How to prepare for air travel and airport arrival

• Check-in, baggage drop and boarding deadlines vary by airline, fare and airport.
• Terminals, gates and security procedures can change and should be checked again shortly before departure.
• Keep travel documents, medication, money, keys and essentials for your first few hours in accessible carry-on baggage.
• For a transfer, allow for terminal routes, checks, baggage and the transit country's entry requirements.
• Plan onward travel from your destination airport around your arrival time, baggage and a later alternative.
• For delays, cancellations or baggage problems, booking references, receipts and contact details are important.

The journey starts before you reach the terminal. Check your departure point, mode of transport, parking or transfer arrangements against your booked flight time. If you are leaving early, make sure the first connection is actually running. If you have a lot of baggage, are travelling with children or have limited mobility, build in extra time for getting around and taking breaks. Getting to the airport and transport can help you assess the route realistically.

The day before, check your flight number, terminal, baggage rules and check-in details with the relevant provider. An earlier confirmation may have been superseded by a later change. Travel checklist and schedule helps you plan these checks for the right time. Save the most important documents offline as well, so you can access them even with a weak connection.

Your carry-on should contain the things you will need until you arrive: passport, entry permit, medication, glasses, keys, money, phone and charger. Baggage and carry-on luggage explains how to check these essentials separately against the rules of your specific provider. Liquids, batteries, sports equipment and assistive devices may be subject to additional requirements.

After checking in your baggage, you go through security. This can make the walk to the gate longer than you might expect from looking at the airport map. Filled water bottles, metal items and electronic devices are handled according to the rules in force. Follow the instructions provided by the airport and airline on site; general advice cannot replace them.

For a transfer, treat the first flight, terminal, checks, baggage and onward flight as one connected chain. Entry and travel documents helps distinguish transit requirements from entry requirements. If you have separate tickets, check whether you need to collect and recheck your baggage. Allowing enough time will not prevent every delay, but it gives you more room to respond.

The final leg matters too. Save your accommodation address in its local format and as text you can read offline. For a taxi, bus, train or pickup, note the stop, meeting point and a later connection. Secure your travel documents digitally can help you prepare. If plans change, see Backups, contacts and a Plan B.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, or you are denied boarding, keep your flight number, booking confirmation, messages from the provider and receipts. The assistance available depends on the route, the cause and the rules that apply. The European Union's information on air passenger rights provides a clear summary of possible entitlements. For practical help resolving the issue, contact the provider first.

If baggage is lost or damaged, report the problem as soon as possible where it was discovered. Keep your baggage tag number, photos and case reference. Staying safe while travelling adds preparation for loss, illness and emergencies. For help with addresses and conversations, see Language and communication.

The six topics on travel preparation are grouped under Practical information. This makes it easy to check your flight, baggage, documents and first onward journey together.

You can also carry a small note on paper with your flight number, accommodation, meeting point and a phone number. Include only the information you will actually need on the way, and keep it separate from complete personal records.

How early should I arrive at the airport?

This depends on the airport, flight, baggage, checks and your personal circumstances. The airline's deadlines are the starting point; allowing extra time may be helpful if the airport is large or you have a lot of baggage.

What should I keep in my carry-on?

Keep your passport, permits, medication, money, keys, phone, charger and anything you will need during the first few hours within easy reach.

What should I do if I have to change terminals?

Check the route, travel time, any additional checks and whether you may need to collect your baggage in advance. A tightly scheduled connection is especially risky.

What receipts and records should I keep if something goes wrong?

Keep your booking, boarding pass, messages, baggage tag number, photos and receipts for necessary expenses organised and saved.