Hey guys! I know many of you out there are headed out for the summer to various destinations, from Las Vegas to Fort Lauderdale. Either way, wherever you go, you might be flying, for your first time, or your one hundreth. Here's a small guide from an experienced traveler on tips, tricks, and getting from the parking lot to your plane. [u]What you'll need for [b]Domestic[/b] trips:[/u] - Yourself - A form of identification (A Driver License or Photo ID is optimal) - Any luggage you plan on taking with you. - Your Ticket (or Reservation to give to the attendant at the Check-in, who will print out your ticket) - Optionally, you should bring a small bag to store your electronics, any food you buy on the Gate Side of the airport, or even to keep your tickets in. I use a Drawstring bag. [u]Flying Domestically[/u] Flying domestically means flying within your own country/Union. If you fly from Tampa, Florida, U.S.A. to San Diego, California, U.S.A. on American Airlines, you are making a Domestic Flight, because you are flying within the U.S.'s borders. Flying Domestically is a much easier process than flying internationally. Here's the steps, from parking lot to airplane: 1. Park your car in a parking lot at your airport. Make sure you park in the lot your Airline associates with. (E.G., park your car in the area designated to Southwest Airlines if you are flying Southwest Airlines) Most have areas so that you can remember where you parked at. Snap a picture of your area or put it in your phone. Once you do this, make your way to the check in. There should be signs guiding you to it from your lot. IF YOU HAVE NOT CHECKED IN, PRINTED YOUR TICKET, OR HAVE LUGGAGE TO CHECK IN, READ STEPS 2 AND 3. IF YOU DO NOT, READ STEP 4 AND BEYOND. 2. Find your airline's check in area. The area has many podiums with a giant conveyor belt behind it, with the airline's name on a sign above the podiums. 3. Wait in line and approach the attendant at the podium when they call you. From there, the attendant will be able to check your bags on to your flight, print your boarding pass, or Check you into your flight. Checking in means you are definitely here or will definitely be on your plane tomorrow. 4. Once you have done all the things you needed to do with your Check in attendant, it's time to head to the TSA Security Checkpoint. Here, you will present your ticket, get your carry on bags, (carry on bags are bags you yourself will be taking on a plane, and not checking them in.) laptops, and yourself screened through the X-ray, and make sure you aren't a threat to your fellow passengers. Once you are cleared, you are now ready to proceed to your gate. TIPS FOR TSA CHECKS: - You cannot have more than 6 fluid ounces of any liquid carried past the security checkpoint. You may, however, purchase beverages past the security checkpoint at various stores near the gates. - You have to take off your jackets, belts, shoes, and any other accessories (besides prescription glasses) at the checkpoint. Children 12 and under do not have to take off their shoes. - You absolutely cannot wear any metals when going through a screening. Don't be that person who won't take off their jewelry during a screening. - Be nice to your agent. They see TONS of people everyday, some not very friendly. They'll treat you with respect if you do the same to them. 5. Now that you are cleared, you can proceed to your gate. Along the way, your airport most likely has restaurants. Unless you have 2 seconds to get to your flight, indulge yourself! You can find good food at some airports and even greater stores too! BWI (Baltimore-Washington International Airport) has a Swarovski Crystal store behind it's gates and LAX (Los Angeles Intenational Airport) has a Wolfgang Puck Food Court! After you indulge yourself, head to your gate. It has a number, letter, or both. Here is an example of what it might look like: Southwest Airlines Flight 564 TPA GATE [b]C32[/b] You know you are in the C section of the airport, and your gate is 32. Some airports are different than others but most use this system. Signs should guide you to your area, and eventually your gate. 6. Once at your gate, you simply wait until boarding. You usually will go by your class when you board. If you fly American Airlines and are flying Business class, you will go in this order if these classes were on board: First Class, Family Boarding, Business Class, Premium Economy, Economy. ***One unique airline is Southwest Airlines. Because they are an economy airline, they board in groups rather than classes because most is just economy. There is A group/Business class if available, Family Boarding, B Group, and then C group. If assigned a seat, when you enter the plane, find your seat. Don't be a jerk and sit in someone else's seat, especially if they are a class up from you. They paid good money for that seat. One thing you can do is ask the attendant at the gate if there are any seat upgrades on your flight, or once in the plane ask if there are any seats available in a higher class. If you act fast enough, you can upgrade your seat from economy to First, usually free! What's more is you get all the avantages of your new class while paying for your old class! Once you have found your seat, buckle up, and get ready to fly! Always grab the window seat! You are in for a treat during take off and landing if you do! ------------------------------------------- Thanks for reading! If I got something wrong or you have a question, please ask! I always enjoy answering flying questions! If this becomes popular enough, I will publish an International Flying guide! If you want more info, here are a few places to start: [url=https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring]What you can bring on the Plane[/url] [url=http://traveltips.usatoday.com/preparations-domestic-air-travel-12515.html]Tips for traveling domestically[/url] [url=https://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/help/onlinecheckin.aspx]Checking in to your plane - FAQ[/url] EDIT: Just saw we are trending on Offtopic, I'll be publishing an International Version very soon! :D Thank you all!