How to Read an Airport Arrivals Board
Airport arrivals boards show information about flights coming into the airport. They can help passengers, people meeting a traveler and connecting travelers check the flight number, origin, arrival time, terminal or gate, and current status.
Match the flight number first
Find the airline code and flight number for the arriving flight. If it is a codeshare, the board may show the operating flight number, another marketing flight number or more than one number for the same aircraft.
Check the origin city
The origin is the airport the flight is arriving from. Use it together with the flight number and arrival time to make sure you are following the correct flight.
Scheduled, estimated and actual arrival times
An arrivals display may update as the flight progresses. An estimated time can change, while an actual arrival time generally reflects a completed arrival milestone reported by the flight-information system.
Arrival terminal and gate
The terminal identifies the airport area where the flight is expected to arrive, while the arrival gate is where the aircraft is expected to park. These assignments can change as airport operations develop.
Where should I meet an arriving passenger?
The aircraft gate is usually inside the secure area. People meeting a passenger should follow airport signs for arrivals, baggage claim or the designated passenger pickup area rather than assuming they can meet at the gate.
What if the board and my phone show different information?
Flight-information systems can update at different times. Confirm the flight number and date, then use the operating airline and airport information for important last-minute decisions.
Keep checking until the passenger arrives
Arrival time, terminal, gate and baggage information can be updated. Recheck the flight as it approaches the airport and follow airport signs once the passenger is on the ground.
Keep planning: How to Find a Flight’s Arrival Gate How to Find Baggage Claim After Your Flight
What Travelers Should Know
Match the flight first
Find the airline or flight number and verify the city the aircraft is arriving from. Codeshares may appear under more than one number.
Read the key fields
Arrival boards commonly show scheduled time, estimated or actual arrival, status and sometimes gate or baggage information.
Allow time after landing
For pickup, remember that taxiing, deplaning and baggage collection occur after touchdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a flight on an arrivals board?
Look for the airline or flight number and confirm the origin city so you are tracking the correct flight.
What is the difference between landed and arrived?
Landed usually means touchdown, while arrived often means the aircraft has reached its gate or parking position.
Can an arrivals board show baggage claim?
Some airports also display baggage carousel information, but this can appear separately in the baggage hall.
Plan Your Trip
Use your flight details to check status and gate information, then continue with airport, hotel and rental-car planning.