Arriving Early At Airports: Navigating The New Covid Norms

The COVID-19 pandemic has added extra steps to the airport check-in process, including the need to verify vaccine and/or negative test results. This means that it's best to give yourself a little extra time when travelling internationally, with some sources recommending arriving at the airport 2.5-3 hours before your flight. However, if you have TSA PreCheck, are familiar with the procedures at your airport, have checked in online, and don't have any checked bags, you can usually get away with arriving 90 minutes before departure.

International flights require earlier arrival than domestic travel

For those without TSA PreCheck, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours early for international flights to allow extra time to go through security screening. If you have to navigate a large airport, such as New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), or Chicago (ORD), it is also important to take this into consideration and arrive earlier.

With the need to verify COVID-19 vaccine and/or negative test results, it is generally advised to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. This is to account for potential long lines as everyone on your flight will likely need to show COVID-19 documentation.

If you have TSA PreCheck, are familiar with the procedures at your airport, have checked in online, and don't have any checked bags, you can usually arrive at the airport 90 minutes before departure. However, it is important to keep in mind that some airlines may still require you to complete check-in in person at the airport if they need to see your passport or verify any required COVID-19 documentation.

TSA PreCheck can save time

It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for an international flight, and 90 minutes before departure for a domestic flight. This is to allow for the verification of COVID-19 vaccine and/or negative test results, which can result in long lines.

TSA PreCheck can save you time at the airport by allowing you to go through a dedicated security line at more than 200 U.S. airports. 95% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than five minutes in the security line, meaning you can spend less time queuing and more time relaxing before your flight. With TSA PreCheck, you can keep your shoes on, and you don't need to remove your laptop or liquids from your bag. If you often travel through large airports, TSA PreCheck can be especially useful, as you'll have more time to make your way to your gate.

COVID-19 documentation can cause delays

It's always best to plan for the unexpected when travelling, and this is especially true in the age of COVID-19. Airlines often recommend arriving at the airport three hours before scheduled departure for international flights, and this is largely due to the need to verify COVID-19 vaccine and/or negative test results.

Since everyone on your flight will likely need to show COVID-19 documentation, this can result in long lines and cause delays. It's best to arrive early at the airport for an international flight, and you may want to add some extra time to go through security screening. If you don't have TSA PreCheck, you may want to arrive 2.5-3 hours early for international flights. If you do have TSA PreCheck, are familiar with the procedures at your airport, have checked in online, and don't have any checked bags, you can usually be okay arriving at the airport 90 minutes before departure.

If the country you are travelling to has more stringent entry requirements due to COVID-19, such as specific tests or forms required, you'll want to arrive even earlier as the agents at the airport may need more time to verify these specific documents.

If you are unsure about how early to arrive, it's always best to give yourself a little extra time.

Large airports need extra time

If you are travelling from a large airport, such as New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), or Chicago (ORD), it is important to take this into consideration when planning your arrival time. Navigating a large airport can take longer, especially if you are not familiar with the procedures.

Additionally, if you do not have TSA PreCheck, you may need to add some extra time to go through security screening. Without TSA PreCheck, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours early for international flights.

If you have checked bags and need to check in at the airport, this will also add to the time needed. It is important to be at the front of the line with any checked bags and have your documents verified by the cut-off time.

Border control can add time

If you are travelling from a large airport, such as New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), or Chicago (ORD), you should also take this into consideration and arrive earlier. If you have TSA PreCheck, are familiar with the procedures at your airport, have checked in online, and don't have any checked bags, you can usually arrive at the airport 90 minutes before departure. However, if you don't have TSA PreCheck, you may want to add some extra time and arrive 2.5-3 hours early.

Frequently asked questions