Glossary of Travel Terms
Accessible Parking: Designated parking spaces for individuals with disabilities, complying with accessibility standards and offering closer proximity to the terminal entrance.
Airline Lounge: A private, designated area within the terminal where airline passengers with specific memberships, status, or premium tickets can relax, work, or enjoy amenities before their flight.
Airport Code: A unique three-letter code assigned to each airport worldwide, often used for airline and travel industry identification and reference purposes. For example, MSP for Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Arrivals: The area of the terminal where passengers disembark from arriving flights, go through immigration and customs, and retrieve their luggage.
Baggage Claim: An area within the terminal where passengers retrieve their checked-in luggage after arriving at their destination.
Boarding Pass: A document issued to a passenger after check-in, serving as proof of reservation and granting access to the aircraft.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot: A designated area where drivers can wait in their vehicles for passengers to arrive, without circling the airport terminals. It is typically free for short-term stays.
Clear: Clear is a private biometric-based service that offers expedited security screening and identity verification at select airports, stadiums, and other venues in the United States.
Concourse: A long, typically elevated, corridor within the terminal that connects multiple gates and provides access to various services and facilities.
Covered Parking: Parking spaces located under a roof or in a structure, providing protection from weather elements such as rain, snow, or excessive sun exposure.
Customs: The governmental authority responsible for inspecting and regulating the import and export of goods at international airports.
Departures: The area of the terminal where passengers check-in, go through security, and wait to board their flights.
Economy Parking: A cost-effective parking option that offers lower rates compared to other parking areas at the airport. Usually situated farther away from the terminals, requiring shuttle service.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations: Parking spots equipped with charging stations to accommodate electric vehicles, allowing travelers to charge their vehicles while parked.
Exit Ticket: A ticket or validation provided to customers upon entry to the parking facility, which is required for payment and exit from the parking area.
Frequent Flyer Program: Loyalty programs offered by airport parking providers, where customers can earn points or discounts for regular use of their services.
Gate: A specific area within the terminal where passengers board and disembark from airplanes.
Global Entry: The Global Entry program is a trusted traveler program operated by the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency. It offers expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers when entering the United States.
Ground Transportation: The various means of transportation available to passengers to travel between the airport and their destination, including taxis, shuttles, buses, rental cars, and train services.
Hostel: A budget accommodation option that provides dormitory-style rooms or shared accommodations with basic amenities such as beds, lockers, and communal facilities like kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas.
International Flight: A flight that departs from an airport in one country and arrives at an airport in another country, crossing international borders during the journey.
Itinerary: A detailed plan or schedule that outlines the sequence of activities, events, or destinations in a planned journey, trip, or tour.
Jetway: Also known as an aerobridge, airbridge, jet bridge, or passenger boarding bridge, is a movable, enclosed walkway that connects an airport terminal gate to an aircraft.
Long-Term Parking: Designated parking areas at airports and offsite parking lots for extended durations, typically beyond 24 hours.
Overflow Parking: Additional parking areas made available when primary parking lots reach capacity during peak travel times.
Oversized Vehicle Parking: Designated spaces specifically for larger vehicles, such as RVs, buses, or trucks, which require additional space.
Park and Fly: A service that combines parking and transportation to the airport terminals. Travelers can park their vehicles and use the provided shuttle service to reach their flight departure area.
Park and Ride: A transportation system that offers commuters a convenient way to travel by combining driving and public transportation. It involves parking personal vehicles at designated parking lots, typically located near transit stations or major transportation hubs, and then using public transit, such as buses, trains, or trams, to complete the rest of the journey.
Park, Stay, Fly Hotels: Accommodations that offer a convenient package for travelers who need both overnight lodging and long-term parking near airports.
Parking Garage: Multi-level parking structure with multiple floors for parking vehicles. It provides covered parking and may include elevators or escalators for easy access.
Passport: An official government-issued travel document that certifies the identity and citizenship of an individual. It serves as a form of identification and permits international travel.
Real ID: A type of identification card that meets specific security standards set by the United States federal government. It was established as a result of the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, which aims to enhance the security and integrity of state-issued identification cards.
Remote Parking: Parking spaces located outside the immediate airport premises, often offered as a more affordable option for travelers. Shuttle service is typically provided to and from the airport terminals.
Reserved Parking: Pre-booked parking spaces that guarantee availability and convenience, especially during busy travel periods.
Ride Share: A transportation service where individuals can request a ride through a mobile application or website and be paired with a nearby driver who operates their own vehicle. Also known as ride-hailing or app-based transportation.
Security Checkpoint: A location in the terminal where passengers and their belongings undergo screening to ensure compliance with security regulations before boarding.
Security Measures: Safety features implemented in airport parking lots, such as surveillance cameras, well-lit areas, fencing, and security patrols, to ensure the protection of vehicles and belongings.
Short-Term Parking: Parking spaces located at the airport terminals, intended for shorter durations, such as picking up or dropping off passengers.
Shuttle Service: Transportation provided by the airport parking facility to transfer passengers between the parking area and the airport terminals.
Terminal: A designated building or area within an airport where passengers check-in, go through security, and board or disembark from flights.
Tram: Also known as a streetcar or trolley, is a type of public transportation vehicle that runs on tracks embedded in streets or dedicated tram lines.
TSA (Transportation Security Administration): An agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security, responsible for ensuring the security of the nation’s transportation systems, particularly air travel.
TSA PreCheck (Transportation Security Administration PreCheck): A program established by the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to enhance the efficiency and convenience of airport security screening for eligible travelers. It is designed to expedite the security screening process by providing pre-approved passengers with a designated lane where they can undergo an expedited screening procedure.
Uncovered Parking: Open-air parking spaces without any overhead shelter or protection, offering a more affordable parking alternative.
Valet Parking: A service where attendants park and retrieve vehicles on behalf of customers.
Visa: An official document or endorsement issued by the government of a country that grants permission to a foreign national to enter, stay, or transit through that country for a specific purpose and duration.