Arriving Early: Navigating Airport Arrival Times Efficiently

The general recommendation is to arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. However, there are many factors that can influence how early you should arrive at the airport, such as whether you're travelling with checked luggage, the airport you're flying from, and the day of the week. International guidelines vary, with some airports recommending that travellers arrive three and a half hours before an international flight during peak periods.

Domestic vs international travel

The general recommendation is to arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. However, there are several factors that can influence how early you should arrive at the airport.

If you are travelling from a familiar airport, you may find that your journey is more streamlined and you can afford to arrive closer to the departure time. Conversely, if you are travelling from an unfamiliar airport, you may want to allow some extra time to account for the unknowns.

The day of the week can also make a difference. Airports tend to be busiest during spring breaks and summer vacations, especially on Fridays and weekends. If you are travelling during a peak period, you should allow more time to get through the airport.

Other factors to consider include whether you are travelling with checked luggage or just a carry-on, and whether you have TSA PreCheck. If you are travelling light and have TSA PreCheck, you may find that you can arrive at the airport in less than the recommended time.

International check-in procedures can also vary by country. For example, at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Chile, travellers are asked to arrive around three hours before an international flight, and sometimes three and a half hours during peak periods. Jamaican airports generally recommend giving yourself two to three hours for international departures, while the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria advises arriving about three hours before international flights and up to four hours during high-traffic seasons.

Travelling with children

When travelling with children, it's important to factor in extra time for potential delays, such as bathroom breaks, snack stops, or simply navigating a busy airport with little ones in tow. If you're travelling with a baby or toddler, you'll also need to consider time for nappy changes or feeding. It's a good idea to bring plenty of entertainment and snacks to keep your children occupied while waiting at the airport, as this can help make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

If you're travelling with older children, involve them in the airport experience by giving them age-appropriate responsibilities, such as carrying their own hand luggage or helping to navigate through the airport. This can help keep them engaged and reduce potential boredom or restlessness. It's also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the airport layout in advance, so you can easily locate family-friendly facilities like play areas, changing rooms, or restaurants with children's menus.

Arriving early at the airport when travelling with children allows you to take advantage of family-friendly services, such as priority boarding or dedicated family lanes at security checkpoints. This can help make your journey more comfortable and less stressful. Additionally, if you have a child who is flying solo, arriving early is crucial to ensure they have plenty of time to navigate the airport and feel confident and safe during their journey.

Overall, when travelling with children, it's always best to give yourself ample time at the airport. By arriving early, you can create a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience for both yourself and your children, making your holiday or trip off to a positive start.

Travelling with luggage

When travelling with luggage, it's important to give yourself plenty of time at the airport. The general recommendation is to arrive two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. However, this can vary depending on other factors. If you are travelling during peak holiday periods, it's advisable to add some extra time to account for more traffic and longer lines at the airport. If your airport is experiencing extraordinary delays, you may need to add more time to your estimation.

If you are checking luggage, you will need to allow time for bag drop-off. Most airlines recommend arriving at least 30-60 minutes before departure as bag cutoff times. It's also worth noting that security lines are where most airport backups occur, so this should be a consideration if your origin airport is large or famously busy.

If you are travelling internationally, you will also need to factor in delays caused by passport checks, visa applications, and customs inspections. Some airlines require you to check in at least an hour before an international flight, so be sure to contact your airline to see if this time limit applies to your flight.

If you have TSA PreCheck, are travelling with just 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. However, it's always better to be safe than sorry, so give yourself plenty of time to navigate TSA security and arrive at your gate at least 15 minutes before departure.

Peak times

It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. However, some countries advise giving yourself even more time. For example, Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Chile asks travellers to arrive three hours before international flights and up to three and a half hours during peak periods. Similarly, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria advises arriving three hours before international flights and up to four hours during high-traffic seasons.

If you are travelling with a child who is flying solo, it is especially important to get to the airport early.

Familiarity with the airport

Knowing the airport you're travelling from can help you plan your arrival time. If you're familiar with the airport, you can streamline your travel and save time. However, if you're travelling from a new airport, it's a good idea to allow some extra time to account for the unknowns.

For example, if you're travelling from a small airport with just carry-on luggage, you may not need to arrive as early as the general recommendation of two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. On the other hand, if you're travelling from a large, busy airport, you may want to give yourself some extra time to navigate the crowds and longer check-in processes.

International check-in usually begins at least three hours before departure, but this can vary by airport and country. For example, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria recommends arriving about three hours before an international flight and up to four hours during high-traffic seasons. Meanwhile, Jamaican airports generally recommend two to three hours for international departures.

It's also important to consider the day of the week and time of year you're travelling. Airports tend to be busiest during school holidays, Fridays, and weekends. So, if you're travelling during these peak times, you may want to arrive earlier to account for longer queues and busier terminals.

Frequently asked questions