Sunday, June 15, 2008

Indore to Delhi: What happens at an airport?

I recently travelled by a Deccan flight from Indore to Delhi. While I was at the airport I realised many first timers may not know the airport procedures. Hence, I thought I'll mention them here.
1. When you reach the airport go to the departure section.
2. Keep the ticket handy because you will need to show the guard to get entry. If somebody is accompanying you they may need to take a separate ticket. Note however that visitors are not allowed beyond a point.
3. There will be a checking machine for your main luggage. usually they will put tags on your luggage here. (Each airline or a group may have a common checking point. Its a X-ray machine basically. Put your luggage at one end and receive it at the other).
4. Then go to the airlines counter for "check-in". What basically happens here is that you give your luggage and ticket. They prepare your boarding pass and give it to you. They will also weigh your luggage here probably. If it exceeds the limits you have to pay something extra. Seat preference if any can be given here. (A window seat means you can look out of the aircraft better. Being in an aisle seat means you can walk if you want without disturbing anyone).
5. Then go to security where they check you and the hand luggage (with a similar X-ray machine).
6. Then wait in the lounge near the gate where your flight boarding shall have to be done. On being announced show your boarding pass and go to the bus which takes you to the aircraft.
7. Before entering aircraft they will see your boarding pass.
8. Sit and tie your seatbelt. Now you are ready for the flight. The airhostess may give some instructions here after welcoming you about seat belt etc.
9. In Air Deccan they give a complimentary small water bottle. Reading material is also available including the day's paper and some other inflight material. Food has to be paid for during the breaks. In other airlines food maybe complimentary.
10. Keep your seat belts on till you reach. The takeoff and time before landing is the best time to see out of the window. Especially at night seeing the city below can be very humbling.
11. On reaching get off the aircraft and get onto the bus. It takes you to the terminal.
12. Find out at the terminal where your flight's luggage will come. Collect it and leave.
Thats it. your journey is through!