Air travel has its unique jargon, which can be perplexing for first-time passengers or even seasoned voyagers exploring new destinations. Airport words like “concourse”, “duty-free”, and “jetway” may sound basic, but grasping their purpose and how they fit in your travel journey is crucial.
Read more to decode common airport vocabulary and enhance your travel experience.
This is the document required by a person who intends to go to another country. It identifies that a person is who he/she claims to be and which country they belong to. It is necessary to enter and leave almost all countries.
For those who choose online check-in, the luggage drop-off desk is their first stop. Here, you deposit your checked luggage for the aeroplane’s cargo section, facilitating a smooth and efficient travel experience.
After reaching your final destination, you will go to the luggage reclaim section to collect the luggage you checked in. Here, all the bags are placed on a rotating belt, enabling passengers to pick up their bags conveniently.
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This section refers to the bags or suitcases an individual presents for travel and taken to the luggage drop-off desk. Checked-in luggage consists of bags placed in the aeroplane's belly and can only be claimed at the luggage pick-up area after landing.
Carry-on luggage, unlike checked-in luggage, stays by your side during the flight. These compact items are typically stored in overhead storage or under the seat, keeping your essentials easily accessible and within your arm’s reach.
In airport words, the check-in desk is the spot where you initiate your travel process by submitting your documents to get a boarding pass and dropping off your luggage. Airline personnel are available here to assist and guide you with any query.
A boarding pass is a document given to passengers to board the plane. It has the most pertinent information, such as the flight number, gate number, destination and the passenger's seat number. Such a document is made available at the check-in desk or, in some cases, can be gotten online before the day of the flight.
This is the practice that all passengers and their items go through for security reasons for screening. This encompasses going through metal detectors as well as scanning of carry-on items.
Large airports cater to wide buildings called terminals which are further divided into sections referred to as concourses. These extend from the main terminal and contain many boarding gates, making it easier for the passengers to locate their flight.
Duty-free shops are outlets in an airport that sell goods such as perfumes, alcohol, and other luxury commodities without the added taxes. Also, these shops come in handy to help resolve boredom after the security check because most international passengers have a bearing in seeking bargains.
This is the zone from where you get to board the airplane. A number is borne in each gate, and your flight boarding pass will contain the particular gate number courtesy of your flight.
A jetway is an extension of the airport building which provides access to an airplane. This telescopic movement assists with getting the passengers on board the flight concisely without causing any inconvenience to them.
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Airports offer lounges which are spacious rooms that accommodate a limited number of passengers with relaxation and refreshment facilities such as food, drinks, and even Wi-Fi. They can be used only by those who pay for the services through tickets or memberships.
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Acquainting yourself with airport vocabulary is essential for enjoying hassle-free travel. From the baggage check-in counter to baggage-retrieval area, each term plays an important part in helping travellers navigate the airport smoothly. Learning these terms not only strengthens your assurance but also enriches your entire travel experience. Whether you are a new traveller or a regular jet-setter, this airport terminology guide is a great source of help in navigating the world of air travel.
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