More help for the English gal!

[suki_blue]

Okay, American airports.

How far can you go without a ticket?

In England you check your luggage in, show your passport and get your boarding pass at the check-in desk, then you have to show your passport and b-pass as you go through into the Duty Free area. This is where there are more shops and restaraunts and it also has access to all the gates and lounges. If you have no ticket, then you cannot get into this area.

So, how does it work in america? For international flights?

I have been to America, but it was a couple of years ago and the whole thing is a bit of a blur. Can't remember.

So, just to ramble on a bit more, if you were not the one flying, but you were there to hang out and say goodbye, could you go right up to the gate? Or just the check in desk? Or the duty free? Lounge?

Detail would be appreciated.

Thank you!

Comments

[suki-blue.livejournal.com]

Thank you! That helps a lot!

So, is there a place where, if you didn't have a ticket or reservation, you could go and have drink or something to eat with a person who *is* flying?

[phendog.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think I was wrong before. I think you do need a ticket to get into the terminal (with the gift shops and whatnot). So anything past the metal detectors and x-ray machines is off-limits.

Um as to whether a flyer and non-passenger could meet up, depends on the airport, I think. I know our big airport around here has a Starbucks the minute you walk in the door, so I know anyone could go have coffee there ticket or not. (Of course I do live in Washington State where Starbucks was born, so maybe that's just an us thing. Seriously, we should just adopt the little green starbucks logo as our state seal.) Most of the other shops and restaurants are on the other side of the metal detector though.

[suki-blue.livejournal.com]

Oooh, right, Starbucks! Great! That is very convenient, as I do have a coffee shop in the fic. I've also included a Macdonalds. Do you think that is likely in *any* airport? Or maybe a different fastfood place? (Before the X-ray machines, that is)

I know that my airport is fictional, but I'd like at least some realism! :o)As long as I know that *some* airports in America have these things, then I'll be happy! :o)

[phendog.livejournal.com]

Do you think that is likely in *any* airport? Or maybe a different fastfood place?

Hmm... I don't know. It seems like a coffee shop wouldn't be uncommon, but I'm honestly not sure. Usually when I pass through airports I'm too tired to care about catching details like that.

I can only tell you that our airport does.

It would make sense to have a place where people can meet up though...

Maybe ask this question over at little_details?

[suki-blue.livejournal.com]

Thanks for all your help.

I'm the same. I passed thru San Diego airport a couple of years back and the only thing I can remember is the long cue to check in!

I think i just might ask there, too. Thanks.

And thanks for the confirmation of a Starbucks, that really does fit in nicely.