I have flown a LOT in my time, so just think of it as 3 easy steps:
1) Check in at your airline's counter (they will give you the gate # at that time)
2) Go through Security
3) Proceed to the Gate (be sure to look up and read the signs as to where you are supposed to go...signage is normally pretty good in airports)
Now a few more details...
a) You might want to research a bit to make sure that there is no "airport improvement fee" that you have to pay (i.e. in Vancouver, we've had construction on the airport for years, and so travellers pay an Airport Improvement Fee and this helps to bankroll the improvements). Make sure that you have extra cash on hand for taxis, etc.
b) If you want a special meal on the flight (I go for the fruit plate myself), book this NOW! The airlines will need at least 24 hours lead time to accomodate this request (48 hours for kosher meals, I believe). What's nice is when you have a "special meal", you get served first!
c) Make sure that you have plenty of time to spare, so that you are not frazzed and stressed. 1 hour to 1 hour and a half is probably good for flights within USA.
d) Bring reading material because of delays (Notice that I did not write "In case of delays"...because, be assured, unless you are flying FIRST THING IN THE MORNING, you
will have some sort of delay)
e) When you get to the gate, look out of the window to see if there is
actually a plane outside the window at the end of your gate. Sometimes planes are coming from elsewhere first [and the delays could be originating here] and then they have to unload everyone first , so your plane might not even be there yet.
If you have something to read, delays are more bearable, because at least you aren't bored.
f) If you are a hungry person, bring along snacks, as airport food can be expensive and not even that great.....
GOOD LUCK! All will be well.
http://www.mscaa.com/
is the Memphis Airport Website... you can get to "know" the airport ahead of time (You might look at your ticket to see what terminal you leaving from and what not and "plan your route" already)
Threaded Mode