Airports

Airport guides for major international hubs — terminal maps, ground transfers, lounges, duty-free rules and tips to speed through security. Whether you are connecting through a giant hub or arriving at a small regional airport, the practical info is here.

What you will find here

• Terminal layouts and gate-to-gate transfer times
• Ground transport: trains, taxis, ride apps, shuttles
• Lounges and how to access them on a budget
• Duty-free rules and what is worth buying
• Family and accessibility services

FAQ

How early should I arrive at the airport?

International flight: 2-3 hours before departure. Domestic short-haul: 1.5-2 hours (90 min is the bare minimum for most airports). Add 30-60 minutes during peak times (early morning, long weekends, Fridays). Newer airports (Oslo, BER Berlin, Doha) tend to be faster; older hubs (LHR Heathrow, JFK) need more time.

What are the liquid rules for carry-on bags?

Globally standard: liquids, gels and pastes must be in containers ≤100 ml (3.4 oz), all fitting in a single 1-liter transparent resealable bag. Some airports (London Heathrow, Amsterdam, Rome) are rolling out new scanners allowing larger liquids — but enforcement is inconsistent; treat the 100 ml rule as the safe default.

Can I access airport lounges without flying business class?

Yes, via: (1) Priority Pass membership ($99-429/year, 1,500+ lounges), (2) premium credit cards (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve include lounge access), (3) day passes at the door ($40-60), (4) paid memberships to airline lounges (Delta Sky Club, United Club).

How do I get from the airport to the city center?

Most European airports have direct rail links to city center (London Heathrow Express, Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris Roissybus, Rome Leonardo Express). Asian airports (Tokyo Narita, Seoul Incheon, Hong Kong) have excellent express trains. In the US, transit from airports is spotty outside a few cities (NYC AirTrain, Washington Metro, Chicago Blue Line).

What happens if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

EU261 (EU flights): compensation €250-€600 for delays over 3 hours, plus meal vouchers and hotel if overnight. US: no compensation law, but rebooking on next flight is standard. UK: similar to EU261. Use apps like AirHelp to claim compensation automatically — they take 25-35% cut.