How do airports work?

[Mydogisamentalist]

At risk of sounding incredibly stupid… I was wondering if anybody could tell me what happens at the airport?

I am flying at the end of the week and while I’ve flown before, I was a child. I’ve checked in online so I’m aware I only need to check in the bags and I’m presuming it’s security next? I’m worried about the being called to the gate bit. What exactly is the gate? How far away are they usually and are they easy to find? I don’t like flying and this is stressing me out so much.

If it helps I’m flying from Bristol.

There's been some great advice here; one tip I would add is there's usually self check-in machines before security, where you can also print a paper copy of your boarding pass. I like to have a paper copy as backup as well as on my phone, just in case my phone dies.

On the subject of liquids, if you're travelling with hold luggage I'd just put it all in there, but also remember that there's usually a branch of Boots or similar after security, so you can always buy a bottle of shampoo or similar there, without having to go through the whole plastic-bag routine!

Arrive at airport - make sure you go to 'Departures' and not 'Arrivals'.

If you have a boarding pass already printed/on phone, and no luggage - go straight to security.

If you do have luggage that needs checking in, go to the desk. There will be screens with the flight destination and number, followed by a desk number (or letter!).

Security

• take your bag off, coat off, watches, empty pockets, no liquids
• put it all in the box and pass it through the x-ray machine
• security will guide you to queues and through machines.
• Your bag/coat may be randomly selected for testing, don't panic.

Now you're in the main waiting area - lots of shops, food outlets, duty free sections. Check out the screens for your flight destination and name. Check it occasionally to make sure you get the right gate number.

There will be signs to each gate. There is usually additional seating near the gate so you can wait there too.

I flew from Bristol recently with Ryanair, the gate wasa very long walk!

YouTube could be your friend here

Some beginners guides to airports (although not specifically Bristol)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=3BrPg4fVnOg

I always plan to arrive at least 2hrs before gates close.

Recently we've queued for 50 mins to drop bags, then been at the furthest gate.

Don't want for an announcement to call you to a gate, you need to check the screens for your gate numbers. Announcements are often very garbled/hard to hear properly.

The gate is the door you'll go through to get on your plane. Big airports = more gates.

You'll be fine as long as you get there in plenty of time. I much prefer to get there early, find my gate, and sit and read my book with a coffee. Nothing worse than not giving yourself enough time and having to run.

Thank you everyone! This has helped a lot.

I am extremely nervous. I’m flying with two children, both autistic, one who’s terrified and one who has no comprehension or understanding of anything. I’m actually a bit worried about how I’m going to get her through the scanner.

My current plan is arrive 3-4 hours early because then at least lateness is one thing I won’t need to worry about!

It's not a bad guide but I'm not sure why under "this is what it generally looks like in the UK"..the presenter has listed...

"..Security>Passport Control>Duty Free..." (my emphasis).

That's potentially confusing to a newbie such as the OP since as has been mentioned several times upthread by various posters ex-UK there's generally no formal passport control anywhere in the sequence, but a check will almost certainly be done by airline staff at the gate.

Elsewhere in the world it may well be done differently and there may be a check.

Worth checking if there is an accessible security lane so you don't have to queue unnecessarily (nor pay for fasttrack) and if there are quiet areas in the departure lounge to wait.

Not related to the airport, but a more general piece of advice, is to mix your packing for different people between cases. That way if one gets lost everyone should have at least one additional outfit to wear. My preference (if possible) is also to pack a spare pair of underwear and a very light t-shirt in hand luggage.

You can book Special Assistance www.bristolairport.co.uk/at-the-airport/special-assistance/hidden-disabilities/

There is a dedicated security lane, reception area in the Departure Lounge and sensory room, for example.

Airports are definitely stressful but allowing extra time def helps.
3 Hours is fine, 4 hours is probably a bit ott.
dont worry about getting your daughter through the scanner that really is not a big deal at all.
getting your stuff out for the baggage scan (and getting it back!) is the worst bit.

ask if you can use the special assistance lane given the circumstances. Same procedure but less of a queue.

@LIZS thank you so much for the links. I didn’t realise there was any special assistance available. I’ll give the airline a call tomorrow and if no joy there I’ll get a lanyard.

Enjoy. I really really like flying and the whole airport experience.

Bristol airport special assistance are great OP, my grandmother used to visit us from Ireland and fly into Bristol. She had limited mobility (she could walk unaided usually but not so far as the final gates) and they’d help her out with a wheelchair and someone to help her into /off the plane.

definitely give them a call, they’ll be able to support you.

Special assistance will help you. Airports can be noisy and they are very brightly lit. I'm sure special assistance will have some ideas of how to make it less stressful for you all.

I hope you all have an amazing time!

Pack your bags wisely. Your liquids should be in containers no bigger than 100ml and they all should be in a clear plastic bag. One per person max. Don't forget this includes things like lipstick. Put these near the top of your bag in an easy to get to place. Ditto all your cables and electronics. If you have a lightweight canvas bag or plastic bag I recommend sticking all your electronics in one BEFORE you go to the airport. That way you can just tip it out rather than scrabbling around for them.

I also recommend taking an empty water bottle.

You confirm your seat online when it becomes available (usually a few days before).

LEAVE EARLY. It is better to be bored at the airport than panicking through security and legging it to your gate.

Check your bags in on arrival.

Then go through to security. You will need your boarding pass but not your passport.

When you get to the conveyor belt get out your two nicely packed bags - one for liquids and one for electronics (and quietly chuckle at the hen do next to you having a meltdown because they can't find their hair dryer and security are binning half their make up). You may need to take your shoes off. Make sure your pockets are empty and you remove coats and belts. Stick them all in the tray. Remember you can take your time putting everything back in your bag once you get through security.

Once you are through you should have some time to chill. You can fill your empty water bottle at the drinking fountain (usually located by the toilets). This means you don't get fleeced for water in the airport or on the plane. I find it makes a huge difference as I get very dehydrated flying - it also means I have a drink when I arrive / stay at a hotel.

Keep an eye on the screens for your gate number. It will tell you to wait in lounge and usually gives a time until the gate number. You will not be called to the gate. You need to pay attention to the screens to know where to go.

Don't get too drunk you fail to pay attention to the screens.

Wait by the gate until they call the flight. There is no rush to board as you have your seats allocated. You will need to show your passport and boarding pass.

Check your seat numbers - your boarding pass may show front or rear in reference to the door of the plane you should use. Get on the plane.

Relax. Switch off your mobile (or put it on airplane mode). Enjoy the next couple of hours in a wobbly tin can with people programmed to annoy you.

You should ask to either board first or last when you arrive at the gate. Airlines will often call families forward first but if your dc are likely to find sitting on the plane difficult while others board around them you may decide it is better to wait.