International Airports versus Domestic Airports

More and more Americans are becoming first time flyers every year.  As exciting as this can be there is a disadvantage.  This can be an overwhelming and frustrating experience as they try to understand the airline rules, the security or airport rules of domestic versus international travel.  By becoming familiar with international airports and their differences in advance you will be able to reach your destination with the least amount of trouble.

The two main types of airports in the United States are, domestic and international.  A confusing fact is that while only certain airports are considered international, most all can be considered domestic.

Domestic airports are simply airports that are in the US and have flights from one city to another or to and from other states.  The planes never leave American soil so the flights meet the definition of domestic only.  Many of these domestic only airports are quite small to moderate in size, with a majority of their terminals connecting to each other.  Travel between gates and terminals in these airports is usually quick and without too much travel time required.

Internationl airports are ones that offer flights from the United States to other foreign countries.  While most will be labeled as international, they will most likely handle domestic flights as well.  Many international airports are quite large due to the amount of domestic and international traffic they handle.

The size of an international airport can be daunting to a first time traveler.  Many have multiple terminials, hundreds of gates, and some even have shuttles, or trains between the terminals to help move passengers from here to there.

The major similarities between most international and domestic airports are their security screening and baggage.  Airport security concerns have caused the airlines to impose some very strict rules about items that may be carried aboard the aircraft and what items will be screened.  A little research ahead of time with your airline will yield the exact rules regarding banned items and the allowed travel sizes for items allowed onboard the aircraft.  Transferring through security can be fairly simple, if you follow the security personnel’s directions.  Allow ample time in your schedule to allow you to go through security as you may find that all airline passengers will be subject to the same security screening point.

Flying either domestic or international can be a fairly painless process now that you know the differences and similarities.  Now you can move with the seasoned travelers through the airport and security checkpoints effortlessly and be able to enjoy your chosen destination.