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The general advice is to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight time. This is to allow ample time for security screening and to get to your gate, especially if you want to grab a bite to eat. However, some people prefer to live life on the edge and arrive just 1.25-1.5 hours before a domestic flight and 1 hour before an international flight. If you want to be at your gate when boarding starts, this should be enough time. But if you're taking a flight from Denver International Airport (DIA), you might want to arrive even earlier, as it's a very large airport with a lot of walking between gates. Security wait times at DIA vary based on the time of day and passenger volume, with the busiest times being between 4 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| General advice on arrival time | At least 2 hours before the flight time |
| Arrival time for grabbing a bite to eat | 2 hours before the flight time |
| Arrival time to be at the gate when boarding starts | 1 hour 15 minutes-1 hour 30 minutes early |
| Arrival time if not checking bags | 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time |
| Time to be at the gate and ready to board | 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time |
| Security wait times | Vary based on the time of day and passenger volume |
| Security checkpoints busiest times | 4 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. |
| Busiest days of the week | Sunday, Monday, Thursday, and Friday |
| Transport options | Uber, R-line RTD, economy lot, rail line |
| Transport costs | Uber: $100 r/t, Economy lot: $16/day, R-line RTD: $10/person each way |
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What You'll Learn
Recommended arrival time for international flights
For international flights, it is generally recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before their scheduled departure time. This allows sufficient time to check-in, drop off checked baggage, clear security, and reach the departure gate.
Delta Air Lines, for instance, suggests that passengers travelling outside the United States arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. They also advise that passengers check in at least 1 hour before departure and be at the gate 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
The recommended arrival time can vary depending on the airport and flight schedule. For instance, some airports may require an earlier check-in time for international flights. It is always a good idea to check the specific recommendations for the airport and airline you are travelling with.
Additionally, it is worth considering the time of day and day of the week when planning your arrival time. Security checkpoints at Denver International Airport (DIA), for example, tend to be busiest between 4 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with the single busiest hour typically being 3 p.m. due to late afternoon and early evening flights. Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays are generally the busiest days at TSA checkpoints.
If you are travelling during peak hours or days, you may want to allow for extra time to account for potential delays. However, some passengers report being able to get through security at DIA in under 10 minutes, even during busy periods. Ultimately, the recommended arrival time for international flights can vary depending on a range of factors, and it is always best to err on the side of caution by arriving earlier rather than later.
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Domestic flight arrival times
The general recommendation for domestic flight arrival times is to arrive at the airport two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This is to account for checking in, which must be done at least 30 minutes before departure, and potential delays caused by security wait times and the distance from the airport entrance to your gate. Some sources suggest that 90 minutes before departure is sufficient for domestic flights, while others recommend two to three hours.
There are several factors that can influence how early you should arrive at the airport for a domestic flight. If you are checking luggage, you may want to arrive earlier than if you are travelling with just a carry-on. Checking luggage can be time-consuming, especially during busy travel times. The day of the week and time of day can also impact how early you should arrive, with Sunday, Monday, Thursday, and Friday, and the daily peak hours of 4 am to noon and 1 pm to 3 pm, being the busiest at most airports. Additionally, the size of the airport and the distance from the check-in counter to your gate can affect your arrival time, with larger airports requiring a longer walk or train ride to the gate.
It is recommended that you check security wait times periodically before your flight to get an idea of what to expect. While two hours is generally considered enough time for a domestic flight, those who prefer to have a buffer and want to ensure they have time to spare before their flight may prefer to arrive earlier. On the other hand, if you have TSA PreCheck, are travelling with only a carry-on, and are departing from a small airport, you may find that you can arrive slightly later than the recommended two hours.
For those who are not checking bags and have their boarding passes ready digitally, arriving 1.5 hours before a domestic flight may be sufficient. However, this may not leave much time for unexpected delays, and it is always a good idea to give yourself a buffer to account for potential issues. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all rule for domestic flight arrival times, and the recommended arrival time can vary depending on a number of factors.
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TSA wait times
It is generally advised that passengers arrive at Denver International Airport (DIA) at least two hours before their flight time. This is to allow ample time for security screening and to get to the gate, especially considering DIA is a very large airport, and passengers may have a lot of walking to do to reach their gates. Southwest Airlines, DIA's second-largest carrier, typically begins boarding 30 minutes before takeoff, and passengers must be at the gate and able to board at least 10 minutes before departure.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the security checkpoints at DIA are busiest between 4 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The busiest single hour on most days is 3 p.m., due to people with flight times in the late afternoon and early evening. The busiest days of the week are typically Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, including holidays.
TSA screenings are detailed checks that can cause high wait times. To streamline the security process, passengers can use expedited screening options like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. Passengers can also check real-time security wait times before arriving at the airport through the TSA's My TSA mobile application. This application also provides information on what items can be brought through security and other travel tips.
Some passengers report never having to wait more than 10 minutes at bridge security, and arriving at the airport less than an hour before boarding begins. However, others recommend arriving 1.5-2 hours early for domestic flights, depending on whether you want to grab a bite to eat or just be at your gate when boarding starts. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 90-120 minutes prior to departure.
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Transport options to the airport
Denver International Airport (DIA) is a very large airport, and the time it takes to get to your gate depends on which gate your flight is at. If your flight is at the A gate, you can skip taking the train by going through Bridge Security on level 6 of the Jeppesen Terminal. However, for all other gates, you will have to take the train.
Regional Transportation District (RTD)
The city's public transport system, RTD, operates four bus routes under the frequent airport express bus service called SkyRide. SkyRide buses are wheelchair accessible and designed to cater to passengers with luggage. They offer ample storage options, including under-seat and overhead compartments for carry-ons, as well as roomy under-coach bins for larger items like bags, bikes, and skis. SkyRide drivers are available to help with loading and unloading luggage.
Train
The airport commuter rail trains, also known as the A Line, are tailored for travellers with luggage. They offer level boarding for easy access and have storage options, including overhead compartments and designated luggage towers. The train ride from DEN to Denver Union Station takes about 37 minutes, and trains leave every 15 minutes between 5 am and 8 pm and every 30 minutes outside of those hours. The fare is $10 each way.
Taxi
A taxi can take you to the heart of the city in about 30 minutes. Taxis can be found at Level 5, Island 1, outside Doors 505, 507, and 511 (Terminal East) and Doors 506, 510, and 512 (Terminal West). Flat rates are the same for all companies, while limo companies have varied rates depending on the number of trips and wait time.
Car
If you plan to drive your car to the airport, DEN offers various parking options, such as garage and economy, as well as parking at eight airport rail stations. Parking fees are based on how long you park and whether your vehicle is registered to an address within or outside the RTD district boundaries. Long-term parking is limited to 30 days.
Uber or Lyft
If you prefer ride-sharing services, Uber or Lyft are also options to get to the airport. However, it is important to consider the traffic, especially during peak hours, and the cost, which can be around $20 each way.
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Check-in times
The general advice is to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight time. This is to allow ample time for security screening and to get to your gate, especially considering that DIA is a very large airport, and you might have to walk a lot depending on which gate your flight is at. If you want to grab a bite to eat, some sources suggest arriving two hours early. If you just want to be at your gate when boarding starts, 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes should be enough.
According to the Transportation Security Administration, the security checkpoints are busiest at DIA between 4 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The single busiest hour at TSA on most days is 3 p.m. because of people with flight times in the late afternoon and early evening. People should also keep in mind the busiest days of the week: According to TSA, Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday are typically when they see more people passing through security, holidays included. So, if your flight is scheduled for 5 p.m. on a Friday, you may want to plan on waiting in the TSA line longer than someone with a flight scheduled at 8 p.m.
If you are travelling internationally, you must verify your passport with an agent or kiosk at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter at least 60 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. For international departures, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 90-120 minutes prior to departure.
If you are travelling domestically and not checking baggage, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. If you are checking baggage, you must check your baggage at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time. All passengers must be at the gate and able to board at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time or risk losing their seats.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight's departure time. This should allow enough time to get through security and be at the gate when boarding starts. If you are not checking baggage, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before departure.
For international flights, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure. You must verify your passport with an agent or kiosk at least 60 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
According to the Transportation Security Administration, the security checkpoints are busiest between 4 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The single busiest hour at TSA is usually 3 p.m. due to late afternoon and early evening flights. The busiest days of the week are typically Sunday, Monday, Thursday, and Friday.
Consider taking public transportation to avoid traffic, especially during rush hour. If you plan to drive, check the parking levels before you leave and consider parking in an economy lot to save money. If you are checking bags, keep in mind that they will not be accepted more than 6 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
