For air passengers, it is essential to understand the difference between airside and landside areas at the airport. Airside refers to the area beyond the security checkpoint, where passengers wait to board their flights. Landside refers to the area before the security checkpoint, which includes the check-in counters, baggage claim area, and other facilities. In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between landside and airside areas at the airport, highlighting their respective features and restrictions.
Read on to learn more.
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1. The Difference Between Airside and Landside Areas at an Airport
1.1 Airside Area
The airside area is the part of an airport that is beyond the security checkpoints.
This area is exclusively for passengers who have a valid boarding pass. Once you pass through security, you cannot leave the airside area without going through security again. The airside area includes boarding gates, retail shops, restaurants, and other airport facilities and amenities.
Here are some of the crucial features and restrictions of the airside area:
- Accessible only to passengers with a valid boarding pass;
- Duty-free shops sell tax-free goods;
- Restricted access to family and friends who are not traveling;
- Passengers can access airside shops, restaurants and cafes;
- Passengers can enjoy unlimited access to lounges if they have a business or first-class ticket or are a member of a particular airline loyalty program.
1.2 Landside Area
The airport landside area is the area before the security checkpoint.
It comprises parking, check-in counters, baggage claim area, ticketing and information desks, areas for ground transportation and other facilities. Most landside facilities are accessible to the public. Passengers, family, and friends can access the landside area without a boarding pass.
Here are some of the crucial features and restrictions of the landside area:
- Accessible to passengers, family, and friends without a boarding pass;
- You can park your car in the airport parking structure before boarding your flight;
- Passengers can check-in their bags and get boarding pass before going through security;
- Landside shops and restaurants are accessible to the public.
Landside area is often called the public access area.
2. Safety and Security at Airside and Landside Areas
Airports prioritize safety and security.
The airside area has strict security measures and protocols in place to ensure the safety of everyone. Security personnel continuously monitor and regulate activities within the airside area. Moreover, bags are checked thoroughly before entering the airside area.
Generally, the security protocols in the landside area are not as strict as in the airside area.
3. Accessibility and Convenience
Airports are large and often crowded, so it might be challenging to navigate through them.
However, one of the key aspects that have transformed airports over the years is improved infrastructure. Airports across the world have upgraded their infrastructure both in the airside and landside areas.
It is crucial to make airports more accessible and convenient for all passengers. This includes the installation of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways, which make it easier for passengers with mobility needs to navigate the airport. Many airport terminals now have wider corridors and designated accessible pathways, making it easier for wheelchairs and walkers to pass through.
Airports have also introduced dedicated services for passengers with accessibility needs. Many airports now provide wheelchair assistance, escort services, and pre-boarding options for elderly or passengers with disabilities. They also offer assistance for passengers with hearing or visual impairments, including sign language interpreting services and hearing aids.
Another trend in airport design is creating inclusive spaces, both in landside and airside areas of the airport. For instance, airports now have family rooms for nursing mothers and baby changing facilities, designated pet relief areas, sensory rooms for passengers with autism, and prayer rooms. These inclusive spaces create a more welcoming environment for all passengers and make the airport experience more comfortable and less stressful.
4. Connecting Between Airside and Landside Areas
The airport experience involves navigating between airside and landside areas, especially for passengers transitioning or arriving at their destination.
To connect between landside and airside of airport, passengers must pass through security checks, immigration and customs procedures, ensuring a safe and secure environment. However, many airports provide dedicated transfer facilities like walkways, shuttle buses, or trains, making transitions seamless. These transfer options help passengers navigate the airport efficiently.
Additionally, clear signage, information desks, and digital displays assist passengers in understanding the procedures involved in connecting between airside and landside. Overall, an efficient and well-designed connection process contributes to a better passenger experience and a hassle-free journey through the airport.
Do you have more questions about the differences between airside and landside areas at an airport? Write in the comments.
About the author:
Una is an organized globetrotter and foodie who’s been living a digital nomad lifestyle since 2013. She always starts her day early with a good book before diving into work. Apart from traveling and aviation, her other passions include gym, hiking and cycling. Una is also a strong proponent of AI technology. She firmly believes in its potential to simplify life and has often advocated for its wider adoption in our day-to-day activities. Her favorite airlines are Qatar Airways, Emirates, and KLM.
