Arriving Early: How Far Before Your Flight Should You Arrive?

It's important to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare before your flight. The amount of time you should allow depends on several factors, including whether you're travelling domestically or internationally, whether you're travelling light or need to check luggage, the airport you're flying out of, and the day of the week. As a general rule, it's recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. However, some airports may only require you to arrive 1-1.5 hours before your flight.

Domestic vs international travel

When it comes to how early you should arrive at the airport, there are several factors to consider, including whether you are flying domestically or internationally, if you are checking luggage, and the day of the week.

For domestic flights, the general recommendation is to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure. This is because most domestic flights board between 30 and 45 minutes ahead of departure. However, you should also consider the airport you're flying out of and whether you are checking luggage. Checking in online and printing your boarding pass at home can save time at the airport.

For international flights, the general recommendation is to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure. International flights take longer to board due to larger aircraft and more passengers. A good rule of thumb is to arrive 45 minutes to an hour ahead of departure time.

It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and your specific situation may vary. For example, if you have TSA PreCheck or are travelling with just a carry-on, you may find that less than the recommended time is suitable for your needs and comfort level.

Check-in times

It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. However, if you are flying from a small airport, have TSA PreCheck, and are only travelling with a carry-on, you may find that you need less time.

If you are flying domestically within the US, you need to check in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time, whether you are checking bags or only travelling with a carry-on. For international flights, check-in usually begins three hours before departure, and baggage check-in typically ranges from two to four hours before departure. Checking in online can save time at the airport, and you can usually do this 24 hours before departure.

If you are flying from an unfamiliar airport, it is a good idea to allow some extra time to account for the unknowns. Similarly, if you are flying at a busy time, such as during school holidays, Fridays, or weekends, you may want to arrive earlier to avoid long queues.

In some countries, such as New Zealand, it is generally acceptable to arrive at the airport 1-1.5 hours before your flight, although some travellers recommend arriving 4-5 hours early for certain airports.

Baggage

It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. However, there are several factors that can influence how early you should arrive at the airport. For example, if you are travelling with checked luggage, you will need to allow extra time for baggage check-in, which can range from two to four hours before departure, depending on the airline. If you are only travelling with a carry-on bag, you may be able to get away with arriving at the airport less than the recommended time, especially if you have TSA PreCheck.

Checking in online can save time at the airport, as you can usually check-in and print your boarding pass at home or access your digital boarding pass via the airline's mobile app. However, if you are checking bags, you will still need to allow time for baggage drop-off, which can be done at a dedicated counter or a self-service kiosk.

The size and familiarity of the airport can also impact how early you should arrive. A larger, busier airport may require more time to navigate, especially if it is a new airport that you are unfamiliar with. Spring breaks and summer vacations are typically busy times for many airports, especially on Fridays and weekends, so you may want to allow extra time during these peak travel periods.

Additionally, the day of the week and time of day can affect airport crowds and wait times. For example, Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier at airports due to business travellers, while weekends may be quieter. Aim to avoid peak travel times, such as early morning or late afternoon, when possible, as these are often the busiest times at the airport.

Day of the week

The day of the week you're flying can impact how early you should arrive at the airport. Fridays and weekends are typically busier at airports, especially during spring breaks and summer vacations. If you're flying on a Friday or over the weekend, you may want to arrive earlier than usual to account for the crowds.

As a general rule, airlines recommend arriving at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. However, there are several factors that can affect how early you should arrive. For example, if you're flying from a familiar airport, you may not need to add extra time to your journey. On the other hand, if you're flying from a new airport, you may want to give yourself some extra time to navigate the unknowns.

Other factors to consider include whether you're travelling with checked luggage or just a carry-on, and whether you have TSA PreCheck. If you're travelling light and have TSA PreCheck, you may find that less than the recommended time is suitable for your needs.

It's also worth noting that the airport you're flying out of can impact how early you should arrive. Smaller airports may not require as much time as larger, busier airports. To ensure a smooth journey, it's always best to give yourself plenty of time and arrive at the airport early.

Familiarity with the airport

If you are familiar with the airport, you may find that you can streamline your travel and don't need to arrive as early as you would at an airport you don't know. However, there are still other factors to consider, such as whether you are travelling domestically or internationally, whether you are travelling light or need to check luggage, and what day of the week it is.

If you are travelling domestically, the general recommendation is to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight. This is because you need to check in for your flight at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time, regardless of whether you are checking bags or only travelling with a carry-on. Checking in online can save time at the airport, as you can usually check in 24 hours before departure and print your boarding pass at home or use the airline's mobile app to access your digital boarding pass.

If you are travelling internationally, the general recommendation is to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight. International check-in normally begins at least three hours before departure, and baggage check-in can take up to four hours.

However, it's important to note that these are just guidelines, and the specific airport and your own comfort level may affect how early you need to arrive. For example, if you have TSA PreCheck, are travelling with just a carry-on, and are departing from a small airport, you may find that less than the recommended time is suitable for your needs.

Frequently asked questions