Answering All Your Burning Questions Before Takeoff

If you've never flown before, you probably have a lot of questions about how to navigate an airport and get to your flight. Security protocols vary from airport to airport, as do wait times, available transportation, and sleeping accommodations. With this in mind, we will dive into the questions most asked prospective airport guests ask before catching a flight.

How early to get to the airport?

It depends on which airport you're traveling out of and when your flight is. One of the best resources to check is iFly, which provides an hourly breakdown of TSA wait times based on the airport you're flying out of.

PreFlight has parking available at the following airports:

ATL: https://www.ifly.com/hartsfield-jackson-atlanta-international-airport/wait-times

BOS: https://www.ifly.com/logan-international-airport/wait-times

ORD: https://www.ifly.com/chicago-ohare-international-airport/wait-times

PHX: https://www.ifly.com/phoenix-sky-harbor-international-airport/wait-times

What can be brought through TSA

TSA, or Transportation Security Administration, ensures daily safe flights for millions of passengers across the United States. They accomplish this by screening objects before allowing travelers to advance to their airport terminals. While the rules on items allowed on airplanes are constantly changing, the following are currently standard.

Food

Contrary to popular beliefs, some food items are allowed through TSA. Solid foods are mostly permitted to pass via carry-on or checked luggage.

Liquids

The most widely understood rule is the 3-1-1 liquid rule. This states that liquids can be carried on a flight if they are 3.4 ounces (about 100.55 ml) or smaller, and all liquids must fit inside one quart-size resealable bag.

Other Items

A good rule of thumb is that if the item is or can be perceived as a weapon, it is not allowed to accompany a passenger onto the plane. Additionally, sharp or flammable items are likely not allowed on flights, even if they are not explicitly a weapon.

This link provides TSA's exact security screening rules for specific questions regarding items.

What to wear to the airport?

While there are no hard rules on what to wear to an airport, some "life hacks" will make the TSA screening process quicker and easier. Wearing a pair of pants with an elastic waistband will prevent the need for a belt, which is an item you must remove before going through security. Similarly, donning shoes that don't require tying shoelaces will allow a traveler to remove and put them on more easily during the TSA process. Just know that when you go through security, you must take off your shoes, hats, jackets, jewelry, and belt. If you don’t want to deal with taking off items, adjust your clothing accordingly.

Are there ways to avoid TSA lines?

Yes! TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry is a great way to skip long lines, as well as the hassles of removing clothing and electronics from your baggage.

What is Clear at the airport?

Clear is another means of skipping the traditional TSA security lines. While TSA PreCheck is offered by the government and can be secured for $85 for a five-year membership, Clear is a private company offering membership for $189 a year. The company touts a faster, smoother process that is superior to TSA PreCheck.

How do you cut down time moving through the airport?

There are several ways to reduce the amount of time you spend traveling to your terminal.

Avoid bringing checked luggage (if possible)

Sign up for Elite Status with Airlines

Utilize Airline Lounge to grab food and drinks

Avoid peak travel times, which often are during the morning

How to navigate an airport with a disability

If you require a wheelchair or special assistance, it is best to notify the airline you're flying with ahead of time. When you arrive at the airport, inform airport staff of you requested assistance and they will provide you with the aid you need. This includes help carrying luggage, a wheelchair, and a ride to your gate. If you have a wheelchair, check out our full guide on how to navigate the travel with a wheelchair.

Where should I park?

We may be a little biased, but off-site airport parking is a cheaper solution than parking at the airport and can often be more affordable than using a rideshare app. At PreFlight, we pride ourselves on not only providing travelers with a safe, convenient place to park but also a free shuttle to and from the airport. There are shuttles available that will help you quickly

 

What do I do if I need help at the airport?

Depending on which airport you are at there will be stands that have airport staff to help you or you can go to airline customer service desks. If you need help moving through the airport you can call your airline’s assistance line and have an attendant get you a wheelchair to help you to your gate or call TSA Cares at (855)787-2227 to help with screening.

 

Can I get through TSA if I have an expired ID?

Yes, right now TSA will accept an expired ID up to a year after your expiration date. Starting on May 7th, 2025 they will start to enforce the Real ID so keep that in mind.

 

Do I need a paper boarding pass if I have an e-pass?

While most airlines offer mobile boarding passes, it's better to be safe than sorry and keep the physical boarding pass. Keep the digital copy as a backup in case you lose your paper copy. You can print out your boarding pass by either going to a kiosk at the airport or printing it at home.

 

What do I do if I forgot my ID, can I still go through security?

They won’t let you go through security if you can't verify your identity. If you can verify your identity by using a publicly available database or other ways to prove your identity.

 

Can you put a nickname on your boarding pass?

In order to avoid any problems, make sure you put the name that's on your government-issued ID. Some airlines will let nicknames as long as they're similar to your name (example: Sam vs Samantha).

 

What if my flight is overbooked?

There are provisions written into user agreements should a flight become overbooked. Typically, an airline will first ask passengers to forfeit their seat willingly in exchange for another time. The next step is offering additional compensation for giving up a seat. If the carrier still can't find enough passengers to surrender their tickets, they will resort to demanding the necessary number of passengers be removed from the flight.

 

What do I do if my flight is canceled or delayed?

If your flight is canceled, there are a few things you should know. Flights can be canceled because of bad weather, problems with the airplane, or staff shortages. Airlines will let you know about delays or cancellations by email, text, announcements, or apps. If your flight is canceled, you might have to find a new place to stay or make new travel plans. Within 6 hours, look for other flights, talk to airline staff about your options, or ask for help at the airline's lounge. If you were supposed to fly early in the day, you have a better chance of getting a seat on a new flight the same day. Airlines might give you vouchers or help you book a new flight, but they don't have to find you a place to stay. Here is a full guide on what to do if your flight is canceled or delayed.

 

Is there WiFi at the airport?

All airports have some form of WiFi. What varies is the accessibility and vulnerability of the network. Some airports will charge users to access the WiFi, though cyber security experts will recommend exercising caution, regardless of a paywall. Public WiFi presents users with risk, particularly when accessing private or sensitive websites or files.

Park with PreFlight

Whether you are a first-time traveler or a veteran traveler, reserving your parking space in advance means you have one less thing to worry about when it is time to fly. With open-air, covered, and even valet parking, PreFlight can get you the off-site airport parking spot you need to make your trip that much easier.