Sally
What a wonderful explanation, and thank you for taking the time and thinking of others.
It's as if you have worked at an airport, ( I worked for 18 years at airport)
Another very helpful tip for those that are nervous. MOST international airports have a website.
On the website you'll often find a link to TERMINAL MAPS, they normally show the arrival and departures separately. They will give you a good visual, on what services are available. You can even print them off in advance of your trip.
Arrivals will show Immigration and they lay of out of baggage reclaim then customs, and Pick up points for when you exit the terminal.
Departures will show you the location of check in desks, security, toilets, elevators, escalators, Seating areas with power outlets shops, food, etc. both Landside (before security) and Airside (after security- = Duty free shopping)
Also if you have an special needs, as in you can't walk distances, then you know in advance to pre-book "special services" (the people who drive you around on a golf cart or push you in a wheel chair), the maps will show you the various waiting points that the little buggies collect you from.
I always look up an airport before I travel, I then know if I have to catch a monorail between areas, and I feel secure in where I am going.
Also there are two wonderful websites- Seat Guru and Gate Guru
Seat Guru will show you the particular aircraft you are travelling on if you know your flight number,
It shows Best seats, Ok seats and NOT good seats, where the toilets and Galleys(kitchens) are located. You can't book your seat on this site, it only enables you to make an informed decision with the airline, either checking in on line at home, or at the terminal.
Gate Guru, will again show you the layout of the airport and how to get there from the departure lounge (duty free shopping)
I hope this helps others.
