to certain regions of the US like Southwest Airlines while others can travel internationally like Qantas Airlines.

Buy Ticket(s)
Once you select your destination, travel companies like Expedia compare airline rates on tickets, hotels and other important components during your travel. Purchase your ticket and begin packing.

Find Parking
After you have bought the ticket, go to the airport that hosts your airline and the flight you joined. In the DFW metroplex, these airports are the DFW International Airport and Love Field Airport. In the DFW International Airport, parking is next to the E terminal, so find a spot and remember where you parked upon return.

Terminal Shuttles
These shuttles take you to the terminal of your flight. Five terminals compose of the whole airport and are organized by the letters: A, B, C, D and E. Inside each terminal are many pods and bag checking stations where you prepare for your flight.

Get Tickets/Check Bags
Find one of the pods and enter your information if you’ve not already printed your ticket. After printing your ticket, check-in your bags, if necessary, to one of the employees lined up in front of the long conveyer belt. They will attach a sticker and strap to your luggage and send it to the correct gate of your flight.

Security
Now that you have your ticket and have checked your bags, you must get through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Most airports require customers to take off their shoes and belts, and place any other metal or carry on bags in one of the bins. Put your bin on the conveyer belt and walk through the body scanner when signaled. When you are all clear, gather all of your belongings and head to your gate. Also stop by one of the restaurants or stores if you need anything for your flight.
Boarding
When you find your gate, check your ticket and talk to the desk to confirm that your flight will be taking off at that gate. Sometimes flights are switched to other gates, delayed and even cancelled based on the status of the flight or concerns of severe weather. Wait for the desk to call your class or name/party and board the plane.

Take Flight(s)
It is now time to fly. Your ticket should tell you the row and seat number on the plane, so put your carry-on luggage in the overhead bins. The flight attendants should guide and instruct you on all the procedures before, during and after the flight, so just pay attention and enjoy the flight.

Baggage Claims
You have made it to your destination and now need to locate your luggage that you checked from the departing location. Follow the signs from your gate, and find the corresponding baggage claim. Wait for your luggage on the conveyor belt.

Find Transportation/Connecting Flight
Once you have gathered your belongings, find a taxi, bus or family member outside. Various rental car services are provided by the airlines such as Avis, Enterprise, Hertz and Budget if necessary. If you have a connecting flight, find the gate of the following ticket.

Using the airport can be a stressful experience especially if it’s your first time flying. Whenever you need to take a flight remember to refer to this list step-by-step for help, and don’t forget to fasten your seatbelt.