Airport Terminology

Understanding airport terminology is half the battle to making your airport experience a pleasant one. There are many different words or phrases used in airports that you may not be immediately familiar with. It is important to brush up on airport terminology because the last thing you want to do is miss a flight or leave your baggage unclaimed because you do not understand airport terms or directions. Use the following as a guide to familiarize yourself with common airport words and phrases.

Key terms to learn at airports

There are many common phrases that you should understand the next time you are at an airport. These include hangar, baggage claim, departure lounge and concourse. The hangar is the building that the airplanes park in, comparable to your garage or driveway. When you get off of the plane, you will see a sign for the baggage claim, which is where your luggage will be processed. The baggage claim is generally located at your final destination, not in cities where you may have a connecting flight. The departure lounge is the area where you wait to board your plane. Have your passport or identification and ticket out as you board the plane. Finally, the concourse is the open area where people gather in the airport. It can contain food, drinks, gift shops and the like.

Once you have a general understanding of the airport terminology discussed above, you are ready to travel. Remember to arrive two to three hours before your flight boards, leaving yourself enough time to deal with unexpected problems. Always double check that you have your tickets and identification on you before leaving the house. Also, get online and familiarize yourself with TSA rules and regulations so you are not held up when you go through airport security. Safe travels!