An airport is made up of two basic parts: an airfield and terminals. A standard airfield has a runway for takeoffs and landings, as well as two (or one) parallel taxiing lanes (taxiway). The location of these elements on the airfield determines how the plane lands and takes off. The terminals are where passengers check in and wait to board the flight. Each terminal usually has a ticket counter where you can buy tickets or make reservations, a baggage claim area, and sometimes a lounge where you can eat, drink, or just relax before your next flight. Airports also have staff facilities such as fire stations, health clinics, restaurants, shopping malls, and sports centers. These are necessary because people working at airports need to eat and sleep like everyone else. Some airports have needs that require additional facilities be provided by third parties; for example, some airports have hospitals or pharmacies on-site so that patients/passengers do not have to go far for medical care. Airports are essential elements in modern society. They provide a place for aircraft to stop while waiting for clear weather or refueling, they allow people to travel long distances quickly, and they serve as hubs for traffic around them. There are almost 800 airports in the United States alone, and they play a vital role in our economy and daily lives.