Arrive Early: Navigating Airport Travel Stress-Free

When it comes to travelling by plane, it's always a good idea to give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. 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 factors that may affect your timing, such as whether you're checking luggage or travelling with children.

How early to arrive at the airport for an international flight

How early you should arrive at the airport for an international flight depends on several factors. The standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport three hours before your scheduled departure. This should cover every step of the airport process, from checking a bag to clearing passport control and security, ensuring you board on time. However, some airports advise giving yourself even more time. For instance, 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, Jamaican airports generally recommend giving yourself two to three hours for international departures, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria typically advises arriving about three hours before international flights and up to four hours during high-traffic seasons.

If you are travelling with just a carry-on, you may find that less than the recommended time is suitable for your needs and comfort level. However, if you are checking luggage, you will need to allow for more time. Most airlines require you to check your luggage at least 60 minutes prior to international flights. If you have kids or other family members with you, it may take longer to get around the airport than if you are flying solo.

The boarding process for international flights is usually longer than for domestic flights, taking between 45 minutes and an hour to account for larger aircraft. It's also important to pay close attention to the time of your flight, as many international airlines indicate departure times based on a 24-hour clock instead of a 12-hour clock. For example, if your flight leaves at 4:50 pm, that would be indicated as 16:50 on your ticket, which could be misread as 6:50 pm.

Finally, it's worth considering the day of the week you are travelling and the airport you are flying out of. During peak travel times, it's a good idea to allow for extra time at the airport, perhaps an extra 30 to 60 minutes.

How early to arrive at the airport for a domestic flight

Airlines generally recommend arriving at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight. However, if you're planning on checking luggage, it's best to allow at least two and a half hours. If you're only bringing a carry-on, you can get away with 90 minutes.

There are a few extra considerations that may affect your timing. For example, if you have children or other family members with you, it may take longer to get around the airport than if you're flying solo. It's also worth bearing in mind that some airports advise giving yourself more time. For instance, Jamaican airports generally recommend allowing two to three hours for international departures, while the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria typically advises arriving about three hours before international flights and up to four hours during high-traffic seasons.

How early to arrive at the airport if you're checking luggage

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, if you are checking luggage, you will need to allow for more time than if you only have carry-on luggage. Most airlines require you to check your luggage at least 45 minutes before departure time for domestic flights and at least 60 minutes prior for international flights. Therefore, it is advisable to arrive at the airport at least two and a half hours before a domestic flight and three and a half hours before an international flight if you are checking luggage.

During peak travel times, it is recommended to allow even more time at the airport, perhaps an extra 30 to 60 minutes. Additionally, if you are travelling with children or other family members, it may take longer to get around the airport, so it is advisable to allow for extra time.

Some airports and countries have different recommendations for how early to arrive at the airport. 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, Jamaican airports generally recommend giving yourself two to three hours for international departures, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria typically advises arriving about three hours before international flights and up to four hours during high-traffic seasons.

To ensure a smooth airport experience, it is important to know when to arrive at the airport, when check-in kiosks open, and when your departure gate closes. This will help you have plenty of time to check in your luggage, move through security, and find your boarding gate.

How early to arrive at the airport if you only have carry-on luggage

If you only have carry-on luggage, you should arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight. For international flights, you should arrive at least two hours before your flight is scheduled to leave.

However, it's important to note that these are general guidelines, and the recommended arrival time can vary depending on the airport and the time of year. 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, Jamaican airports generally recommend giving yourself two to three hours for international departures, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria typically advises arriving about three hours before international flights and up to four hours during high-traffic seasons.

Additionally, if you have children or other family members with you, it may take longer to get around the airport than if you're travelling solo. It's always better to give yourself extra time, especially if you're travelling during peak periods or with children.

How early to arrive at the airport if you're travelling with children

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, if you are travelling with children, it is a good idea to give yourself some extra time.

When travelling with children, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight. This will give you enough time to check in, drop off your luggage, and get through security. If you are travelling during peak times, it is a good idea to add an extra 30 to 60 minutes to this recommendation.

For international flights, it is generally recommended that you arrive at the airport three hours before your scheduled departure. This will allow you enough time to check in, drop off your luggage, and clear passport control and security. However, some airports recommend giving yourself even more time. For example, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria advises arriving about three hours before international flights and up to four hours during high-traffic seasons.

If you are travelling with children on an international flight, it is a good idea to give yourself some extra time. This will allow you to navigate the airport at a more relaxed pace and ensure that you have enough time to take care of any unexpected delays. It is also important to note that most airlines have unaccompanied minor services for children between the ages of 5 and 14.

Overall, when travelling with children, 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, it is always a good idea to give yourself some extra time to account for any unexpected delays or challenges that may arise when travelling with children.

Frequently asked questions