Many people have never been on an airplane before. And there's no need to be ashamed of it, it's another interesting new experience that you should prepare for in advance. Find out more useful tips that will prevent you from getting lost at the airport on your next trip

Airports are like mini-cities where every traveler can experience tremendous stress, especially if it's their first trip or a huge airport. 

Dealing with all the terminals and check-in points is a real asterisked task, especially if it's your first time traveling by plane. However, with a few simple but effective tips, you can easily navigate any airport and avoid unnecessary worries.

You can learn more about possible reasons for an airplane downgrade here.

1. Arrive at the airport early

Arriving at the airport on time is the key to a smooth trip, especially if it's your first time traveling by plane. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before departure to have enough time to check in and go through security. 

For international flights, it is better to arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure. This will allow you to avoid stress, have time to go through all the necessary procedures and be sure that you will not be late for your flight, even if there are queues.

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2. Follow the signs

Following the signs at the airport is an important part of a successful trip. Airports are designed to make it easy for passengers to find their way around, from check-in to the gate. 

Despite the diversity of architecture and design, the basic principles of navigation are the same everywhere. Wayfinding signage is placed at key points where passengers need to make decisions about their direction of travel. They are designed in a simple style that makes them easy to distinguish from the brightly colored advertising signs. As a result, passengers can move naturally and effortlessly between different areas of the airport, making the travel process comfortable and straightforward.

3. Find the gate on your boarding pass

Find the gate number on your boarding pass. This information will help you navigate the airport. You can also check the current gate on the electronic displays located near the boarding area. 

The gate always coincides with your flight number. When you enter the waiting area at the gate, find a seat and listen carefully to the announcements regarding the status of your flight. This will help you to be aware of any changes and avoid unforeseen situations.

4. Stay calm and don't get nervous

In order to easily navigate in a new place, it is important not to be distracted by unnecessary things. Therefore, you should plan your trip in advance with a focus on convenience. Booking tickets online in advance will not only save time at the ticket office, but also allow you to take advantage of early booking discounts. Buying tickets in advance allows you to plan your trip carefully, writing down all the necessary details: departure time, flight number, etc.

Do not take unnecessary items with you and make sure that all items comply with airport regulations. Keep your documents and boarding pass in an easily accessible place to simplify security and avoid unnecessary delays. This organization will allow you to focus on your trip and avoid stress.

5. Use airport maps

Learning about the airport in advance will help you navigate better, especially if it's your first visit to the place. To do this, you can use a physical map, which will give you a general idea of the main areas and paths in the airport. However, modern technology makes navigation much easier. 

With apps such as Bing Airport Maps or Google Maps, you can quickly find the right terminals, gates, currency exchange offices, restaurants, ticket counters, baggage claim, and parking. These apps show detailed information to help you navigate the airport with ease. 

Before you travel, check if your airport is supported by the app you've chosen to make sure you navigate correctly. This will make your trip more comfortable and reduce the possibility of stressful situations.

6. Take advantage of expedited arrival services

Sometimes circumstances don't allow you to spend a lot of time navigating the airport. For example, if you're traveling for business, it's important to get to your destination as soon as possible. In such cases, there is no way to wait for a long time to go through immigration and customs control before connecting to the next flight. If you are traveling with children, the process of moving through large terminals can be exhausting for them.

In such situations, the expedited arrival service can be a real lifesaver. Experienced staff will help you with your luggage, ensure that you go through all the necessary procedures quickly, and organize a safe transfer to the desired terminal. Fast customs and immigration formalities are the dream of every traveler, regardless of whether they are traveling for business, leisure or study abroad.

7. Do not hesitate to ask for help

If you're having trouble finding the right gate, don't waste time looking for it. Instead, it is better to ask the airport staff for help right away. Security guards or any other employees are always ready to point you in the right direction, especially if you have limited time. This will allow you to quickly find your way around and avoid unnecessary stress while traveling.

Remember! Passing through airport security without a passport, storing travel documents in a digital wallet, and many other measures to simplify travel are being introduced at the world's largest airports. Read more about how biometric technologies are changing the travel industry.

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Are you planning to travel or move abroad? An important component of a successful trip is a travel insurance policy, because it guarantees the provision of high-quality medical care in any corner of the world and is able to protect you from unnecessary expenses during the trip. You can buy insurance from verified agents on the Visit World portal.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

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