Airport Codes Explained

Those letters on your baggage tag do mean something.

They might look like Swahili to you, but airport codes do mean something to baggage handlers. They should also mean something to you because it can save a lot of frustration if you understand the lingo before booking your flight.
Airport codes identify the thousands of airlines, aircraft, airports, locations and countries worldwide and the accounting codes for documents and goods that go between them.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the International Organization for Standardization (IOS) are collectively responsible for assigning these codes, of which there are a few main types:

Airline Codes (e.g., DL is the IATA's code for Delta)
Airport Codes (e.g., ORD is the IATA code for Chicago O'Hare)
Aircraft Codes (e.g., 320 is the IATA code for the Airbus A320)
Country Codes (e.g., US is the IOS country code for the United States)
Location Codes (e.g., GVA is the IATA code for Geneva; locations can also include bus stations, ferry ports, heliports and metropolitan areas, to name a few)

The most common codes that airline passengers might see are the airline, airport and aircraft codes. A passenger departing in Washington, D.C., might have AA, DCA and 744 on their baggage tag. That means they are flying with American Airlines, originating from Ronald Reagan Airport, on a Boeing 747-400 (passenger capacity).
The origin of airport and location codes - which can be quite confusing - can be traced to the National Weather Service (NWS) in the early part of the 20th century. The NWS used to tabulate data for cities and gave each one a two-letter identifier. So, when air travel exploded, existing airports put an X at the end of their identifier, hence LAX for Los Angeles International Airport. A government official then drafted the three-letter system we have in place today, which effectively gives 17,576 different combinations. This has further evolved to include four-digit identifiers with numbers in the code.

AIRPOT DOS AND DON'TS
The list of dos and don'ts concerning air travel and airports is an epic tome these days - and it gets longer with each incident. If you're a frequent flier, do yourself a favor and keep abreast of the myriad changes that airport authorities, airlines, police and security have implemented.

To illustrate the point, we've put together a catch-all list. You're welcome.

Dos

• Pack with security screening in mind. While most regulations claim nail files are acceptable, it's not worth getting into an argument over and missing your flight. If in doubt, leave it out.


• Leave early for the airport - some airlines suggest being at the airport three hours before a flight. It's your responsibility if you miss your flight - and your expense.


• Take airport security seriously and heed the directions of screeners, airport officials and airline employees. Joking will likely land you in trouble - or cause you to miss your flight.


• Put your valuables in your hand luggage before the screening point.
  In-flight food is rarely free - and almost never nutritious - so bring your own healthy snacks. Also, it's a good idea to bring your own pillow, diversions and reading material.


• Take advantage of speedy check-in services like online, curbside or self-service options.
  Everyone tries to buy colorful luggage, but the best identifier is an ID tag and a bright ribbon that makes it stand out.


• Request a bulkhead or an exit-row seat. These offer plenty of hard-to-get legroom.
  Make your airline aware of any special needs (e.g., wheelchairs) you have so that they can accommodate them with ease.


• Get travel (medical) insurance if you are flying out of the country - you never know when you'll need it.
  

Don'ts

• Don't ever make jokes about bombs. Airport security will put a halt to your plans quickly for overt remarks.


• Don't put locks on your checked luggage. Handlers will cut them off if your bags are flagged for a search.


• Don't drink a lot of coffee or alcohol before a flight. It'll dehydrate you, and airline officials might not let you on the flight if you're drunk.


• Don't leave your luggage alone at any time. Airport security considers all unattended bags a threat.


• Don't wear restrictive clothing. Seats on modern aircraft are cramped, so those tight jeans will only feel tighter three hours into a long flight.


• Don't refuse screening or a limited physical search. Security will not let you proceed if you do.


• Don't forget to bring your documentation to the airport, especially a passport if you are flying internationally.