How are airports set up?

[imgoingtodisney]

Once I get off the shuttle that takes me from the hotel to the airport then what? I checkin at the airline? Then off to where they search us? Is there only one checkin and one search point? Any other steps? Where are the eating places located? After I get searched can I then eat breakfast before boarding my plane? I assume they are now checking people again before the step onto their planes? Anything else I need to do at the airport?

 

[ceecee]

At our airport, you check in at the ticket counter, proceed to to "check out" which leads to the gates. Our restaurants are just inside this area, we have a smaller airport.

 

[imgoingtodisney]

How about TF Green in Providence?

 

[Firefighter Mickey]

If my memory serves, TF Green has at least a couple of small places to eat inside of the secure area - I don't recall if they served breakfast though.

When you check-in at the main ticketing counter, your checked luggage may be searched (they will unpack all of it and re-pack it for you - you will not be allowed access to the luggage after they start this process). Any carry-on items will be searched at the security checkpoint (though again, this seems to be a random search).

When I flew out of Manchester, NH on the 14th, security was moving fairly well. If it was slow, everyone was searched (both luggage and personally); when they got backed up, they mainly searched men, and typically younger men (<40).

 

[imgoingtodisney]

Luckily for me my checked in baggage will be driven to FL by my husband and MIL. But what is the reason for the airport security checking the checked in baggage? We cant get to it once its checked in anyways. And I would hope they would check everyones carryons. Its a bit on the prejudiced side to only check mens and younger mens.

 

[GoldenPrincess]

At T.F. Green you'll walk into the "lobby." The airline counters are on both the left and right sides. Straight ahead is the security check point. You check in at the counter for your airline then proceed to the security check-point. There's only one, and even before 9/11/01 lines would form. How early are you flying? I know there's a place to get coffee and donuts (Dunkin Donuts, maybe?), but I don't think any of the restaurants (TGIF is the only one I can remember!) are open early in the morning.

Let me know if you need more info. I'll do what I can to help!

 

[GoldenPrincess]

Re: Staff searching checked baggage (sorry, missed this question in your second post!)

I'm not sure, but I would imagine it may have something to do with physically looking for explosive devices. And, even though it may seem prejudicial, the unfortunate fact is that most of these types of crimes are committed by young men under 40. It would be best if they could check everyone's luggage, and I really wish they would. So, we're going to the airport extra early fully expecting DS's luggage to be searched (he's 21).

 

[imgoingtodisney]

Thanks for your help. My 9yr son and I have a 7am flight (if it doesnt change). We will need to be at the airport by 430/5am. I really wish I had another adult flying with me.

 

[GoldenPrincess]

You should be able to get coffee and donuts or muffins at that hour.

Trust me. Another adult travelling with your wouldn't make much of a difference. I'll be nervous no matter how many adults there are!

I just recently overcame my fear of flying and had actually gotten to the point where I really enjoy the flight--turbulence and all!

I admit that I'm a little scared now, but I'm certainly not going to let any terrorist dictate how I travel or when.

Just remember to think positive thoughts. We''re going to be fine and we'll all come back with wonderful stories of our fun-filled trips to WDW!

 

[cigar95]

I returned from Orlando last night, having flown out on the evening of 9/13 from Los Angeles.

Honestly, I've only noticed two real differences at the airport from months and years past - first, that there is a much higher profile of uniformed personnel of various sorts, and second, that the security checkpoint is somewhat more thorough. My bag was not opened and searched other than the usual x-ray check, but I was subject to a physical search that lasted about a minute, including looking in my hat and my shoes.

Don't try taking things as simple as a nail file and a nail clipper in your carry-on. They're taking no chances in these things. (Even first-class is now eating with plastic utensils.)

Security was also very sensitive at the x-ray checkpoint - DON'T try taking pictures or shooting videotape, unless you're lonely and want some company very quickly.

At the main check-in counter, there was no difference. The same two usual questions were the only ones asked, and the folks at Delta were doing a *great* job of getting people through that line.

Because ridership is way down (28 passengers on a 757 last night), I found that showing up 2 1/2 hours early was entirely unnecessary in my case. At the Virgin Atlantic counter, however, the line was gigantic.

Honestly, folks - it's not as bad as you're being told.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

"But what is the reason for the airport security checking the checked in baggage? We cant get to it once its checked in anyways. And I would hope they would check everyones carryons. Its a bit on the prejudiced side to only check mens and younger mens."

Try checking for bombs and other things that could potentially blow up a plane.
As to checking only mens and younger mens, that is not true. They were randomly checking families, females, and males at BDL, BWI and Orlando.
The system moves reasonably quickly, the airlines are trying to be secure, they are very nice about it. The more cooperative and nice you are about things the faster it goes for you.
They are interested in your safety, I for one am happy for that and delighted that the country is flying again.

 

[DebbieB]

I saw an article in the morning paper that they are relaxing the 300 foot rule at PIT starting Monday. You will be allowed to drop off & pick up people curbside, but no curbside check-in and no waiting.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

BDL and MCO are allowing curbside pickups and dropoffs, BUT, no curbside checkin. The 300 foot rule is for parking, for the most part.

 

[Firefighter Mickey]

What I said about people being checked was based on my observations of what was going on at the particular security check-point.

When there wasn't a line, everyone was being checked. Anytime things started to get backed up, typically it was women that were passed thru without much if any (beyond the typical x-ray) of a check.

Whether or not this was policy, I cannot say.

Like I said, this was just my observation after sitting and watching for an hour while my laptop was re-charging.