Newbie asking for advice on Air Travel Procedure

Newbie asking for advice on Air Travel Procedure?
Hi Everyone! I have never flown before. Anywhere. I'm the first person in my immediate family to have a passport - so I have no one for advice! :) I am planning on flying (alone) to Germany from Virginia, USA in early November, and will be meeting friends there. My first question, however, is: basically, what happens when you walk in the airport to get on an international flight? What procedure do you follow? I think I have a vague idea but I'd love any advice you all could give! Thanks so much! Renny
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First thing to do would be check in online (24 hours before your flight) to get your boarding pass. Go to your airline--if they allow curbside check for your luggage, do that; otherwise, check your luggage at your airline's counter. Then you go through security. Here's the website that tells you what is allowed in your carryon: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm You'll take off your shoes, coat, metal items, put them and your purse/carryon in plastic bins, and they go through the scanner. You walk through the security entrance. Retrieve your stuff, put on your shoes, then look for signs to indicate where your gate is. Go to the gate. Grab some water and snacks on the way. Wait there until your flight is called (note the letter on your boarding pass and board when that letter is called). Snag an overhead bin close to your seat and put your luggage up there. Sit down, buckle up, and have a good flight. If you have any questions at all, just ask an employee.