How to Board a Plane: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

Download Article

Explore this Article

parts

1Navigating the Airport

2Boarding the Plane

Other Sections

Related Articles

References

Article Summary

Co-authored byAmy Tan

Last Updated: January 31, 2024Approved

Download Article

Airports can be stressful, so it's helpful to know how to board a plane efficiently. Grab your ticket, ID, and passport (if necessary). Get through security. Once through security, find your gate. Wait for boarding to begin. This usually happens 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Check your ticket to find your gate number. If you have a gate number, low numbers board first while higher numbers board last. If you or someone you are traveling with is very young, elderly, or a veteran, you may usually board first, regardless of your gate number. First, business, and priority classes always board before coach.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Navigating the Airport

Download Article

  1. 1

    Print your boarding pass and check your luggage. Although many airlines allow you to check in and print your boarding pass online (if you’re not checking luggage), you can also choose to do so in person at the airport. Enter the airport in the section of your airline carrier, and locate their counter. When you get to the front desk, simply tell them your name and give them ID, and they should automatically print your boarding pass and ask about checked luggage.[1]

    • If you have multiple flights due to layovers, ask the attendant to print your boarding passes for all flights. Some do this automatically, but it is good to ask if they don’t.
    • Checked luggage must typically weigh less than 50lbs and costs about $25 to start. This varies from airline to airline though, so check your specific airline's requirements online.
    • If you don’t want to worry about checking bags, you are allowed one carry on item and one personal item - one that goes under the seat in front of you, and one stored in the overhead bins above your seat. Ask the gate attendant if your bags are small enough to bring with you as carry-ons.
    • If you print your boarding pass online and are not checking luggage, you can bypass stopping by the airlines counter.
  2. 2

    Head to security. If you have your boarding pass in hand and your carry-on luggage prepared, you can head to security. Have both your boarding pass out and a form of ID - either your driver’s license or your passport (it must be your passport if you’re heading out of the country) - readily available. A TSA agent will check your boarding pass to your ID, and then you must successfully pass through the security check. All of your belongings will need to be placed in bins and sent through an x-ray machine while you are being checked over in a separate machine that is able to scan the body or being examined by a wand scanner (for those with known medical devices).[2]

    • Airports are very picky about security, but they will also be very vocal about it. Check for signs about what to do in order to successfully pass through security, and if you’re still not sure ask someone for help.
    • Liquids and laptops must be in their own bins separate from other items.
    • Any items (including gum and unused gum) that are found in your pockets must be placed in the bins to be scanned by the x-ray. Also, all airports will want you to place any metal objects in the bins as well (and that includes metal earrings and jewelry).
    • Some security checkpoints require you to remove your belt, shoes and jackets; look for signs to see if your airport does as well. Some airports may ask you to remove your socks as well, but this varies.
    • A TSA agent will guide you through the process if there happens to be an issue with something in your luggage or on yourself.
    • If you have TSA Precheck printed on your boarding pass, visit the TSA PreCheck security line instead.[3]

    Advertisement

  3. 3

    Find your gate/terminal. Get your bags re-packed and put your shoes back on so that you can go wait for your plane in the correct terminal! Check your boarding pass for your terminal (typically a letter) and your gate (a number). There should be plenty of signs directing you to this area, but if you can’t seem to locate your gate and terminal, simply ask an airport or airline employee for help.[4]

    • If your boarding pass does not have the terminal number (and very few don't these days), find a monitor with the flight schedules and check that instead.
  4. 4

    Hang out and wait for your plane. It’s always good to arrive at the airport early so that you have time before boarding the plane, just in case you need it. Run to the bathroom, grab something to eat, or use your last few minutes of freedom to connect to the airport Wi-Fi. Boarding the plane typically begins half an hour before takeoff, so you may have plenty of time to kill.

    • Be careful not to stray too far from your gate so that you don’t miss an important announcement about your flight or early boarding opportunities.
    • If you want, you can speak to a flight attendant at the counter of your gate about changing your seats. This is the only opportunity you have to grab a different seat or to upgrade to business or first class.[5]
  5. Advertisement

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Boarding the Plane

Download Article

  1. 1

    Wait for the announcement to board. About half an hour prior to takeoff, the gate attendant will announce the boarding time. Boarding is done in sections, either by group/sections (designated with a letter) or by rows/seats. Check your boarding pass to see if you belong to a group, and if not, wait for your row or a section of rows to be called.

    • First class always boards the plane first, followed by business class and people with disabilities or infants.
    • Although it is not always the case, it may be beneficial to try to snag a place in line early on so that there is still room in the overhead bins for your luggage. Otherwise, if storage space runs out your bags will have to be checked.
  2. 2

    Get your boarding pass checked. After waiting in line for boarding, there will be a gate attendant next to the entrance waiting to check your boarding pass. If you are flying nationally, hand your boarding pass to the gate attendant who will scan your boarding pass in (by placing it down on the terminal), but you will not need your ID out at this point. If you are flying internationally, you will need to show your passport again at this point. Keep your boarding pass out after having it checked, as you may need to show it to an additional flight attendant on the plane.

  3. 3

    Walk down the hallway that leads up to your plane. While most hallways are short, there are some gates who may have line hallways much longer and curvier than others.

  4. 4

    Enter the aircraft. There is typically a buildup of passengers after the boarding pass check, so you may have to wait in line again before boarding the plane. Check your seat to make sure you are headed in the right direction, and keep a lookout for your row number. If you need help finding your seat, ask others around which seats are for which row and later which seat letter is for which seat (there is no "one size fits all" for explanations here). Most flight attendants are busy getting their supplies ready for your flight. If you still require more help finding your seat, step into an open seat near the row and once the flight attendant comes around to check on your seat belt, you can ask them then.)[6]

    How to Board a Plane: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (13)

    How to Board a Plane: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (14)Gain confidence for a first flight. "I'm flying by myself for the very first time ever and was super worried about looking dumb trying to board the plane. This article walked me through what's going to happen at each step, from checking my bag to finding my seat. Now I feel ready and not as nervous that I'll know what to do at the airport thanks to the easy instructions." - Lauren G.

    How to Board a Plane: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (15)Find stress relief in clear explanations. "I always get super anxious before flights, worrying I'll somehow mess up boarding. The step-by-step details here, like when they call groups vs. rows and putting bags under the seat, helped me visualize the process. Now, instead of panicking, I can just review the tips that explain each part clearly. Such a relief!" - Rushin D.

    How to Board a Plane: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (16)Get a helpful overview of training materials. "As someone writing airport training stuff, I liked the short but thorough summary of boarding here. It covers everything from checking your ticket to sitting in your seat, giving me a great base to teach learners from. I can easily add specifics for different planes." - Michael O.

    How to Board a Plane: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (17)Alleviate first-timer anxiety with key details. "With my very first plane trip coming up, I was intimidated by all the "rules" and details for boarding. This article made it simple by explaining important stuff like having your ID and putting liquids separate for security. Just knowing what to expect makes me less worried about messing up as a new flyer." - Lynn J.

    How to Board a Plane: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (18)Have a story our readers should hear? Share it with 1 billion+ annual wikiHow users. Tell us your story here.

  5. 5

    Stow your carry-on items. When you have located your seat, place your smaller bag under your chair, and look for available space in the overhead bins for your larger carry-on. This isn’t always the easiest task, so turn to a flight attendant for assistance in searching or placing your bag if necessary. When you’re finally able to get in your seat, place your smaller carry-on under the seat in front of you.[7]

  6. 6

    Get settled in. You’re all done! Now it’s time for you to sit back and relax while you are carried away to your destination in luxury. During the flight, you will sometimes be offered a free drink and food (depending on the carrier and length of the flight). If needed, there are restrooms in the front and back of the plane. Any other questions can be directed towards flight attendants.[8]

  7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

  • Question

    Are any electronic devices okay to use on a plane?

    How to Board a Plane: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (21)

    Community Answer

    It depends on the airline or the device itself. If it is a device that can be turned into airplane mode (for example, most smartphones, iPod, tablets, laptops, etc.), then it's often okay to use on almost all airlines. If it is a device using radio waves (eg. RC cars,) then they are banned and not allowed to be used. You are advised on almost all airlines to keep all devices switched off during takeoff and landing; heed the advice given by the flight attendants, as it is for your safety.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 20Helpful 155

  • Question

    How would I know where to find the arrivals section when arriving at a destination?

    How to Board a Plane: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (22)

    Community Answer

    There are usually signs directing you. The crowds also tend to go that direction, so follow the crowds.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 27Helpful 147

  • Question

    Can I make phone calls in-flight?

    How to Board a Plane: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (23)

    Acurry628

    Community Answer

    No, due to federal regulations, the airline prohibits cellular use in-flight and kindly asks you to turn your cell phone to airplane mode.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 16Helpful 97

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip

      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

      Submit

      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How toPrevent Air Sickness on a PlaneHow toPrepare for a Long Plane Ride
      How toBuy Cheap Airline TicketsHow toPack for a TripHow toAdjust an Air Fuel Mixture ScrewHow toTake Your Guitar on a PlaneHow toStop the Person in Front of You from Reclining Seat on a PlaneHow to Add TSA Precheck to American AirlinesHow toCharge a Device on an AirplaneHow toCalculate Flight Time26+ Things To Do To Pass the Time on a PlaneHow toUpgrade from Economy to Business Class on Cathay PacificHow toAvoid Ear Pain During a Flight

      Advertisement

      About This Article

      How to Board a Plane: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (38)

      Co-authored by:

      Amy Tan

      Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers

      This article was co-authored by Amy Tan. Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000. This article has been viewed 1,027,765 times.

      105 votes - 91%

      Co-authors: 25

      Updated: January 31, 2024

      Views:1,027,765

      Categories: Featured Articles | Air Travel

      Article SummaryX

      To board a plane, start by going to your airline’s check-in counter, getting your boarding pass, and checking in your luggage. Next, find the gate information on your boarding pass, go through security, and follow the signs to the right gate. At the gate, wait for your row or group to be called, then line up to get your boarding pass scanned by the gate attendant. Finally, walk down the hallway leading to the plane, find your seat, and place your belongings in an overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. To learn more, like what to expect when you go through security, read on!

      Did this summary help you?

      In other languages

      Spanish

      French

      Russian

      Chinese

      Indonesian

      Dutch

      Arabic

      Thai

      Hindi

      Korean

      • Print
      • Send fan mail to authors

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,027,765 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • How to Board a Plane: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (39)

        Lauren G.

        Jul 28, 2016

        "I'm flying by myself for the very first time ever and was super worried about looking dumb trying to board the..." more

      More reader storiesHide reader stories

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement

      How to Board a Plane: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      How to board a flight step by step? ›

      How to find your way around an airport
      1. Arrive in the right spot — and at the right time. Follow the signs at your respective airport to make sure you find the correct terminal building for your flight. ...
      2. Check in. ...
      3. Go through the security checkpoint. ...
      4. Find your gate. ...
      5. Wait at the gate. ...
      6. Board the airplane. ...
      7. Retrieve your luggage.
      Apr 25, 2024

      What is the quickest way to have people board a plane? ›

      After hundreds of iterations, he found that the most efficient boarding method was a version of back to front—with a few key twists. Rather than have passengers fill in each row sequentially, it was best to start boarding from the window seats, skipping every other row along the way.

      What are the steps on plane? ›

      An airstair is a set of steps built into an aircraft so that passengers may board and alight the aircraft. The stairs are often built into a clamshell-style door on the aircraft.

      What is the boarding process of a plane? ›

      The signs are labeled so you know what groups board through each lane.
      • Group 1. Boards through the blue lane.
      • Group 2. Boards through the green lane.
      • Group 3 - 6. Board through the green lane when your boarding group is called. Board through the green lane when your boarding group is called.

      What are the five phases of landing? ›

      The Five Phases of Landing
      • Introduction. In this blog, we will be discussing the five phases of landing, a crucial aspect of flying that every pilot should master. ...
      • Phase 1: The Approach. ...
      • Phase 2: The Round Out. ...
      • Phase 3: The Flare. ...
      • Phase 4: The Touchdown. ...
      • Phase 5: The Rollout. ...
      • Conclusion.

      How do you land a plane without bouncing it? ›

      The key to stopping a bounce is flying a stabilized approach, all the way to the ground. If you come in too fast, bleed off airspeed during your flare, or go-around. And if you have a high descent rate just above the runway, go-around.

      Who boards a plane first? ›

      Along with being automatically included with more expensive seats and airline status, early boarding is often a perk that airlines offer to active military personnel, families with small children, people with disabilities and anyone else who may need additional help entering the plane.

      What is the slowest way to board a plane? ›

      Summary. Block boarding has bottlenecks and is theslowest method tested.

      What are the 7 steps of flight? ›

      The specific stages of an aircraft's flight may vary, but the most common include taxiing, take-off, climb, cruise, descent, approach and landing.

      What are the steps to board a flight? ›

      Domestic passengers should have an ID card (Aadhaar, driving licence, PAN, voter ID), while international passengers must have their passport. Tickets: Depending upon your airline's policy, bring a hard copy/soft copy of your air ticket. Boarding Pass: For seamless boarding, you must have your boarding pass.

      What are the 4 steps of flight? ›

      Four forces affect an airplane while it is flying: weight, thrust, drag and lift. See how they work when you do these activities as demonstrations.

      How do you go through airport security for the first time? ›

      Empty the contents of your pockets and remove your hat, belt, jacket, wallet and bulky jewelry. Remove your laptop and liquids from your bag. Send these items — and your carry-on bag — through an X-ray machine. Walk through a metal detector or a body scanner (or opt for a pat-down).

      What do you do at the airport for a first time flight? ›

      What to do at the airport step by step
      1. Arrive on Time. When flying for the first time by yourself (or really any time), you should arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. ...
      2. Check-in/Baggage Check. ...
      3. Security. ...
      4. Find your gate. ...
      5. Listen for announcements and final boarding call.
      Apr 18, 2023

      What are the steps to take a flight from airport? ›

      We have broken down your airport to-do's into four easy steps:
      • Arrive at the airport.
      • Check-in and drop off your baggage.
      • Clear security and immigration (only for international flights)
      • Head to the departure gate.

      What do you need to do at the airport step by step? ›

      Airport Procedures on Day of Departure (From Departure to Arrival)
      1. STEP 1 Airport Procedure. If you use online check-in, there is no need to go to the check-in counter. ...
      2. STEP 2 Checking in baggage. ...
      3. STEP 3 Security Check. ...
      4. STEP 4 Immigration. ...
      5. STEP 5 Boarding and Disembarking. ...
      6. STEP 6 Immigration. ...
      7. STEP 7 Baggage Claim.

      References

      Top Articles
      Latest Posts
      Recommended Articles
      Article information

      Author: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

      Last Updated:

      Views: 5493

      Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

      Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

      Author information

      Name: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

      Birthday: 1999-09-15

      Address: 8416 Beatty Center, Derekfort, VA 72092-0500

      Phone: +6838967160603

      Job: Mining Executive

      Hobby: Woodworking, Knitting, Fishing, Coffee roasting, Kayaking, Horseback riding, Kite flying

      Introduction: My name is Msgr. Refugio Daniel, I am a fine, precious, encouraging, calm, glamorous, vivacious, friendly person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.