If it’s your first time flying, you might feel a bit unsure about what to do once the plane lands at your destination. This is totally normal, as flying is a bit different from taking a train or bus.
There are a few important steps to follow from the moment you step off the plane until you leave the airport. These steps might even increase if you're on an international flight.
To make things easier for you, this article will walk you through what to do when you arrive at your destination airport, whether it’s for a domestic or international flight.
Once you exit the plane, the first thing you’ll need to do is head to the terminal. Many airports have a jet bridge (also known as a garbarata) that connects the plane directly to the terminal, so you can walk straight in.
But, some airports don’t have this feature, meaning passengers will need to walk to the terminal or take a shuttle bus provided by the airline.
After you’ve entered the terminal, follow the signs. For domestic flights, head to the baggage claim area. For international flights, go to the immigration area.
If you’re on a connecting flight, follow the signs to the transit area to continue your journey. Be sure to read the signs carefully, especially in large or busy airports, so you don’t get lost!
If you’re arriving from an international flight, the next step is to head to the immigration area. For domestic flights, you can skip this part and go straight to the baggage claim area.
In some countries, you’ll need to fill out an immigration form before reaching the counter. Be sure to complete this form either online or during your flight if it's handed out.
At the immigration counter, you’ll be asked to show your passport and visa (if needed). In some places, you might also need to scan your fingerprints and have your photo taken as part of the process.
The immigration officer may ask questions about the reason for your visit, how long you’ll stay, and where you’ll be staying. Just answer honestly and clearly. Once everything is checked and your passport is stamped, you can move on to the next step.
After passing through immigration, the next stop is the baggage claim area if you checked in luggage. If you’re only carrying hand luggage, you can skip this step and continue to the next area.
In the baggage claim area, you’ll see an information screen that shows which conveyor belt will have your luggage. Look for your flight number and airline to find the right belt.
Bags come out gradually, so be patient while waiting for yours. If your luggage doesn’t appear or you run into any issues, there are baggage service staff available to help.
Once your baggage shows up, double-check that it’s yours. Sometimes suitcases can look alike, so it's a good idea to confirm before heading out.
After picking up your luggage, the next step is to go through customs. This only applies to passengers arriving on international flights. If you’re on a domestic flight, you can skip this and head straight to the arrival area.
In the customs area, you’ll usually see two lanes: the green lane and the red lane. The green lane is for passengers who don’t have anything to declare, so you can walk straight out.
The red lane is for those carrying items that need to be declared, such as expensive electronics, large amounts of cash, or goods purchased abroad with a certain value.
If you have items to declare, be sure to have any necessary documents ready and show them to the customs officers. This helps avoid any issues with local customs rules or prohibited items.
Once you’ve finished all the procedures, you’re ready to exit the terminal and continue your journey. In the terminal area, you can exchange money, buy a SIM card, or grab something to eat or drink.
If you're unsure about transportation, you can always ask for help at the information counters found in the arrival area. Before leaving the airport, double-check that you’ve got all your belongings.
And that’s it! These are the steps to follow after getting off the plane. Just stay calm and follow the signs at the airport, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying your adventure in a new city or country.
