Arriving At The Airport: How Early Is Too Early?

How early is too early when it comes to getting to the airport? This is a question that has plagued travellers for decades, and the answer depends on a variety of factors. The general rule of thumb is to arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. However, this can vary depending on the airport, the time of travel, and individual circumstances.

For instance, larger airports tend to be busier, so it's advisable to budget for more time. Travelling during peak times, such as holidays, can also add an extra hour or more to your wait, so it's always good to plan ahead and give yourself some leeway. Checking in online, travelling with only carry-on luggage, and signing up for TSA PreCheck can help to speed up the process and reduce wait times.

Ultimately, it's a fine balance between giving yourself enough time and not wanting to spend hours waiting around. So, the next time you're debating how early is too early, consider the specific circumstances of your travel and plan accordingly.

Domestic vs. international flights

The general rule of thumb is that you should arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance for domestic flights and three hours in advance for international flights. However, this can vary depending on several factors, including the time of year, the day of the week, the time of departure, the airport, and whether you are checking in online or have baggage.

Domestic Flights

For domestic flights, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure. This accounts for check-in and baggage drop, security lines, and boarding cutoff times. However, during peak holiday periods, it is advisable to add extra time to account for heavier traffic and longer lines. If you are checking baggage, it is important to arrive early enough to beat the baggage cutoff times, which can be as early as 60 minutes before departure.

International Flights

For international flights, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport three hours before your scheduled departure. This allows time for checking baggage, clearing passport control, and security checks. Some airlines may require an even earlier arrival time, with check-in times of up to 30 hours in advance. It is important to check with your airline and airport for specific requirements.

Other Factors to Consider

The time you need to spend at the airport can vary depending on several factors:

• Time of Year: Airports tend to be busier during holidays and summer, so plan for longer lines and more time at the airport.
• Day of the Week: Monday mornings and Friday afternoons typically see more business travel, so these days may be busier.
• Time of Departure: Early morning and late-night flights usually have less demand and shorter lines.
• Airport Size: Larger airports like JFK or LAX may require extra time due to their size and the number of passengers they serve.
• Travel Companions: If you are travelling with children or a large group, it is advisable to arrive earlier to account for the additional time needed for check-in and security.
• Online Check-In: If you are checking in online and travelling without checked baggage, you may be able to save some time at the airport.
• Security Clearance: Programmes like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR can expedite security screening and reduce waiting times.

TSA PreCheck

To apply for TSA PreCheck, you must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or a lawful permanent resident. The application process involves completing an online form and scheduling an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. The online application takes about five minutes, and the in-person appointment takes about ten minutes. During the appointment, the enrollment provider will collect your biometric data (fingerprints and photo), verify identity documents, and collect payment. Enrollment costs $78 and lasts for five years, after which you must pay a fee to renew your membership.

Most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in 3-5 days, although some applications can take up to 60 days. Once you receive your KTN, you can add it to your next flight booking or save it in your frequent flyer profile. It is recommended to add your KTN to your airline profile before your flight to ensure that you receive the TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass.

It is important to note that TSA PreCheck members may be temporarily or permanently suspended from the program for certain violations of federal security regulations or criminal offenses. Additionally, TSA uses unpredictable security measures, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.

Checking bags

Checking in bags can be a stressful part of travelling, but many airlines enable you to check in your bags hours, or even a day, before your departure. The amount of time in advance that you can check in your bags depends on the airline and airport policies, as well as the type of flight.

For domestic flights, you can generally check your bags 2-4 hours before departure. Some airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, allow up to 6 hours before departure. However, it is important to note that some airports have restrictions on how early you can check in bags. For example, you cannot check bags more than 4 hours before departure when flying from Fort Lauderdale or Portland, Oregon, and no more than 6 hours before when flying from Honolulu or Savannah.

For international flights, you may be expected to check your bags at least 3 hours before departure, due to additional security and customs procedures.

Some airlines offer the option to check your luggage the day before your flight. For instance, British Airways offers an "overnight bag drop service" at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, and EasyJet provides a free "Twilight Bag Drop service" at Gatwick airport. However, you will need to retrieve your boarding pass on the day of your flight, as you won't be able to do so when checking in your luggage the day before.

It is important to give yourself plenty of time to get through security and check in for your flight, even if you have checked your bags in advance. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.

Airport size

The time you should arrive at the airport depends on several factors, including the size of the airport, the type of flight, the time of year, and the time of day.

Size of the Airport

Smaller regional airports tend to have shorter security lines, less crowding, and faster boarding times. In these cases, you can often arrive later than you would at a busy international airport, especially during off-peak hours. Conversely, major hubs like LAX, JFK, or Heathrow can have long security lines, distant gates, and large crowds to navigate, making early arrival more important. If you're flying out of a major hub, it's wise to give yourself extra time.

Type of Flight

For domestic flights, you might get away with arriving closer to the 1-hour mark, especially if you've checked in online and have no luggage to drop off. International flights, on the other hand, usually require more time due to customs, documentation checks, and longer security lines. In these cases, the 3-hour recommendation is usually justified.

Time of Year

The season in which you travel significantly impacts the traffic at your airport. For example, queues at check-in counters during the winter months will be shorter than during the summer months, when travel demand increases due to holidays and vacations.

Time of Day

The time of day also affects airport traffic. You will often encounter the longest lines at the airport from around 5 am to 7 am and 4 pm to 6 pm. If you show up during off-peak hours, you'll typically be able to keep things moving quickly.

Peak travel times

If you don't travel frequently, feel stressed about travel, or are travelling with kids, require a wheelchair, or need help getting to the gate and boarding, it is also worth allowing for extra time during peak travel times.

If you are travelling during a peak time, it is a good idea to plan for the standard two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. If you are heading to the airport during a quieter time of day, you can consider arriving a little later.

It is worth planning ahead and booking your ride in advance or checking public transport schedules to make sure you don't get stranded on the way.

Frequently asked questions