Arriving Early: Navigating Airport Arrival Times Stress-Free

The time you should arrive at the airport depends on a number of factors, including whether you're travelling domestically or internationally, whether you're travelling light or need to check luggage, and what airport you're flying out of. The general recommendation is to arrive two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. However, if you have TSA PreCheck, are only travelling with a carry-on, and are departing from a small airport, you may find that less than the recommended time is suitable for your needs and comfort level.

Domestic vs international travel

The general recommendation is to arrive two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. However, there are several factors that can impact this, such as whether you have TSA PreCheck, are travelling with just a carry-on, or are departing from a small airport. If you are travelling domestically within the US, you don't have to arrive as early as you would for international travel. The most often quoted recommendation is to arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure for a domestic flight. This gives you enough time to check in for your flight at least 30 minutes before departure, as required by most airports. 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're unsure about how early to arrive at the airport, it's always better to plan ahead and consider the specific requirements of your journey, such as whether you need to check luggage or the size of the airport.

Travelling light vs checking luggage

It is recommended that you arrive at the airport two hours before your domestic departure and three hours before an international flight. However, if you are travelling light, with just a carry-on, and are departing from a small airport, you may find that you need less time.

If you are checking luggage, it is a good idea to arrive at the airport earlier, as you will need to check in your bags. Most airports require you to check in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time, and you must be at the gate and ready to board 15 minutes before scheduled departure. 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.

If you are travelling with a child who is flying solo, it is especially important to arrive at the airport early. International guidelines vary, but some airports advise giving yourself even more time. For example, at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Pudahuel, Chile, travellers are asked to arrive around three hours before international flights, and sometimes three and a half hours during peak periods. Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria typically advises arriving about three hours before international flights and up to four hours during high-traffic seasons.

It is always a good idea to work backward from your departure time to calculate when you should leave, and to ensure that any transfers are booked in advance and allow for sufficient travel time.

Day of the week

The day of the week can impact how early you should arrive at the airport. For example, if you're flying on a Monday, you might want to allow extra time to account for higher passenger numbers.

It's also worth noting that the airport you're flying from may have specific requirements. For example, some airports require additional time for check-in, so it's a good idea to check this in advance.

In general, it's recommended that you arrive at the airport two hours before your domestic departure and three hours before any international flight. However, if you have TSA PreCheck, are only travelling with a carry-on, and are departing from a small airport, you may find that less time is suitable for your needs and comfort level.

TSA PreCheck

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

To apply for TSA PreCheck, you must complete an online application and schedule an in-person appointment at one of the 380+ enrolment centres across the US. During your appointment, you will need to provide proof of identity and citizenship status, as well as fingerprints for a background check. Once your application is approved, you will receive a Known Traveller Number, which you can use when booking flights to access TSA PreCheck lanes.

Travelling with a child

If you are flying from a familiar airport, you may feel more comfortable with less time to spare. However, if you are flying from an unknown airport, it is worth adding some extra time to account for any potential delays or issues.

It is also worth considering the day of the week you are travelling. Airports tend to be busier during peak periods, such as weekends and school holidays, so it is worth allowing extra time during these periods.

If you are travelling with checked luggage, you will need to allow extra time for this. Most airports require you to check in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time, and you must be at the gate and ready to board 15 minutes before departure. Checking in online and printing your boarding pass in advance can save time at the airport.

By allowing plenty of time and planning ahead, you can help ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience when flying with a child.

Frequently asked questions