Common Airport Signs Explained
IATA codes, terminal maps, and the pictograms every airport uses. A quick reference for stress-free navigation.
Airport wayfinding is more standardised than it looks. Once you learn the core symbols and codes, any airport in the world feels familiar within minutes.
The pictograms that repeat everywhere
Aircraft with an up arrow means departures. Aircraft with a down arrow means arrivals. A stick figure in a suit means immigration or passport control. A briefcase means baggage claim.
Yellow signs are directional. Green signs mark exits or safe passage. Red is for restricted or emergency.
Terminal codes
Terminals are labelled with numbers or letters. Some airports use both, like Heathrow (T2, T3, T4, T5) or JFK (T1, T4, T5, T7, T8).
Gate codes usually combine terminal letter and number - A12 in Terminal A, D34 in Terminal D. Always check your boarding pass for the terminal, not just the gate.
IATA codes
Every airport has a three-letter IATA code - LHR for London Heathrow, CDG for Paris Charles de Gaulle, GRU for Sao Paulo Guarulhos.
Your baggage tags print with these codes. Check that they match your final destination before leaving the check-in counter.
Frequently asked questions
Why do some codes seem random?
IATA codes reflect the airport's original or historical name, not always its current one.
Are pictograms standardised globally?
Mostly yes. ISO 7010 covers most safety and travel pictograms, and airports follow it closely.
In summary
If you take one thing from this guide, it's this: the more prepared you are before you travel, the fewer decisions you have to make when you're tired and jet-lagged. Bookmark this page and check the update date before your next trip.
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