Early Check-Ins: Navigating Ft. Lauderdale Airport With Ease

Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is the 19th busiest airport in the country, so it's important to arrive early to ensure you have enough time to check in, park, and clear security. TSA recommends arriving at least two hours before your departure time for domestic flights, and three hours for international flights. The airport's security gates generally shut down at midnight, but the airport remains open for red-eye flights and delays.

TSA checkpoints open at 4:30 a.m

TSA checkpoints at Fort Lauderdale Airport typically open at 4:30 a.m., with some opening as early as 4 a.m. for oddly-scheduled flights. The airport remains open 24 hours a day, so you can always get to the airport early if you have a very early flight or need to stay overnight due to delays or layovers. However, the security gates generally shut down at midnight.

Fort Lauderdale Airport is the 19th busiest airport in the country, so it's important to arrive early to avoid long security wait times. TSA recommends arriving at least two hours before your departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. This should give you enough time for parking or shuttle services, check-in, and clearing security. Arriving early also allows you to navigate the airport at your own pace and avoid the stress of rushing to your gate.

If you're staying in a hotel near the airport, such as the Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach, you can also take advantage of early check-in options to ensure you have plenty of time to get to the airport.

Security gates close at midnight

Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is the 19th busiest airport in the country, so it's important to allow plenty of time to check in and clear security. TSA checkpoints typically open around 4:30 a.m., with some opening as early as 4 a.m. for unusually-timed flights. Security gates close at midnight, but the airport remains open for passengers with red-eye flights or those delayed or on a layover.

TSA recommends arriving at Fort Lauderdale airport at least two hours before your departure time to allow for parking or shuttle services, check-in, and security. For international flights, give yourself at least three hours to clear the airport's various checkpoints. Arriving early will allow you to navigate the airport at your leisure and avoid the stress of rushing.

The airport is open 24 hours

Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is open 24 hours a day. TSA checkpoints open at around 4:30 am, with some opening at 4 am for early flights. The security gates close at midnight, but the airport remains open for passengers with red-eye flights or those who need to stay in the airport due to delays or layovers.

TSA recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before your departure time. This should allow enough time for parking, check-in, and security. If you are flying internationally, it is recommended that you arrive at least three hours before departure to clear all the necessary checkpoints. If this is your first time at the airport, or if you are flying at peak times, you may want to allow some extra time.

Arriving early gives you the opportunity to navigate the airport at your own pace and avoid the stress of rushing to your gate at the last minute. You can also use the extra time to unwind before your flight.

Some airlines offer mobile apps that allow you to check in on your phone, making the process more convenient.

TSA recommends arriving two hours before departure

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport is the 19th busiest airport in the country, with notoriously long security wait times. TSA highly recommends arriving at least two hours before your departure time. This should allow ample time for parking, check-in, and clearing security.

If you are taking an international flight, it is recommended that you give yourself no less than three hours to work your way through the airport's various checkpoints. TSA checkpoints typically open around 4:30 a.m., with some opening as early as 4 a.m. for oddly-scheduled flights. While security gates generally shut down completely at midnight, the airport remains open for those who have red-eye flights or need to stay in the airport due to delays or layovers.

Arriving early gives you time to unwind and navigate the airport unhurried, avoiding the stress of last-minute rushes. Only you can decide how early to get to the airport, but it is important to adhere to TSA guidelines to ensure a smooth departure.

International flights require three hours

Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is the 19th busiest airport in the country, so it's no surprise that it has notoriously long security wait times. If you're taking an international flight, you should give yourself at least three hours to get through the various checkpoints. TSA recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before your departure time, but this is for all flights, not just international ones. If you're taking an international flight, you should give yourself more time. TSA checkpoints typically open around 4:30 am, with some opening as early as 4 am for oddly-scheduled flights. While security gates generally shut down completely at midnight, the airport remains open for those who have red-eye flights or need to stay in the airport due to delays or layovers.

Frequently asked questions