The Importance of Proper Signage in Airports and Transit Centers

Airport and transit centers can see thousands of passengers daily and have multiple buildings within their facility. Navigating them while staying on time for departure can be overwhelming. This is when signage and wayfinding become important. To maintain safety and efficiency, signage is a necessary tool for travelers and staff.

The Role of Airport Signage

Airport and transit signage are necessary for travelers to reach their destination. Travelers can easily become distressed and overwhelmed trying to find where they are supposed to be, especially if they are inexperienced with traveling, causing them to miss their departures. Signage will help passengers follow through security steps, find baggage claims, reach their terminal, or find amenities like restrooms and restaurants.

Key Locations for Transit and Airport Signage

Strategic placement of signage is just as important as the signage itself. Major access points such as terminal entrances, ticketing areas, security lines, and baggage claim zones require consistent and visible directional signage. Intermediate spaces—like hallways, waiting areas, and shuttle stops—should also include wayfinding indicators to help travelers maintain orientation as they move between checkpoints.

Common high-traffic locations include:

• Terminal lobbies
• Check-in counters
• Security screening zones
• Gates and concourses
• Baggage claim areas
• Transportation connections (taxis, shuttles, trains)
• Emergency exits and fire escape routes

Well-placed transit signage ensures that travelers can easily find their way with minimal assistance even in unfamiliar or confusing environments.

Types and Design Concepts of Airport Signage

Effective airport signage includes several categories, each serving a distinct purpose:

1. Mandatory Signs: These are non-negotiable instructions, typically used on airfields and restricted zones.
2. Informational Signs: These relay details about amenities, Wi-Fi zones, lounges, and more.
3. Directional Signs: The core of wayfinding signage, guiding travelers to gates, restrooms, baggage claim, and exits.
4. Temporary Signs: These address short-term changes like construction detours or event-specific instructions.
5. Safety and Emergency Signs: This signage protects passengers and staff by clearly communicating critical information, such as emergency exits, safety protocols, and evacuation routes.

The design of airport signage plays a vital role in its effectiveness. Here are key design principles:

• Visibility and Placement: Signs must be viewable from a distance and placed at heights accessible to standing and seated individuals, such as those in wheelchairs.
• Font and Readability: Sans-serif fonts like Arial, Helvetica, and Tahoma are preferred for readability, especially for those with vision impairments or dyslexia.
• Contrast and Color: Text should contrast strongly with the background—ideally following a minimum 4.5:1 ratio—for visibility under various lighting conditions.
• Consistency: Unified visual design across all signage helps travelers quickly identify and interpret information.
• Multimodal Access: Tactile maps, Braille, and audio announcements are key for creating inclusive environments.

Technology Advancements for Airport Signage

Digital signage is becoming increasingly prominent in both airports and transit centers. These screens provide dynamic, real-time information that static signs cannot. From digital flight status boards to interactive wayfinding kiosks and service announcements, digital signage helps streamline communication and keep travelers informed at all times.

These systems are especially useful for:

• Flight and gate changes
• Delay and disruption notifications
• Real-time transit arrival and departure updates
• Multi-language support for global travelers
• Advertising and promotional content

Digital signage also improves operational flexibility, allowing staff to update messaging instantly in response to changes or emergencies. With brighter displays and adaptable layouts, they’re often more accessible than printed signs, especially for those with low vision.

Final Thoughts

Employing a signage strategy in airports and transit hubs has a major impact on the efficiency and satisfaction of customers. Ensuring signage is clear and concise and posted in the right locations supports the smooth operations of the airport.

Action Services Group can help with all your signage service needs. To speak with our experts, contact us at 610-558-9773, email [email protected], or click the button below to schedule a call.