Airport Survival
Changing terminals without losing time
Changing terminals sounds simple until signs split between airside, landside, train, shuttle, arrivals, and departures. Do not rush blindly. Confirm whether you are transferring inside security or starting again from departures.
What to do first
- Confirm arrival and departure terminal.
- Follow transfer signs if on one ticket.
- Check whether security or passport control is required again.
- Ask staff before leaving the secure area.
Step-by-step instructions
- Step 1
Look at your boarding pass and airport screen for the departure terminal. Older itinerary emails can be wrong.
- Step 2
Find signs for connections, transfer, or flight connections before following baggage claim signs.
- Step 3
If a train or bus is required, check whether it is airside or landside. Landside movement may require security again.
- Step 4
If you have checked bags on one ticket, do not go to baggage claim unless instructed.
- Step 5
If you are on separate tickets, you may need arrivals, baggage claim, check-in, and security again.
- Step 6
After reaching the new terminal, recheck the gate because terminal changes often pair with gate changes.
Important things to check
- Departure terminal
- Airside route
- Security re-screening
- Passport control
- Gate status
Common mistakes
- Following baggage claim when you are a transfer passenger
- Using an old terminal from the original booking
- Underestimating shuttle waiting time
- Forgetting that gate closing is before departure
What to do next
Once in the correct terminal, stop moving and check the screen. The goal is not maximum speed, it is being in the right place with enough time.
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