ELI5: How does airport technology, still allow people to check in and pass through TSA if Im at the wrong Terminal.

Submitted by Witty_Buddy7951 t3_11as3io in explainlikeimfive

Welp. Went in to the wrong terminal at the airport today, same airline though. Went in terminal A, got my bag checked in through the desk, they didn’t say anything about me being in the wrong terminal, went through TSA and still didn’t say anything lol. I realized that i was in the the wrong terminal when I was looking for gate 75 and its gates were only till 25 😂 was worried my checked bag wouldn’t make it through but, customer service says its on my flight, so well see when I land.

Just realized Home Alone can actually happen, 😂😂

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TehWildMan_ t1_j9tn7oq wrote

The person checking IDs at the checkpoint isn't investigating which airline you're flying on, they're just checking you have a boarding pass issued for that day and that you're the same person named on the identity document.

It's the traveler's responsibility to know where they need to go, and airline staff and communications will often help.

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Etunim t1_j9u5wjo wrote

Some airports allow you to go to the ‘wrong’ terminal because there are services there. For example help desks, entertainment/relaxation areas for long layovers, children play areas, some have hotels in the airport, lounges, food/restaurants and more. Some airports also have the terminals connected after security, so you can go from one terminal to the other without having to go through security again. It really depends on the airport.

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Any-Growth8158 t1_j9uyu9u wrote

This. I've gone to the "wrong" terminal numerous time to access a specific Airport lounge that is clearly superior to the offerings in the "correct" terminal. Some Airports will actually try and actively discourage/forbid this.

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blipsman t1_j9u219b wrote

There are typically secure passages between terminals, ie. for people with connecting flights, etc. Bags all go to a centralized sorting area and there are ways to get bags from terminal to terminal.

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nim_opet t1_j9v00xw wrote

TSA’s task is to establish your identity. Not to direct you to the terminal you should be at.

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kevronwithTechron t1_j9tnptd wrote

The TSA don't work for the airlines. It would be akin to seeing a police officer patrolling or checking for speeding and expect them to know where you are supposed to be driving.

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tsme-EatIt t1_j9uvpvo wrote

I'm pretty sure TSA doesn't keep records of airline schedules or things like that. So they wouldn't know if you are at the "wrong" terminal. All they know is if the boarding pass is valid or not.

Also, maybe request to your city or whoever the airport authority is, that they should consider an airport design that doesn't have "wrong terminals". At a lot of modern airports it doesn't matter what TSA checkpoint you go through because all the gates are connected behind security anyway. Such as Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, etc

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