Air travel is an extensive process than arriving at the airport and getting on the plane. A step-by-step procedure is followed by the airport staff strictly to ensure the safety of the passengers. Although it’s a long process, it provides a streamlined journey, coordinated flights, and security. Fliers must know about this procedure before arriving at the airport to arrive timely and handle everything with ease.
Step-by-Step procedure of boarding the Plane at the Airport:
Entry and Security at the Terminal Gate
Travelers are required to show a valid ID and flight details at the entrance upon arrival. The security person will verify all the information before allowing passengers to enter the terminal building. Some airports only allow ticketed passengers to enter the main building.
Check-in Process
Once inside the terminal, passengers are required to check in for their flight. This can be done through the airline-designated counters or self-check-in kiosks to confirm their presence for the upcoming journey. Checked baggage is transferred to the airline’s baggage system after weighing and tagging. Seat upgrading can also be done here; however, it depends on the crowd and availability.
Baggage drop and Documents review
For international travel, airport staff will check visas, passports, and other required documents at the time of check-in. Any missing or incorrect information can lead to a delay or even the cancellation of the boarding. Then the baggage is scanned and loaded on the aircraft.
Security Screening
Before accessing the departure gate area, all passengers must go through the security screening. In this, they have to pass through metal detectors and place personal items like mobile phones, electronics, jackets, and carry-on bags on an X-ray machine for screening. Prohibited items will be discarded here only and will not be allowed to be taken further.
Immigration Clearance for International Flights
For international departure, the airline will review documents like visas, passports, a letter of consent, and travel intent. They will stamp the documents after asking some questions. Only after clearing the immigration process, a traveler can move towards the international lounge area.
Lounge Access
International departing passengers can access the lounge area after clearing the immigration procedure. These generally have boarding gates, a seating area, restrooms, and retail shops. However, most airlines have their lounges at the airports with some extra and premium amenities, but these are particularly accessible to business class members and those who have a Frequent Flyer Program membership card.
Boarding announcement and Gate Procedure
Boarding begins 30-45 minutes before the scheduled departure. Airport staff call the passengers in groups by making announcements. Boarding passes and IDs are checked for the last time at the gate, then passengers proceed towards the aircraft.
Final Checks before entering the Aircraft
After boarding, travelers reach the aircraft either by passing through the Jet Bridge or taking airport shuttle buses. Cabin crew welcome the passengers, assist them with their seat numbers, and ensure compliance with the hand baggage policy. The doors are closed after the final headcount and safety checks.
End Note
Boarding a flight appears to be a simple process, but it’s a whole, systematic, and coordinated procedure done at various levels of travel. Multiple teams are involved to ensure passengers’ comfort and security. Having prior understanding of this process can help in saving time and provide a hassle-free journey.
