I recently left for a trip overseas, which means I spent some time in a few airports this past week.  This of course had me thinking about airplane travel and how much of a hassle* this can be at times.  Here is some good information to know about flying out of airports in the United States.  You might also like to know that the process of flying out of an airport in the United States is not always easy and often confusing even for Americans.  This is why it is good to be prepared for what is likely to happen.  Please note this advice is based on my own experience, but I have flown quite a bit into and out of the United States, so hopefully it will be helpful to you.

When to Arrive at the Airport:
You will need to arrive with enough time to complete the ticketing process, baggage check, and security clearance procedures before you can proceed to your plane.  If you are flying on an international flight it is best to arrive 2 hours before your plane is scheduled to leave.  You might need even more time in an airport located in a large city (like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, etc.), as these airports tend to be very busy.  If you are flying from one city in the United States to another city in the United States you may only need to arrive at the airport 75 minutes before your plane is scheduled to leave.  But don’t forget you have to check all your baggage in at least 30 minutes before your plane is scheduled to depart if you are flying within the United States and 60 minutes ahead of time if you are flying out of the United States to another country.

Airport Check-in:
In my experience even very small airports in the United States are now moving most of their ticketing procedures to electronic ticketing booths.  That means you will spend less time talking with a ticketing agent and more time interacting with a machine that will ask you questions and print your boarding pass(es).  If you use a ticketing machine to check-in (or check-in your bags) you will only have to talk to the ticketing agent when you turn in your luggage to be tagged.  Don’t worry though there will be a real person near by to help you if you need it.  Here is a video that shows you what it is like to use one of the airport ticketing machines in the United States.  You will see in this video you are often offered the chance to change your seat or purchase a better seat on the plane.

Airport Security:
After you have checked-in at the airport you will have to pass through airport security. Have your passport and boarding pass ready to show the security officer when enter the security checkpoint line.  Airport security is very tight in the United States.  The police and TSA** take their job very seriously and don’t make exceptions if you are missing necessary travel documents.  They also don’t allow you to travel with any liquids (larger than 3 oz) and of course there are other prohibited items (see here for more information on prohibited items: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm).  If you do not understand a question you are asked at a security checkpoint be sure to ask the person to repeat their question until you understand.  It is important you understand what you are being asked in order to respond with an accurate*** answer.  After the security person has checked your passport, you will have to put all of your belongings though a scanning machine.  Then you will either have to walk though a metal detector or full body scanner.  You will be asked to take off your coat, belt, and often you have to take off your shoes to go through one of these scanners.  Be sure not to have any metal in your pockets when you go through the metal detector or scanner.

I hope this information is helpful to you the next time you are flying in the United States.

* trouble
** Transportation Security Administration = airport security officers
***with correct information