To an inexperienced traveler, going through the procedures prior to boarding an airplane may seem like nine circles of hell. But this is only at first glance: there are far fewer than nine levels of control, and there is nothing frightening about them - you will understand this already during the second flight. In the meantime, to make your first air travel experience easier, English For Life is publishing a step-by-step guide to what to do at the airport.
On the way to the airport
Make sure you take everything Required documents: a civil passport if you are traveling in Russia, an international passport if you are traveling abroad, a printout of the itinerary receipt (most airlines only require a passport to check in for a flight, but just in case it is better to have the itinerary receipt with you, at least on your smartphone), as well as documents which may be required by the rules of entry into the destination country: hotel reservations, return tickets, money in foreign currency to pay for a visa, etc. If you are traveling with children in Russia, you need to take a birth certificate and passport (if you have one). To travel abroad, a child will need a birth certificate, an international passport, as well as a notarized consent to travel if the child is traveling without parents (with a nanny, grandmother, etc.) Check the rules for entry into the country of destination for minors: even if the child is traveling If accompanied by one parent, the border guard may require notarized consent from the second parent. You should always have the documents you need for pre- and post-flight security checks with you, so place them in your hand luggage (not in your checked-in suitcase).
If necessary, check in online for your flight.. For example, this is mandatory for all Ryanair passengers, otherwise a fine will be charged at the airport. You will be notified of the need to pre-register for flights with Ryanair and other low-cost carriers after purchasing your ticket.
Check the weight of your luggage. Make sure your luggage is within the weight allowance for your flight. The maximum allowable weight of luggage is indicated on the itinerary receipt. It’s easy to find out the weight of your luggage at home: step on a regular scale, first without your suitcase, and then with it.
Make sure your items comply with baggage and carry-on regulations. For example, all liquid that you take with you on board the plane must be in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml and not exceed 1 liter in total. Read more about this so that your expensive perfume or favorite Swiss Army knife is not confiscated for the first time at the airport.
Plan your way to the airport in advance. If you use a vehicle, consider the possibility of traffic jams. If possible, give preference to trains and metro, which are much more reliable than cars and run on a schedule, which gives you the opportunity to calculate your arrival time as accurately as possible. Pay attention to the terminal from which you are flying: at large airports, the terminals are often located in different buildings, the distance between which must be covered by transport. For example, one of the Heathrow terminals in England is located an hour’s drive from the main airport area. The name of the terminal should be indicated on your ticket or itinerary receipt in a format like “A12”. The departure terminal may change, so it is more prudent to check it in the list of flights on the airport website on the day of departure.
Prepare to pack your luggage if you feel necessary. Today at airports there is a baggage wrapping service, which is wrapped in a special film. This is done for two purposes: 1. to protect the suitcase from damage and dirt during transportation; 2. protect the contents of your luggage from the curiosity of unscrupulous airport employees. Experienced travelers know that it is easier to buy a regular cling film and wrap your luggage yourself rather than overpay for packaging. For example, in Domodedovo this service will cost you 600 rubles. Even more experienced travelers wrap their luggage with pre-purchased film already at the airport immediately before checking in for the flight: there is always a risk that the security service will ask you to open your suitcase at the airport entrance, and then your work and meters of film will go down the drain. However, whether to pack luggage or not is a personal matter for everyone.
What time should you arrive at the airport so as not to miss your flight?
It is important not to be late not so much for the flight itself as for checking in for it: passengers who do not have time to check in and check in their luggage are not allowed to board the flight. As a rule, check-in begins 2-3 hours and ends 40-60 minutes before departure time. Therefore, the optimal time of arrival at the airport is 2 hours before departure: this way you will cover the risks of unforeseen circumstances and will be in time for check-in, which will save you from having to stand in queues. If you are flying for the first time, arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight: the extra time will help you get your bearings without rush or nerves.
Please note that departures and arrivals are based on local time.
Checking visitors at the airport entrance
Entrance security is roughly the same at airports around the world: visitors are asked to place luggage and bags on an X-ray scanner conveyor and pass through a metal detector. If security representatives notice something suspicious, they may ask you to open the suitcase to ensure the safety of its contents, as well as conduct a personal search.
Check-in and baggage drop-off
When you arrive at the airport, the first thing you need to do is find out where you check in for your flight. The flight and check-in schedules are displayed on the electronic departures board (Departures). Find your flight line on it. Next, pay attention to the numbers in the “Check-in, Counter, Desk” column. If the field is empty, do not be alarmed: most likely, the counters have not yet been determined and check-in for the flight has not yet begun. Just keep an eye on the scoreboard and listen to the announcements over the public address system. If registration desks are already indicated, go to them. Even if you are flying for the first time, you will easily understand where to go: at airports there are signs literally at every turn, so you will quickly find your way.
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To check in for your flight, present your civilian or foreign passport (depending on the country of destination). If you are flying with a group of friends and do not want to be separated, tell the airport employee about this, and he will try to find seats nearby for you. You can also express your other wishes, for example, a seat by the window. Tall people It is recommended to sit near the emergency exit: the absence of a row of seats in the front provides additional space and a comfortable position for the legs.
At the same stage you check in your luggage. He is weighed, and if he does not exceed the norm, he is checked in for the flight. The maximum baggage weight allowed is indicated on your itinerary receipt. If the weight of your luggage exceeds the allowance, you will have to transfer some of your items to your hand luggage or pay for the excess.
Upon completion of check-in, you will be given a boarding pass - this is your plane ticket. It will indicate your flight number (Flight), your seat in the cabin (Seat), gate number (Gate), boarding time (Boarding time) or time of its end (Gate closes). A baggage receipt will also be attached to your boarding pass. Place the coupon in your passport and keep it handy until boarding.
Customs control (on international flights)
On all foreign flights, passengers go through the customs control(Customszonecontrol). It consists of two corridors or channels: green and red.
Above the green corridor, as a rule, there is a sign “No goods subject to written declaration” (Nothing to declare). It is intended for the majority of passengers who do not have property to declare.
Above the red corridor it is usually written “Goods to declare”. You must go there if you have goods that are subject to customs duties or for any other reason require written declaration, for example, cash or traveler's checks totaling more than $10,000, alcohol over 3 liters, etc. . You can view the list of things that need to be declared on the website of the Federal Customs Service.
Border control (on international flights)
Border control, or passport control (Passport control, Border) is the stage at which a border service officer checks the legality of your departure outside your homeland (absence of debts to the bank or state, criminal record or other problems with the law) and puts a departure stamp in your passport from the country.
There are two types of counters at passport control: for citizens of the destination country (for example, UK Passports) and for everyone who has another nationality (All other passports). Get in line at the counter where they check the passports of foreign citizens.
The check is carried out one person at a time, children are checked together with their parents. The border guard will need your passport and boarding pass. You may be asked about the purpose of your trip or whether you are traveling to your destination country for the first time. As a rule, the procedure takes no more than a minute, after which the border guard returns your passport with a stamp that contains the date and airport of departure.
Pre-flight inspection
Pre-flight inspection (Security control, Security check) is a procedure for detailed inspection of passengers and hand luggage in order to ensure the safety of the flight. Before inspection, it is necessary to remove outer clothing, belt, shoes (not always), remove gadgets, keys, small change and other metal objects and place them in a special container. You should also put your hand luggage there, if you have any. When it's your turn to be searched, place the container with your belongings on the scanner belt and walk through the metal detector frame. Make sure in advance that the things you want to take on board the plane do not violate the rules for carrying hand luggage in the aircraft cabin.
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After passing through pre-flight security, you enter the departure area where you can have a snack, drink coffee and visit Duty Free shops.
Boarding the flight
If this is your first time at the airport, don’t rush to go shopping. Even if boarding has not yet begun, first find the exit or gate you need. Its number is indicated on your boarding pass. There you will also find the Boarding time or Gate closes time. If there is a delay, you can also track your boarding on the board or by listening to announcements over the public address system.
When boarding, you will need your passport and boarding pass. The long part of the ticket will be torn off, and the short part, with the luggage tag, will be returned to you. Place them in your passport and keep them until you collect your luggage.
At the arrival airport
Upon arrival, you will need to go through all the same procedures as after checking in for a flight, only in reverse order and without pre-flight inspection.
At passport control Your passport will be checked for a visa (if required) and an arrival stamp will be issued. Don't be alarmed if the border guard asks you a couple of routine questions - this is a simple formality. They may ask, for example, about the length of stay in the destination country. In addition, you may be asked to provide additional documents, such as a hotel reservation for the period of your stay or return tickets. Check the rules for entry into the destination country in advance and put all the necessary documents in your hand luggage.
Baggage claim, as a rule, does not take much time. You just need to find the baggage hall and the conveyor, above which there will be a board with your flight.
customs control proceed by analogy with departure control: if there is nothing to declare, go through the green corridor, if there are goods to declare, through the red one.
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So, to summarize the above, we list the main actions that must be performed before departure, upon arrival, and also before going to the airport:
Before going to the airport:
- take all necessary documents in your hand luggage (including documents of children and those that may be needed to enter the destination country)
- Check if online registration is required and complete it if necessary
- print or download the itinerary receipt (just in case)
- make sure your luggage passes the weight
- read the baggage and hand luggage rules
- determine the time of arrival at the airport (2-3 hours before departure)
- plan your way to the airport
At the departure airport:
- find your flight and check-in counters on the board
- check in, check in your luggage and receive a boarding pass with baggage receipt
- go through customs control
- go through passport control
- go through pre-flight security
- find the gate you need and wait to board your flight
At the arrival airport:
- go through passport control
- pick up your luggage
- go through customs control
Of course, now the procedures for preparing for a flight seem even more complicated than before reading this article. But even when you find yourself at the airport for the first time, you will quickly understand the principle and sequence of control stages. Look for the signs you need, listen carefully to announcements, and if necessary, ask for help from employees or other passengers. We wish you summer weather!
In order to be on time for flight check-in and go through all the necessary procedures without rushing, you must arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure. Passengers must have their passports, child's birth certificate, plane tickets and route receipts– these documents will be needed immediately after inspection at the airport entrance.
Sequential Actions
When you arrive at the airport, the first thing you need to do is find the departure board - it indicates where check-in for a specific flight takes place. During the check-in process, documents (tickets and reservations) are checked, luggage is checked in and a boarding pass is issued - it indicates the boarding gate, go there. Along the way you will go through passport, customs and pre-flight inspection. At the appointed time, boarding of the plane will begin. Now in more detail about each stage.
Departure board
This is a large screen that shows the status of all flights departing in the next few hours. It’s easy to navigate, since all over the world it has the same structure of several columns:
- airline name;
- flight number looks like this: AB 123;
- departure time (time);
- destination;
- reception desk (kiosk, desk). Specified as 2 numbers separated by a slash: 1/5. You can approach anyone;
- note (remarks);
- boarding gate number.
- “Check-in, open” – check-in is open, the plane will take off without delays, you should go to the check-in counter;
- “On time/Blank line/On schedule/Check-in at...” (will open on time) – check-in has not started yet, but the plane will take off according to schedule;
- “Delayed till.../Delayed” – the plane will take off later, the exact time is usually indicated next to it;
- “Cancelled” – unfortunately, the flight will not take place. You should contact the air carrier's employees;
- “Boarding/Check-in closed/Boarding/Registration completed” – check-in for the flight is completed, boarding is in progress.
Check-in and baggage drop-off
The next step is check-in for the flight. Passengers can do this in several ways:
- Behind the reception desk, the number of which is indicated on the electronic display.
To do this, you will need a passport and a ticket, upon presentation of which you will be issued a boarding pass. If it flies big company or a whole family, documents should be submitted together: the likelihood of getting places nearby will be higher. Sometimes return tickets or visas are checked here if required by the rules of visiting a foreign country.
- Complete online registration.
Opens one day before departure. On the airline’s website, go to the appropriate tab, indicate your ticket number and last name in the appropriate fields, select a seat on the plane, and then print out your boarding pass, which is sent to your email address. If there is no printer, the coupon is printed at the kiosk self-registration.
- Via self check-in kiosk.
It looks like a terminal for paying for mobile communications. You can find it by following the signs. The check-in process here is the same as online, and the boarding pass will be printed automatically.
Your boarding pass will be useful to enter the departure area. It indicates the flight, seat in the cabin, boarding start time and gate number.
After checking in for your flight, your luggage must be checked in. Next to the counter is a conveyor belt where suitcases are weighed and then a special tag is placed on them. The exact same one is attached to a receipt or passport. Each company sets its own weight standards. If the baggage does not fit into the accepted parameters, the passenger is issued a receipt for excess baggage, according to the prices determined by the air carrier.
Anyone who has checked in online in advance or used a special kiosk can check in their luggage at the counter of their flight or at a special collection point: "Drop-off" or "Baggage drop".
Passport and customs control
After registration, you must go to the passport control (“Passport control”, “Immigration”) and customs control (“Custom control”) areas.
Customs control is required exclusively on international flights. Here you will have to present your passport, birth certificate for the child, and boarding passes. This meticulous procedure is designed to determine whether a citizen has prohibited items on him: drugs, excise goods and weapons.
If the passenger does not have items that require declaration, he should move along the “green corridor” - sign “ Nothing to declare". If there are things for which a customs declaration must be filled out, you will have to go through the “red corridor” - "Goods to declare". A list of items to be declared can be found on the airport website.
To pass passport control, permission for the child to travel abroad may be required from the other parent.
Pre-flight inspection
Moving along with other passengers, or following signs, you should go to the area pre-flight inspection (“Security check”). The procedure is similar to control at the entrance to the building. Here they go through a metal detector, put hand luggage and all things from their pockets through an x-ray tape.
It is important to keep your boarding passes and passports with you as they may be asked to be checked again.
For inspection, you must remove your shoes, if the heel is higher than 3 centimeters, and outer clothing.
Landing
In the departure area, where passengers enter after security, there are cafes and duty-free shops. Here you can pass the time before your flight. First of all, you need to find a way out - “ Gate» , with a number (for example A01), then check the time on the electronic departure board, and listen to the announcements over the speakerphone.
A few minutes before boarding, go to the appropriate gate and stand in line with your boarding passes and passports ready. The airport employee will tear off the long part of the coupon, leaving the short part in the passenger’s hands. She will be checked again on the plane.
After this, you can board the plane along a special corridor leading to the ramp, or take a bus if the aircraft is parked far from the exit.
After arrival
After the plane lands at the destination airport, passengers will have to go through several more mandatory procedures:
- Passport control.
Follow the sign with the inscription "Arrival" to the zones "Immigration", "Passport control" or "Visa on arrival". Here again you will have to show your ID, and, if necessary, affix a visa, fill out a migration card and show return tickets.
- Baggage claim.
The baggage claim area is designated as « Baggage» . The board nearby will indicate the flight number and a corresponding ribbon with bags and suitcases.
- Customs control.
In the zone « Custom» again walks along the green or red corridor.
It is worth studying in advance the list of items the import of which is prohibited into the country of arrival.
Look detailed video: what to do at the airport?
Features of a connecting flight
Connecting flights involve multiple flights on one ticket. It is worth considering several features of such flights:
- Passengers check in for both flights at once and have two boarding passes;
- There is no need to recheck your baggage;
- If the first plane departs with a delay and the passenger is late for the second flight, the airline itself purchases another ticket;
- Passengers spend the time between flights in the transit area.
How to change planes at the airport
Transfer carried out on two air tickets. If the flight is planned with transfers, there are several tips:
- Upon arrival of the plane, go through the border crossing procedure if necessary, receive luggage, check in for the flight, check in luggage, find passport and customs control areas.
These actions are no different from those at the airport for the first landing.
- It is necessary to accurately determine the time of transfers and not be late, otherwise you will have to buy a second ticket again. If the first flight departs late, the transfer may not take place: the burned second ticket will have to be purchased again at your own expense.
Before the transfer, it is worth finding out whether a transit visa is needed for the country or not, otherwise the matter will turn into big problems.
Everything you need to know about luggage
What to do if you lost your luggage?
If the required suitcase does not appear at the baggage claim, there is no need to panic. First you need to find a stand "Lost&Found"(Lost luggage, Baggage Claim, Help Desk), where a report of lost items is issued.
What you need to indicate:
- FULL NAME. and passport details;
- Information from the luggage tag left on hand;
- Describe the lost bag in detail.
The period allotted for searching the luggage is 21 days. If he is found, he will be sent to the airport closest to the applicant, or, in accordance with a pre-written request letter, delivered to his home.
If the items are never found, you need to demand compensation: every kilogram will be paid according to the rules adopted in the country.
What to do if your suitcase is broken?
It is not uncommon for luggage removed from the belt to be damaged. What to do in this case:
- First of all, you need to contact the employee at the “Lost&Found” counter to write a complaint to the airline. You must have your boarding pass, passport, luggage tag and, sometimes, a receipt for your suitcase.
- After completing the document, employees must issue paper with detailed description damage and a telephone number where you can find out the status of your application for compensation.
If the breakdown was detected outside the airport, you should call the call center and find out how long it will take and where to file a claim.
What to do if you forgot things at the airport?
If suddenly an item was lost or left at the airport or on an airplane, there is no need to worry: after a thorough security check, all lost items are sent to the unclaimed baggage room.
To return an item, you need to contact the airport directly, provide its description, indicate the place where it was allegedly lost and the date of the incident.
Passengers are advised to attach tags to all bags indicating the name, telephone number and address of its owner, so that airport staff can promptly contact the owner.
What not to do at the airport?
The following is strictly prohibited at the airport:
- Be under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- Carrying prohibited items;
- Smoking in undesignated places;
- Hooliganism and failure to comply with the requirements of airport employees.
At the airport, passengers are required to behave with restraint, not to panic and to behave appropriately. In general, the same rules of decency are observed here as in any other public place.
When you find yourself at the airport for the first time, there is no need to panic: strictly following the signs will help you avoid awkward situations, anxiety and mistakes. None of the procedures should cause difficulties if everything is done on time and according to the instructions.
Let's derive an algorithm for the behavior of correct travel abroad.
So, the first rule of any tourist: arrive on time to check in for your flight. According to international rules, check-in for a flight begins 2-3 hours and ends 40 minutes before departure. Sometimes it can end in 30 minutes, but we will focus on generally accepted standards. In general, to catch your flight, train yourself to be at the airport 2 hours before departure. "Why so early? What will I do at the airport for so long? - someone will ask. I answer: “There is such a thing as resale of airline tickets. The fact is that, according to statistics, 1-3% of passengers who buy a plane ticket end up not leaving on their flight. Their plans change at the very last minute. Therefore, often there are slightly more tickets sold than there are seats in the cabin. This especially applies mainly popular destinations. Therefore, the sooner you arrive at the airport, the sooner you will receive your boarding pass for your flight.” But first things first.
Rule 2: when flying domestically, check-in for the flight occurs in the domestic terminal (Domestic terminal); when flying outside the country (I’m now talking not only about the Motherland), we go to check-in at the International terminal. The names may differ slightly in one direction or another, but the meaning remains the same. Sometimes large airports may have several domestic or international terminals. Then look carefully at your air ticket: next to the name of the departure airport there should be a terminal number.
How in in this case- Terminal 1A of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai.
Rule 3: All airline tickets always indicate LOCAL time. That is, the time at a given airport.
Rule 4: when entering the terminal (remembering to pick up your luggage from the taxi and pay the driver) immediately look for the “Departures” sign (DEPARTURES - very similar to Russian word“deportation” - remember that). We follow the arrows. Having reached the departure hall, we look for a huge (or not very huge) electronic display of all departures. It will look something like this:
Let's figure out what's what. The first column indicates the time - therefore, the flight departure time. For example, you and I are flying to Madrid (MADRID) at 14.40. We are looking for this flight. He is! Great!!!
Next FLIGHT (flight) - letters and numbers. Three letters! Usually there are two, but here there are three. This is the code for the airline we are flying on. In our case - IBE, Iberia, the national Spanish carrier. The numbers are the flight number. Everything matches.
The next column is COUNTER (rack). Number of the counter where check-in for the flight takes place. In our case, from 9 to 23. Very often, several check-in counters are offered so that the queue moves faster and there are no traffic jams or congestion.
The next column is BOARDING (boarding time). As a rule, boarding begins shortly before departure. Everything is logical here! In our case, boarding will begin at 14.20. That is, 20 minutes before departure. In general, this is what always happens - in 15-30 minutes.
And the outermost column is GATE (exit). The same exit through which we will board. In our case - Exit No. 2.
Rule 5: Having studied the departures board, we confidently head to our check-in counters. As a rule, the first two or three counters register first and business class passengers (as you will be notified by signs). All others are economy class. Make sure the flight number above the counter matches yours. At this counter we hand over tickets, passports (the whole family can do it at once, so that the seats on the plane are next to each other), and we put our luggage on the scales. An airline employee carefully checks all documents, the presence of a visa to the country (if necessary), issues a boarding pass for each passenger, picks up luggage, sticks a luggage tag to your passport or to the back of the boarding pass.
If your baggage weight exceeds the transportation limits, you will be issued a receipt for payment.
Rule 6: With passports and boarding passes, we walk briskly into the departure area (DEPARTURE HALL). At the entrance, your documents will be checked again and you will be allowed into the inspection and customs control area. Your hand luggage will be scanned and you will go through a metal detector. If necessary, they will touch you. Liquids prohibited for carriage in hand luggage (ammunition, lighters, toys in the form of pistols, etc.) will be confiscated and allowed into the border control zone.
Rule 7: approach the border guard with a smile and greet politely (as far as possible). We submit your passport and boarding pass (every man for himself). We get it back, check for the presence of border stamps both here and there. We smile, say goodbye, and go out to the waiting room.
Rule 8: We immediately determine by the signs where your exit (GATE) to the plane is located. It is advisable to immediately go to it in order to visually remember it and estimate the distance to it. Next, you can stroll around the duty-free shops. But don't get carried away! Since 20 minutes before departure you must stand with your boarding pass at the gate of the plane.
That's all! Now you are savvy! Goodbye panic!
👁 Do we book the hotel through Booking as always? In the world, not only Booking exists (🙈 we pay for a huge percentage of hotels!) I have been practicing Rumguru for a long time, it’s really more profitable 💰💰 than Booking.
To get to Domodedovo, you can choose the most convenient mode of transport for yourself. There are several main options:
Aeroexpress
Comfortable high-speed electric train. Movement without intermediate stops along the route “Moscow-Paveletskaya” - “Domodedovo Airport” and “Domodedovo Airport” - “Moscow-Paveletskaya”.
Travel time: 40 to 50 minutes
Electric train
Movement along the route “Moscow-Paveletskaya” - “Domodedovo Airport” and “Domodedovo Airport” - “Moscow-Paveletskaya” with all stops.
Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Express buses
Modern buses Scania, Man, Mercedes. run non-stop from Domodedovskaya metro station to the airport.
Travel time: 25-30 min
Schedule: from 6.00 to 24.00
Departure: every 15 minutes
Buses Ryazan - Domodedovo Airport
Modern buses SETRA S312 HD with a capacity of 36
Quite often, people choose an airplane from all possible transport options. And this is not surprising. After all, firstly, this is the most, and secondly, it is a significant time saving.
But many people who have had to fly on an airplane for the first time are afraid of getting lost at the airport. After all, this is a very large-scale infrastructure with a considerable area.
In fact, it is quite difficult to get lost at the airport. But the abundance of signs, tablets and counters discourages people; they think that they can get lost among the boards and miss their flight.
Initially, it is worth noting that a person intending to fly goes through three mandatory procedures at the airport:
Before entering the airport building, a person is required to undergo an X-ray examination. When passing through, the tourist's luggage and personal belongings are checked in.
When entering the airport building, you need to follow the signs. In order to register, you will need to look at the board, which displays all departing flights by time (Departures.).
Opposite each flight there is a mark with the number of the counter that performs check-in. The reception desk is called check in desk. There may be one, but often there are several. Next, you will need to find a sign with that name and go behind the counter to register.
It is worth noting that check-in counters may differ depending on the class:
- first grade;
- Business Class:
- Economy class.
To register, you must hand over a printout of your air ticket to an airport employee. You can choose your seat on the plane if you wish. After check-in, the employee gives the traveler a ticket and asks them to check their luggage at the belt, which is located directly next to the check-in counter. Hand luggage remains with the person; it does not have to be checked in. But it is worth remembering that hand luggage cannot exceed 8 kg.
Basic luggage should not exceed 20 kg. Otherwise, the traveler will have to pay for each kilogram of excess weight according to the airline’s tariffs.
At some airports you can already check in yourself. For this, racks called Self-check-in are used. Externally, the counters are very similar to an ATM or self-payment terminal. When all the data specified in the voucher is entered, the machine prints out an air ticket for the traveler. But it is worth remembering that these self-service counters can be used by people who only have hand luggage.
Passport and customs control
Passport control involves presenting your passport to an airport employee. If the flight is international and a visa is required, the employee will stamp the document.
After passing through passport control, the traveler must go through customs control. The customs clearance procedure differs depending on the country. In some countries, people have to go through a metal detector, while in others, travelers are required to undergo an x-ray scan.
When passing through customs control, you must place all personal belongings, metal objects and mobile phones in special baskets. You will also need to remove your shoes if they have metal parts.
After passing through customs control, the traveler enters a free zone. The main advantage of this zone is the presence of duty-free shops, the so-called Duty free shops. To ensure that passengers do not miss their flight, the free zone regularly announces the start or end of boarding.
Planting usually occurs in two ways:
- People board the plane through a special corridor that opens directly between air transport and the exit from the free zone.
- People descend onto the runways. From there they are picked up by a bus, which takes travelers to the plane.
Customs control corridors
Many people who use air travel for the first time, before going through customs control, are at a loss as to which of the two presented corridors to enter. It's actually simple. The green corridor is intended for people who do not need to complete a customs declaration. And people who need to draw up this document pass through the red one.
But it is also worth noting that there is no blue corridor in airport terminals. It is intended for European Union citizens if they are traveling within the EU.
Transfer
Many people who have to change planes at the airport are somewhat concerned about the process. After all, they believe that they will have to re-register, pick up, and again.
But that's not true. Luggage transportation is handled exclusively by airport staff. A person traveling in transit does not need to re-register for the flight. It’s enough not to be late for your flight, and to do this you need to carefully study the board or listen to the dispatcher’s notifications.
There is no need to worry before your first plane flight. But in order for your visit to the airport to be hassle-free, it’s worth remembering some nuances:
If a person has checked in on time and moved to the free zone, this serves as a guarantee of his boarding the plane. Additional time is also sometimes necessary in order to find out where the check-in counters and corridors for customs control are located. No need to worry if you left early. The airport building has everything you need: waiting rooms, cafeterias, shops, rest rooms.
- Before your trip, you should find out the terminal where the plane departs from. Many airports have several terminals, which can be located at quite a distance from each other. In large international airports There is a bus or train between the terminals.
It is also worth remembering that when passing through customs control, employees are required to inspect things in the personal presence of the traveler.
If things were lost on the plane or in the airport terminal building, you should contact the lost and found office. Items found on board an aircraft are stored for 6 months, and items found in a building are stored for a month. In order to return the missing items, the owner will need to present his documents and describe the lost item to an airport employee.
Moscow airports
Moscow is recognized as one of the most major cities peace. Hundreds of people arrive in this city every day various types transport, including airplanes. There are three international airports here:
Each airport operates both international and domestic flights.
Vnukovo is the smallest airport terminal in Moscow. It is located within the city, while Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo are located in the Moscow region.
Vnukovo's operations are more focused on domestic flights, while other airports are more focused on international traffic.
The largest airport terminal in Moscow is Domodedovo. This airport cooperates with more than 80 airlines.
There are 2 terminals at Sheremetyevo Airport. The first operates exclusively domestic flights, the second vice versa.
How not to get lost in Domodedovo
As previously noted, all information about the upcoming flight can be found on the board. But if a person is confused and cannot see the data he needs, then he can call the customer information service at the number: +7 – 49 -59 – 33-66-66.
Since September 2005, the airport terminal management has introduced SMS notifications for passengers. Each traveler can send an SMS to number 9966 and receive information regarding the start of check-in for the flight marked in the SMS.
If a traveler sends an SMS to number 4040, he will receive notifications on his mobile phone regarding changes regarding the flight: the beginning and end of check-in, boarding time for the flight, etc.
It is worth remembering that at Domodedovo check-in for domestic flights is carried out from right side from central entrance. Check-in for international flights must be done on the left side.
If a person does not want to register at the airport, he can register in the Paveletsky railway station terminal building. But it is worth remembering that this procedure is paid. It costs 120 rubles. You must register 24 hours before your intended flight.
Check-in for the flight ends 35 minutes before the scheduled departure of the plane.
If a passenger wishes to check in his luggage to the storage room, he needs to go down to the ground floor.
Boarding a plane at Domodedovo is carried out from two sectors:
- Sector A. Located on the second floor in the left wing.
- Sector B. Located on the first floor to the left of the escalator.
The sector is indicated on the boarding ticket.
For passengers flying business class, a separate boarding sector is provided.
International flights board in the above sectors. If a person’s flight is domestic, then he will have to visit sector C, which is located in the right wing of the airport terminal.
Air travelers setting off on the road for the first time in their lives are wondering how to fly an airplane, what the rules and nuances are. Although this is not difficult at all, in order to feel more confident, it is better to stock up on the necessary knowledge and advice on the eve of the flight.
Step-by-step instructions, right up to the end of the journey, have several strictly sequential stages:
- check-in;
- baggage check-in;
- security screening;
- passport control;
- waiting for boarding;
- boarding the aircraft;
- flight;
- passport control at the destination airport;
- baggage claim and exit.
check-in
To describe how to board a plane step by step, you need to start with registration. So, if a passenger can say to himself: “This is my first time flying on an airplane,” then he already knows that he must arrive at the airport. At the same time, in major cities there may be several airports and terminals. The name of the airport and terminal number are indicated on the ticket, which must be carefully studied.
Having reached the airport, you need to find an electronic board in its hall, which contains information about flights departing in the near future. Usually the scoreboard is placed near the entrance in a visible place. The English version of the name is “Departures”. To get your bearings, you need to look for your flight number in the list, then down the line its current status.
Important! You cannot navigate by the destination airport and departure time. Different flights may depart to the same city, and times sometimes change.
| State | Meaning | Passenger actions |
| Check-in, Check-in open, Open | Registration in progress. | You can go to the registration desks, the numbers of which are indicated right there. Usually there are several of them. |
| Delayed | The flight is delayed. The expected departure times are also indicated here. But these are not opening hours for registration; it will start earlier. | If the delayed flight time is not listed, you must go to the airline counter to find out more information. |
| Canceled | Flight cancellation. | Contact the airline representative, they may offer to fly on a different flight. |
| Empty column | Registration is not yet open due to early passenger arrival. | Wait at the airport until check-in opens. |
| Boarding | The flight has begun boarding. | Registration is completed. The passenger can contact airline representatives. Some airports have counters for late arrivals. But there is no guarantee that you will still be able to get on the plane. |
There are three options for registration:
- at the registration desk;
- in the terminal for self-registration;
- via the Internet from home.
Airport check-in
At the indicated check-in counters, the passenger presents his ticket with his passport. Sometimes during international flights they check for a visa from the destination country, they may be asked to present a return ticket and even bank card, used to pay for the travel document. Procedure for check-in and boarding the plane with electronic ticket no different. The only difference is that at the registration desk you only need to show your passport without presenting a ticket.
After this, the passenger will be given a boarding pass, which contains important information:
- boarding gate number (Gate);
- a seat in the aircraft cabin;
- boarding start hours.
Transit passengers are issued a boarding document for their connecting flight.
The second way to check in at the airport is at the self-check-in machine. It is necessary to find the terminal of the airline with which the air traveler is flying. It looks like terminals for paying mobile phone bills and other services, only the device will have the airline logo. There you enter your last name, ticket code step by step, you may need to scan your passport, then you are asked to select a seat. A boarding pass will be automatically printed with the same information as issued at the check-in counters.
Through the Internet
Online registration is available even at mobile phone. It opens in different time from different air carriers. At least one day before the plane departs, and for some companies - 1 month. On the airline’s website, you need to find the “Check-in” button or tab and step by step enter the ticket code, personal data, and select the seat you like. The process ends with a printed boarding pass.
You can also print your boarding pass at the airport's electronic terminals or ask at the check-in counter.
Important! Any way electronic registration not suitable for travelers flying with animals or accompanying disabled people. According to the rules of individual air carriers, it is impossible to check in at the terminals with children under two years of age.
Baggage check-in and hand luggage
Baggage is left at the check-in counters regardless of the check-in method. For passengers who have already checked in online, there are special baggage drop-off counters - “Drop off”, where suitcases are accepted according to an expedited procedure. With the usual check-in method, luggage is accepted at the counters at the same time. The suitcases will be weighed and provided with a special tag. A baggage receipt is also issued to the passenger. It is often stuck on the boarding pass. You can use it to identify your suitcase. The luggage will then be sent to be loaded onto the aircraft via a conveyor belt.
Baggage allowance must be clarified when purchasing a ticket. Hand luggage is also weighed, tagged and returned to the passenger. As a rule, its weight should not exceed 5-8 kg.
What you need to do to avoid problems when checking in your luggage:
- Weigh the suitcase and if its weight exceeds the norm, transfer individual items to hand luggage without violating the baggage rules.
- Study in advance the rules for transporting fragile and oversized cargo, which must be securely packaged. In this case, you may need to independently take oversized luggage to another counter - “Oversized baggage desk”.
Security screening
At Russian airports, passport control is usually carried out first, followed by security screening. At many foreign airports it’s the other way around: security is inspected first.
Pre-flight screening is a thorough check by airport employees of the passenger's personal belongings - what is on them and in their hand luggage. Outer clothing, often shoes, belts, watches must be removed and placed on a conveyor belt, which will transport them through the scanning machine. The passenger himself is directed to pass through the metal detector frame.
- Take plastic containers, put bags, clothes and other things there, and place them on a conveyor belt.
- Check to see if you have any liquids in containers exceeding 100 milliliters in volume, piercing or cutting objects, etc. All this is packed into baggage checked in at the check-in counters. Baby food and vital medications are carried in as an exception.
- A passenger with a pacemaker alerts the security officer. He will be searched in person by an employee of the same gender without going through a metal detector.
International flights
The main difference between pre-flight inspection on international flights is customs control. If the passenger does not carry items that are subject to customs declaration, he goes through the “green corridor”.
If there is cash currency (or rubles) in an amount equivalent to 10 thousand US dollars, value, etc., according to the transportation rules, a declaration is filled out in the “red corridor” of customs.
Important! You must fill out the declaration before checking in for your flight.
Passport control
Border control of passports is carried out during international flights. It is usually designated "Passport control". Here you need to show the border guard a passport with a boarding pass. He will check the document against the database to see if the air traveler has any obstacles to leaving the country. Then he will put a stamp there indicating the place and date of crossing the border.
Departure area
In the departure waiting area there are cafes, restaurants, and Duty Free shops, but first you need to:
- Find your gate. His number is changed sometimes. This is announced over the loudspeaker and duplicated on information stands.
- Remember the location of your Gate and then walk around the pre-flight area, remembering to return strictly to the time indicated on the boarding document (Boarding time).
Landing
When boarding the plane begins, the flight number and the name of the destination airport appear on the board at the desired Gate. The passenger must make sure that this is his flight and show his passport with boarding pass at the gate. The larger side of the coupon will be torn off, the other must be saved until you arrive at your final destination and receive your suitcases.
There are two ways to get on the plane:
- they are taken by bus to the liner, where they go up the ladder;
- pass through a telescopic “sleeve” directly into the aircraft.
On board the aircraft, flight attendants will show where the passenger's seat is located. Personal items are stored on the luggage rack above the seat. If there is no space on the luggage rack above your seat, you can use other shelves.
Now that check-in and boarding are complete, it's time to enjoy your air travel.
Flight
While on board the aircraft, you must follow general rules and instructions received on the plane:
- fasten seat belts when required;
- do not get up from your seats during takeoff and landing, or when entering turbulence zones;
- no smoking, etc.
Depending on the level of service, breakfast, lunch or dinner, and drinks will be offered. If it is a low-cost airline, then for an additional fee. On board there are newspapers, magazines, sometimes monitors with video entertainment, blankets, and sets for children.
Important! During takeoff and landing, your ears may become blocked. Lollipops or chewing gum will help relieve discomfort.
Passing security upon arrival
After completing the flight, if it was an international flight, there are three types of procedures for obtaining permission to cross the border:
- visa on arrival;
- filling out an immigration card;
- passport control.
Visa on arrival
At the airports of those countries where a similar procedure is provided for Russians, you must go directly from the plane to the “Visa on arrival” counters. Then - the usual passport control.
Filling out the immigration card
For states that require a completed immigration card from each foreigner, a form is most often issued on board the aircraft at the end of the flight. Filled out on English language indicating the purpose of the visit to the country, time of stay, hotel or apartment address, arriving flight number, etc. Forms can also be obtained after leaving the plane, at special counters next to passport control.
Passport control
In a number of countries, the passenger goes straight to Passport control. Here you must present a foreign passport with a boarding pass and a visa (obtained in advance or upon arrival), and an immigration card (if required). An airport employee checks documents and marks the border crossing in the passport. Sometimes, in accordance with the rules for entering the country, you will be asked to present return tickets, medical insurance, etc.
Important! Foreigners should queue at the Foreign Passports or All Passports counters.
Receipt of baggage
Following the “Baggage” or “Luggage” signs, the passenger goes to the baggage conveyors. The information board at large airports will indicate the arriving flight number and baggage conveyor number. If there is any doubt about the identity of the suitcase, the numbers of the luggage tag and the one issued to the passenger upon check-in are checked.
Oversized luggage is issued at separate counters.
Important! If a passenger has items that are subject to customs declaration, he passes through the “red corridor” of customs. The rest go through the green one.
Transfer at a transit airport
Flights can be operated with connections using one ticket. A passenger who has received a boarding pass for the next flight at the departure airport follows the signs to the Transfer area.
- There is no need to receive luggage upon arrival at the intermediate airport; it will be reloaded onto another airliner.
- If the first plane is late, you need to go to the counter where transfer passengers are processed. There you will be asked to take the next flight.
- For Schengen countries, passport control is only required if the intermediate and final destinations are in Schengen countries.
- If a boarding pass is not issued at the departure airport, it is obtained in the transit area of the intermediate airport. You just need to go to the transfer counter with your ticket and passport.
- You need to wait for your flight in the transit area, which is also the departure area, with cafes, restaurants and shops.
When two separate tickets for a connecting flight are purchased, different rules apply:
- Only one flight can be checked in at the departure point.
- Upon arrival at the intermediate airport, you must go through passport control and pick up your luggage. Then the registration and boarding procedure is repeated in in full with a second ticket. Sometimes you will need to move to a nearby terminal or even to a different airport.
- If you are late for the next flight, the ticket is lost.
For a passenger flying on an airplane for the first time, it is better, if possible, to choose a flight without transfers or with a connection on one ticket.
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