Questions related to airports themselves rather than "airlines" and "air-travel", which have their own tags. "Airport-transfer" is also covered by a separate tag.
47
votes
15answers
14k views
Why would you wrap your luggage in plastic?
At many airports you can wrap your luggage with sheets of sticky plastic. Why on earth would you do that? I only see disadvantages. I can imagine the mess when customs ask you to open your luggage. So ...
30
votes
3answers
1k views
Why do airplanes at every airport disembark at the left (port) side?
I travel by air a lot, and at virtually every airport I've ever been too, including where you disembark by stairs, as opposed to by jet bridge, the left-hand-doors are always used; and the ...
22
votes
6answers
735 views
What are good security tactics for sleeping in airports?
Sleeping in airports is something I've found myself doing more often than I ever expected, and while I have no issue with sleeping on the floor or chairs or whatever, sometimes I have valuable stuff, ...
17
votes
2answers
2k views
How bad is baggage theft at Johannesburg airport
South Africa's Johannesburg's airport has a reputation for stolen and rifled baggage and a quick Google search returns many travelers reporting similar stories. My question, is how bad is the ...
16
votes
3answers
1k views
Benefits of checking in online when checking bags
What is the benefit of checking in online for a flight when you intend to check bags at the airport? I understand some airports have special lines for people that are already checked in but are ...
13
votes
4answers
708 views
Proper policy on using electrical plug outlets in Toronto Pearson International Airport
I tend to be always on long layovers, delayed or even cancelled flights from Toronto. So I like to do work on my laptop and most of the times, I am already out of charge from the previous flight. Are ...
13
votes
4answers
6k views
New York airports: JFK or Newark Liberty International?
we're traveling to New York for a week in February for my birthday. It's my first trip to the US. :-)
We will be flying with Lufthansa but we can't decide to which airport should we land: JFK or ...
13
votes
4answers
10k views
How early should you get to the airport in the US?
When traveling on a domestic flight in the US, how early is it recommended to get to the airport before the flight is scheduled to leave? What about international flights leaving from the US? Are ...
13
votes
4answers
6k views
Free / cheap ways to get airport lounge access?
Until recently, I had a complimentary Priority Pass card. Although the Priority Pass lounges aren't generally great, they are better than nothing when travelling on an airline where you don't have ...
13
votes
4answers
765 views
What's with Canada's airport codes?
In my flying experience (passenger), I've gotten used to seeing 3 letter airport codes. AKL = Auckland. LHR = London Heathrow. LGW = London Gatwick. LAX = Los Angeles. Generally, they seem to make ...
13
votes
2answers
303 views
Are there companies that offer worldwide wifi roaming for a fixed fee?
I am aware of the following related question: Overview of wireless in airports. If it is free it would be nice, but I am willing to pay for my Internet access at airports/hotels. The only problem is ...
12
votes
4answers
2k views
Do all German airports lack free wifi?
I've just been talking to another traveller who was particularly grumpy about Munich airport not having free wifi when he was there recently.
Now I seem to recall that Germany has pretty strict laws ...
12
votes
1answer
228 views
Where can I board an Airbus 380 using stairs instead of jetbridges?
The international airport of Suriname, doesn't have stairways (yet). Still KLM flies there with a Boeing 747. Making it one of the best places to board a 747. I always have enjoyed walking to the ...
12
votes
1answer
221 views
What options are there for “disabled” assistance at Heathrow airport? (or: which London airport is best for this?)
I want to bring my elderly parents to visit me here in Sweden next year. My father has had a stroke and walks with a walking stick, and my mother has back issues. Neither of them are in a wheelchair, ...
11
votes
6answers
169 views
What is an easy way to see what routes are available from a given airport?
I would like to see, at a glance, all the flights to/from a given airport.
Example query: "What cities can I reach on a single flight from Hannover (HAJ) airport?"
Is there any website which does ...
11
votes
5answers
815 views
Is it possible to walk from ExCeL to London CIty Airport?
I was intending to go to a conference at ExCeL in London Docklands, leaving via London City airport. It seems a very walkable distance between the two, but from Google Maps I can't see if it is ...
11
votes
4answers
831 views
Can I through check my bags on separate bookings?
I have two different bookings on British Airways and Emirates.
Booking 1 (British Airways):
Washington (IAD) -> London (LHR) -> Dubai
Booking 2 (Emirates):
Dubai -> Hyderabad
I have a 5 hour stop ...
11
votes
1answer
1k views
How early can you go through airport security for an International flight?
I'm not sure if this is airline or airport-specific? (assuming airport)
I know that if I have an early morning flight and show up the night before, I'm denied because the date on my ticket is for the ...
11
votes
1answer
157 views
Transfering between Terminal A to terminal C at Newark airport
What is faster, the united airline bus shuttle or the airtran from terminal A to terminal C at Newark Airport? I am connecting a flight and the time is 1 hour. Both Airlines are United.
10
votes
4answers
902 views
Correct reasons for opting out of millimetre wave scanners
Having travelled through SFO a few times, and each time been asked to go through a millimetre wave (or backscatter) scanner, and each time 'opted out' and gone for the search (in public), I'd like to ...
10
votes
4answers
445 views
Can you have extra long transit times to explore a city?
Say you're in transit in an airport in a country you're allowed to visit without a visa. Could you plan a trip with a 3 day stopover, and stay in the city for that period with your carry-on? This ...
10
votes
3answers
403 views
Is it possible to book an hotel being a minor?
I've been in Morocco nearly a month, and it will soon be time for my return. During my stay here, checking into hotel rooms hasn't been an issue, but businesses aren't nearly as lenient about that ...
10
votes
2answers
345 views
How does VIP service work at the Managua Airport?
At the Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (the airport in Managua, Nicaragua), I have heard there is a VIP service you can pay for, where an agent will meet you when disembarking from the plane ...
10
votes
1answer
139 views
Visiting islands around Cuba
I planned to travel to Cuba and Dominican Republic, but I've suddenly realized that the flight between Havana and Punta Cana are 6-8 hours and it is not that cheap...
Is there any other international ...
9
votes
2answers
777 views
Free wifi / available power / cashless food facilities in LAX airport?
I've got a stopover of a few hours in LAX on Monday evening.
Firstly, I assume I'll be spending some of that time in customs, getting my bag, being searched, probed and whatnot.
However, after all ...
9
votes
3answers
1k views
Can Westerners use the free Wi-Fi at Guangzhou international airport?
My route home at the end of my trip will have me on a 4-hour connection at Guangzhou airport in China.
I've read online that it's an unpleasant airport but it would be more bearable if I knew I would ...
9
votes
3answers
1k views
Do I still have to pay airport fee in Lima?
Six years ago, when I was leaving from Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport, there was airport fee of 30.25 USD. I had to pay this fee even If I already had the ticked (with Iberia, so normal, not ...
9
votes
1answer
209 views
Are 7 hours enough time to leave the Brussels airport and go to the city center?
I have a seven hour layover at Brussels airport, and I'd like to know whether there is enough time to leave the airport and go into the Brussels city center for a beer or a meal?
If so, what ...
9
votes
3answers
2k views
Access airport lounge with Gold/Premier credit card
Travelling soon with a 6 hour connection flight in Zurich International airport, I was wondering if I could have an access to a good lounge where I can relax with a Gold or Premier card?
To ...
9
votes
1answer
95 views
How to research facilities/ratings of US airport lounges online?
For an upcoming trip, it looks like for my US departure I'll have access to more than one airport lounge. (One via FF status, a different via a credit card). This is a nice position to be in, but ...
9
votes
1answer
146 views
I stamped my passport before international departure, but I want to cancel now!
If I stamped my passport for an international flight as we usually do before international departures and then I changed my mind for any reason, for example a family emergency reason. What's the ...
8
votes
5answers
606 views
Leaving airport international zone for a moment
I'm European Union citizen. I have a flight to other continent, with a change in other European country, Schiphol Amsterdam. Am I allowed to leave the "international zone" and go out of airport and ...
8
votes
3answers
240 views
What are some ways to minimize the time spent in customs?
Every time I've gone through customs, it has been a relatively quick and friendly series of basic questions and credential verification. However, I have heard people complain about delays due to ...
8
votes
2answers
1k views
Duty-free liquids on a connecting flight in the US
I am going to the USA next week and want to bring some bottles of the good stuff as presents for my relatives living over there.
My flight was cheap however it requires me to make a stop over.
...
8
votes
2answers
240 views
Which of these airports is the most interesting for a pilot?
Recently, I won a flight in a very realistic flight simulator. I'll get some instructions and then I can make a city trip with a Boeing in a professional flight simulator. It is possible to choose ...
8
votes
1answer
153 views
What to do with (small) children in Lisbon on a 5-7 hour transit layover?
There is a chance we will have a layover in lisbon for 5-7 hours with small children. Should we just stay in the airport and make the best of it, or is there something we could do in Lisbon?
I asume ...
8
votes
3answers
822 views
Are airport duty-free shops really cheaper?
I guess this one will be hard to answer because prices vary from airport to airpot, but...every time I travel friends tell me not to forget to "bring something from the free shop".
On a general basis ...
8
votes
1answer
1k views
Transit visa on arrival in Kazakhstan
I've been told it's possible to get a transit visa on arrival at the airport in Kazakhstan. Can anyone find me some current details on this - how long it's for, how much it costs, and what's required ...
7
votes
4answers
458 views
Why do airports sometimes detect traces of explosives in bags?
So there's a (usually spot check) inspection point at airports sometimes, and they do a check for traces of explosives/gunpowder residue.
I've never had any problems, but a couple of friends have had ...
7
votes
4answers
162 views
Is there information if a given airline at a given airport is using a jetway or a bus to board?
I am not particularly a fan of boarding a plane with bus that drives you from the terminal building to the airplane. I know that most low cost airlines use busses for boarding. So then I could ...
7
votes
3answers
1k views
Visiting a lounge in T1 at Dubai International Airport, during a layover at T3?
For an upcoming trip, I have a layover of 2.5 hours in Dubai. Both flights are with Emirates, and arrive / leave from Terminal 3.
As the first flight is overnight, I'll want to freshen up, and a ...
7
votes
2answers
565 views
Where does Ryanair allow carrying a separate duty-free bag?
I read that Ryanair now allows carrying a bag of airport purchases ("duty free") in addition to one carry-on bag, but only in certain airports.
In which airports?
7
votes
2answers
360 views
Exiting Vancouver airport during a flight connection with New Zealand passport
A friend on a NZ passport flies through Vancouver tomorrow, and has a few hours at the airport between international flights. Can he exit to the 'outside world', given he has a valid passport etc? ...
7
votes
1answer
50 views
How much is the airport tax at Guayaquil airport, Ecuador?
I am not sure if the airport tax is already included in the airfare. If not, how much is it? Or where can I find this out?
I am planning on traveling down to Ecuador during this Christmas. My route ...
7
votes
1answer
204 views
10 hour over night layover in Abu Dhabi
Me and my g/f have a 10 hour lay over in Abu Dhabi on thursday night, from midnight to 10am. We've travelled through this airport a few times and mainly had layovers of a few hours.
What are the ...
6
votes
4answers
3k views
A day at Dubai International Airport and the city?
On my way to India I'm planning to stay one day in Dubai. I would arrive at 6am in the morning and leave at 3am the next day.
My naive plan is to lock my backpack at the airport and then walk into ...
6
votes
2answers
2k views
Is 50 minutes enough time to transfer between Terminal A and C at Newark (EWR)?
We'll be arriving at Newark airport (with two kids under 7) at Terminal A and our flight connection is in Terminal C. Is that enough time to catch the connecting flight?
Update: both flights are on ...
6
votes
3answers
225 views
Can you enter the departures area without a boarding pass at London Heathrow airport?
My girlfriend is leaving the UK from Heathrow tomorrow. Is it possible for me to go through security with her so that we can be together until she goes to her departure gate?
6
votes
2answers
283 views
Is it possible to get out from the L.A airport during a connection?
I'll have to wait for 4 hours at the LAX airport in a flight from Tokyo to Rio de Janeiro. I'm not a U.S citizen (have business visa, though), so I would like to know if it is allowed to leave the ...
6
votes
3answers
720 views
Hong Kong Airport - restricted/non-restricted areas
I have booked a flight to the Philippines and I have a layover of 3h 30m in Hong Kong Airport (arrival an departure in Terminal 1). So I looked at the shops in that terminal to see if I can buy a ...
