Remember your photo ID. This photo ID must be valid and current. Acceptable forms for domestic travel are valid driver’s licenses (or valid, state-issued non-driver’s license), passports, or county, state, or federal agency employee ID.
Now, get moving. If you are flying in the US, you should arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to departure. If you are flying internationally (including the Caribbean) you should arrive at least 2 hours in advance.
At the Airport: Check-in
If you didn’t check-in online, it’s ok, you can still check in at the airport. There are self-service check-in kiosks where you can print your boarding passes then proceed straight to the gate. You can also check-in at the airport ticket counter, just like in the old days. Just don’t be surprised if they send you to a self-serve check-in kiosk to print your own boarding passes.
At the Airport: Self-Service Kiosks
Most major airlines at gateway airports require their customers to obtain boarding passes from the self-service kiosks. These are located at or near the ticket counters. Passengers can check-in between six hours and a half hour prior to flight time.
At the Airport: Check-in with Baggage
Whether you printed your boarding passes online or not, if you have bags, you can use the curbside check-in feature to check your bags. Outside of the airport, there are stands with airline employees who can check your bags. You can also go inside and use a self-serve kiosk to check your baggage. Once you have your boarding passes and your bags checked, proceed to your departure gate.
At the Airport: Security
Your valid photo ID and boarding pass is required at security checkpoints. Keep them out to keep things moving. You will probably have to show your ID and boarding passes more than once. Be prepared to remove your shoes (yes, your shoes) and coat and all pocket items when going through the metal detector.
If you are traveling with a laptop, camera, or video recorder, you will have to remove it from its case and place it in the bin to be scanned. Tape a business card or other identifying tag to the bottom of your equipment for easy retrieval.