Arriving Early: Navigating Airport Arrival Times Stress-Free

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, and what airport you're flying from. 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.

Domestic vs international travel

The time you should arrive at the airport depends on several factors, including whether you are flying domestically or internationally, if you are checking a bag, and if you are participating in a priority screening program.

Airlines generally recommend arriving at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. However, there are a few extra considerations that may affect your timing, which can vary from trip to trip. For example, if you are flying from a small airport or only have carry-on luggage, you may find that less than the recommended time is suitable for your needs and comfort level.

Most domestic flights board between 30 and 45 minutes ahead of departure, whereas international flights take longer to account for larger aircraft and more passengers. A general rule of thumb for international flights is 45 minutes to an hour ahead of departure time. Boarding times are usually indicated on your boarding pass, and flights that are currently boarding are also shown on airport monitors.

Checking in online can save time at the airport. You can usually check in online 24 hours before departure and print your boarding pass at home or use the airline's mobile app to access your digital boarding pass.

TSA PreCheck

It is generally 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 have TSA PreCheck, are only travelling with a carry-on and are departing from a small airport, you may find that you can arrive later than the recommended time.

If you are travelling internationally, check-in usually begins at least three hours before departure, and baggage check-in can take up to four hours. However, if you are travelling with just a carry-on, you may be able to save time by avoiding the baggage check-in process altogether.

It is also worth considering the day of the week and the time of year when planning your arrival time. Airports tend to be busiest during spring breaks and summer vacations, especially on Fridays and weekends.

Checking luggage

If you are flying from an airport you are unfamiliar with, it's also worth allowing some extra time to account for the unknowns. For example, larger airports may have longer queues and take longer to navigate.

Checking in online and printing your boarding pass at home can save time at the airport. Most airlines allow you to check in and access your digital boarding pass 24 hours before departure.

If you are travelling during busy periods, such as spring breaks and summer vacations, it's a good idea to arrive at the airport earlier to account for the increased volume of travellers.

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 often busier, as are school holidays like spring break and summer vacation. If you're flying on a busy day, you may want to arrive earlier than usual to account for longer lines and more crowds.

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, if you have TSA PreCheck, are only travelling with a carry-on, and are departing from a small, familiar airport, you may be able to arrive a little later than this. Conversely, if you're flying from a large, unfamiliar airport, you may want to give yourself some extra time.

International check-in usually begins three hours before departure, and baggage check-in can take anywhere from two to four hours, so it's a good idea to give yourself plenty of time if you're checking luggage. Checking in online and printing your boarding pass at home can save time, and you can usually do this 24 hours before your flight.

In some countries, like New Zealand, it's common to arrive at the airport just 1-1.5 hours before your flight. However, this may not be the case at all airports, and it's always best to give yourself plenty of time to avoid any last-minute stresses.

Familiarity with the airport

If you are familiar with the airport, you can streamline your travel. However, if you are not familiar with the airport, it is worth adding some extra time to account for the unknowns. For example, if you are flying out of a small airport, you may find that less than the recommended time is suitable for your needs and comfort level.

If you are flying domestically, you do not have to get to the airport as early as you would for international travel. The general recommendation is to 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 travelling with just a carry-on, or are departing from a small airport, you may find that less than the recommended time is suitable for your needs and comfort level.

The time you need to arrive at the airport also depends on the day of the week. Airports are typically busier during spring breaks and summer vacations, especially on Fridays and weekends.

It is also worth noting that the time you need to arrive at the airport may vary depending on the airline. Baggage check-in typically ranges from two to four hours before departure, but some airlines may have different policies. Checking in online and printing your boarding pass at home or using the airline's mobile app can save time at the airport.

Frequently asked questions