What to Do When You Arrive at a Large International Airport

Large airports can feel overwhelming because they are built around flows of people. The good news is that arrivals is designed as a one-way route. If you follow the Arrivals or Exit signs, you will pass each step in the correct order.

1. From the aircraft to immigration

Depending on where the aircraft parks you walk through an air bridge, or take a bus from a remote stand. The walk to immigration can be long, sometimes 15 minutes or more. If you need assistance, it should be waiting at the aircraft door if you requested it in advance.

If you are connecting to another flight, look for Transfer or Connections signs before immigration. Leaving through arrivals by mistake can mean going through security again.

2. Passport control

Queues are usually split by passport type. Read the overhead signs carefully. Many airports have automatic e-gates for eligible passports. Have your passport open at the photo page and any arrival forms ready. Remove sunglasses and hats for the camera.

3. Baggage reclaim

Screens list flights by belt number. Bags can take a while, particularly on large aircraft. If your bag does not appear, go to the baggage services desk in the reclaim hall before you leave. Once you pass customs you usually cannot come back.

4. Customs

Choose the green channel if you have nothing to declare or the red channel if you do. Customs officers can still stop anyone for a check, it does not mean you've done something wrong.

5. The arrivals hall

This is where meeting points, currency exchange, SIM cards, car rental desks and transport information are found. Take a moment here. Find the official taxi rank or the signs for trains and buses instead of accepting offers from people approaching you inside the terminal.

• Withdraw a small amount of local cash if you need it.
• Connect to the airport Wi-Fi and message whoever is expecting you.
• Check the transport options before walking outside.