Airport Security: Working Late To Keep You Safe

Airport security can be stressful for passengers, with long lines at busy airports and extensive checks on passengers and their belongings. Travellers are generally recommended to arrive at the airport at least three hours before an international flight and 90–120 minutes before a domestic flight. However, security and immigration are closed during the night at some airports, so it's important to check before you travel. Mornings, especially between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m., see the longest lines as travellers aim to catch early flights. Hitting security mid-afternoon or late evening often means fewer crowds.

How early you need to arrive at the airport for an international flight

The general recommendation is to arrive at the airport at least three hours before an international flight. However, there are several factors that can affect how early you need to arrive. For example, if you are checking a bag, you will need to allow more time. Most airlines require you to check your luggage at least 60 minutes before departure time for international flights. If you are travelling with children or other family members, it may take longer to get around the airport.

If you are flying from a small airport, you may find that less than the recommended time is suitable for your needs and comfort level. However, if you are flying during a peak travel period, you should be prepared for a line at the check-in counter. After getting through security, you may also have a long walk to your gate.

If you are participating in a priority screening program, such as TSA PreCheck, you may be able to arrive at the airport less than three hours before your flight. However, it is always better to give yourself plenty of time in case anything unexpected happens.

How early you need to arrive at the airport for a domestic flight

The general recommendation is to arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight. However, this can vary depending on several factors, such as whether you are checking luggage, the size of the airport, and the day of the week. For example, if you 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.

If you are checking luggage, you will need to check in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. 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.

It is also worth noting that mornings, especially between 5 am and 8 am, see the longest lines as travellers aim to catch early flights. Therefore, hitting security mid-afternoon or late evening often means fewer crowds. Aim for a window from 1 pm to 4 pm or after 10 pm, and midweek is usually the slowest.

How to avoid long security lines

Airport security can be stressful for passengers, with long lines at busy airports and extensive checks on passengers and their belongings. To avoid long security lines, it is recommended that travellers arrive at the airport at least three hours before an international flight and 90-120 minutes before a domestic flight. However, it is important to note that airport check-in and security durations can vary based on the airport and the time of year.

To avoid long security lines, travellers can consider the following strategies:

• Check the expected wait times at the airport before departure: This can be done by checking the airport's website or using mobile apps like MyTSA, which provide delay information and historical data on how busy the airport is likely to be on a specific day and time of travel. This helps travellers anticipate potential delays and plan their arrival time accordingly.
• Avoid peak hours: Mornings, especially between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m., tend to have the longest lines as travellers aim to catch early flights. Aiming for a mid-afternoon or late-evening flight, such as a window from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or after 10 p.m., can result in fewer crowds and shorter security lines. Midweek flights are also usually slower.
• Time your arrival at the airport: While it is important to arrive early enough to clear security and check-in, arriving too early can result in unnecessary waiting at the departure gate. Conversely, arriving too late can jeopardise your flight. Finding the right balance between these factors can help travellers avoid spending excessive time in security lines.
• Consider the impact of checked luggage: If you are travelling with checked luggage, allow additional time for the check-in process. However, if you are travelling without checked luggage, you may be able to go through security more than three hours in advance, depending on the airport's policies. Some airports close security and immigration during the night, so check the specific hours for your departure airport to plan accordingly.

How to check how busy the airport is likely to be on your day of travel

Airport security can be stressful for passengers, with long lines and extensive checks. Travellers are generally advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours before an international flight and 90–120 minutes before a domestic flight. However, the duration of check-in and security checks can vary depending on the airport and the time of year.

To check how busy the airport is likely to be on your day of travel, you can download the MyTSA mobile app, which provides information on delays and historical data on airport crowds. Mornings, especially between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m., tend to be the busiest times at airports as travellers aim to catch early flights. If possible, consider arriving at the airport during off-peak hours, such as mid-afternoon or late evening, to avoid longer lines. Aim for a window between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. or after 10 p.m., as midweek is usually the slowest time at airports.

Additionally, keep in mind that security and immigration may be closed during the night at some airports. If your flight is scheduled for early in the morning, check the opening times of security to ensure you can pass through at the appropriate time. For example, if your flight is at 6 a.m. and security opens at 4:30 a.m., you can go through security at 4:30 a.m. or later.

How to check if security is closed during the night at your airport

It's important to check whether security is closed during the night at your airport, as this can vary. As a general rule, it's recommended that you arrive at the airport three hours before an international flight and 90-120 minutes before a domestic flight. However, if your flight is very early in the morning, you may need to check whether security will be open when you arrive.

You can do this by checking the airport's website or by contacting the airport directly. You can also download the MyTSA mobile app to check delay information and see how busy the airport is likely to be on your specific day and time of travel. This will give you an idea of when security is likely to be open.

If you're unsure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and arrive at the airport when security is definitely open. That way, you can avoid any potential delays or issues.

Frequently asked questions