Learn how to start a flight from a gate in MSFS, select a parking stand, avoid runway spawns, and handle MSFS 2024 walkaround starts.
To start at a gate or parking stand in Microsoft Flight Simulator, open the World Map or Free Flight map, choose an airport, zoom in, select a labelled gate or parking point, and set it as your departure. Do not select the airport icon or a runway, which can place you ready for take-off.
How do I select a gate in MSFS 2020 or 2024?
The essential step is selecting the individual stand rather than merely choosing the airport.
- Open the flight-planning map. Use World Map in MSFS 2020 or Free Flight in MSFS 2024.
- Choose your aircraft first. This helps you select a stand large enough for its wingspan and intended operation.
- Find the departure airport. Search by airport name or ICAO code, then zoom in until its runways, gates and parking markers appear.
- Select a specific parking marker. Choose a gate, ramp, parking, cargo or general-aviation position and use Set as Departure. Labels vary according to the airport data.
- Check the departure field. It should show the stand or gate identifier, not a runway number. Imported routes may not preserve your preferred stand, so check this again after loading or editing a flight plan.
- Start the flight. A parking departure normally places the aircraft at the selected stand instead of lined up on the runway.
Gate-size descriptions are only a guide. Airport data can be inaccurate, particularly where replacement scenery and the simulator's underlying parking definitions disagree. If the aircraft clips a building, jetway or another stand, return to the map and choose a larger position.
Which departure point should I choose?
Choose a gate for terminal-based airliner operations and ramp parking for general aviation, cargo or remote-stand starts.
| Departure point | Best used for | Expected start |
|---|---|---|
| Gate | Passenger airliners at a terminal | Usually parked cold and dark; a jetway may be available |
| Ramp or parking | General aviation, cargo aircraft and remote airliner stands | Usually parked cold and dark without a jetway |
| Runway | Skipping ground preparation | Normally powered, running and ready for take-off |
A position called “parking” can still accommodate an airliner, while a position called “gate” does not guarantee a working jetway. The scenery must contain a compatible connection. We explain the relevant airport and aircraft requirements in our MSFS 2020 jetway troubleshooting advice.
Why does MSFS start me on the runway instead?
MSFS usually starts on the runway because the airport or runway was selected instead of an individual parking point.
- Zoom in and select the small gate or parking marker directly.
- Confirm that the departure field names a stand rather than a runway.
- Recheck the location after importing or changing the route.
- Use Free Flight or World Map; missions and other structured activities can impose their own starting position and aircraft state.
A visible stand in the scenery is not necessarily encoded as a selectable start point. If an airport shows no parking markers after you zoom in, the standard planner cannot place you at that stand; select another listed position or use different airport scenery.
Why do I spawn outside the aircraft in MSFS 2024?
MSFS 2024 can begin a parking departure on foot as part of its pre-flight walkaround system.
This does not mean you selected the wrong stand. Complete or skip the inspection as appropriate, then enter the aircraft. Our explanation of outside-cockpit gate spawns in MSFS 2024 covers the expected behaviour and how to get into the cockpit.
Will the aircraft start cold and dark at the gate?
A free-flight departure from parking normally starts default aircraft cold and dark, but aircraft-specific state settings can override this.
Complex add-ons may remember their previous panel state or provide presets such as cold and dark, turnaround, or ready for taxi. Check the aircraft's tablet, electronic flight bag or configuration panel if it loads fully powered. If you want to bypass the manual procedure, see the available automatic engine-start methods and their limitations.
What should I do before leaving the stand?
Keep the parking brake set while arranging power, boarding, baggage, the jetway and pushback.
Not every stand supports every service, and remote parking usually has no jetway. MSFS 2024 users can follow our stand-by-stand ground-services instructions for external power, baggage, boarding and pushback preparation.