Burbank Airport Arrivals: Timing Your Visit Perfectly

when to arrive at burbank airport

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is located in Burbank, California, approximately 12 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles. The airport is served by seven commercial airlines: Alaska, American, Avelo, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, and United. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least an hour before their flight is scheduled to depart. However, during peak holiday travel times, the airlines recommend that you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure. If you have TSA PreCheck, you will likely be fine with 2 hours ahead of time. If you don't have TSA PreCheck, consider adding an additional 45 minutes.

Characteristics Values
Recommended arrival time 2-3 hours before flight departure time
Time required for security screening Less than 5 minutes with TSA PreCheck
Time required for parking 15-20 minutes
Number of terminals 2 (Terminal A and Terminal B)
Number of gates 14 (9 in Terminal A and 5 in Terminal B)
Airlines Alaska, American, Avelo, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, and United
Public transit options BurbankBus, Metro Bus, Amtrak, and Metrolink
Nearby attractions Downtown Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena

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It is recommended that you arrive at Burbank Airport 2-3 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This is to account for parking, check-in, and security screening, especially during peak travel periods. The airport is served by seven commercial airlines: Alaska, American, Avelo, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, and United.

The time you should arrive at the airport depends on several factors, including whether you have TSA PreCheck, which offers a more streamlined screening process for enrolled passengers. If you have TSA PreCheck, you should be fine arriving two hours ahead of time. If you don't, consider adding an extra 45 minutes to an hour to be safe.

Security wait times at Burbank Airport are generally short, and digital displays provide real-time wait information at each checkpoint. However, these times are estimates and can vary, so it's a good idea to arrive well in advance of your flight to accommodate any unforeseen delays.

During peak holiday travel times, the airlines recommend that you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure. The worst part about Burbank Airport is not the security but the traffic pattern, which can be frustratingly slow. So, when planning your arrival time, consider not only the security wait times but also the time it will take you to drive to the airport and park your car.

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TSA PreCheck: expedited security screening

When planning a trip, it's always a good idea to be aware of airport procedures and the time it might take to get through security. Burbank Airport is a smaller airport, so you may only need to arrive an hour before your flight, but during busy periods like holidays, it's recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before. The worst part of Burbank Airport is the traffic pattern when driving into the airport, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there.

TSA PreCheck is available at both security checkpoints at Burbank Airport, offering a more streamlined and quicker screening process for enrolled passengers. Typically, passengers with TSA PreCheck wait less than 5 minutes to be screened. They do not need to remove their shoes, belts, or laptops from their cases during the screening.

TSA PreCheck at Checkpoint 1 operates from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday; 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Thursday; 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday; and 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday. At Checkpoint 2, it operates daily from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. However, these hours can vary based on operational needs.

If you don't have TSA PreCheck, it's recommended to arrive at Burbank Airport 2 hours before your flight. If you have TSA PreCheck, you will be fine with 2 hours ahead of time. If you're still feeling unsure, you can always call your airline and ask for their recommendation based on their expertise.

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Security wait times: generally short, but can vary

Security wait times at Burbank Airport are generally short, but they can vary. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least an hour before your flight is scheduled to depart. However, during peak holiday travel times, the airlines recommend that you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure. The worst part about Burbank Airport is not the security wait times but the traffic pattern, which is simple but frustratingly slow. If you have TSA PreCheck, you will be fine with arriving two hours ahead of time. If you don't have TSA PreCheck, consider adding an additional 45 minutes. If you are still unsure, you can always call your airline and ask for their recommendation.

TSA PreCheck is available at both security checkpoints at the airport, offering a more streamlined screening process for enrolled passengers. Passengers do not need to remove their shoes, belts, or laptops from their cases during the screening. At Checkpoint 1, TSA PreCheck operates from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday; 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Thursday; 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday; and 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday. At Checkpoint 2, it operates daily from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. However, these hours can vary based on operational needs.

The airport features digital displays at each checkpoint showing real-time security wait times. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can change due to various factors. While the security wait times are generally short, it is advisable to arrive well ahead of your flight to accommodate any unforeseen delays in the security screening.

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Holiday hours: arrive 1.5-2 hours before

If you're travelling during the holiday season, it's best to arrive at Burbank Airport 1.5 to 2 hours before your flight. This will give you ample time to navigate the check-in and security screening procedures, which can vary in duration.

Burbank Airport, also known as Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), is located in Burbank, California, just 12 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles. It is a popular airport for travellers due to its proximity to many of L.A.'s top tourist destinations. With seven commercial airlines operating from two terminals, it is a busy hub during peak travel periods.

During the holidays, the airport can become especially crowded, hence the recommendation to arrive early. The worst part about Burbank Airport is often not the security checks but the traffic leading into the airport. The road system is simple, but it can be frustratingly slow, adding unexpected delays to your journey.

To make the most of your time at Burbank Airport, remember to check the real-time security wait times displayed on the digital screens at each checkpoint. This will help you plan your movements within the airport efficiently. Additionally, if you have TSA PreCheck, you may find the security process faster and more streamlined, allowing you to check in closer to your flight time.

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Driving to the airport: slow traffic

If you're driving to Burbank Airport, it's important to plan your journey to account for slow traffic, especially if you're travelling at peak times. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you arrive at the airport on time:

Firstly, it's recommended to arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. This allows sufficient time for checking in, clearing security, and handling any unexpected delays. It's always a good idea to check with your airline for specific guidelines and to monitor the airport's website for any updates or changes to procedures.

When driving to Burbank Airport, consider the time of day and day of the week. For example, Sunday evenings in summertime tend to have heavier traffic, so you may need to allow for more travel time during those periods. Check local traffic reports and road conditions before your journey to anticipate any potential delays.

If you're travelling from a nearby location, such as Santa Clarita, allow for approximately 30-40 minutes of driving time. However, if you need to return a rental car and go through TSA, it's advisable to give yourself extra time, perhaps aiming to arrive around one hour before your boarding time. This will provide a comfortable buffer for any unexpected delays.

For longer journeys, such as driving from Santa Barbara to Burbank Airport, plan your trip carefully. While the drive usually takes around three hours, it's recommended to leave earlier to account for potential traffic. Some travellers suggest leaving Santa Barbara around 4:30 pm for a 9:30 pm flight, which gives you ample time to reach the airport by 7:30 pm. If you encounter heavy congestion or accidents, consider alternative routes, such as Highway 126 to the 5 or the 23, or the 118 to the 5.

Lastly, use real-time traffic updates on navigation apps or websites to monitor the traffic situation leading up to your journey. This will help you make informed decisions about when to leave and which routes to take. By combining this information with the recommended arrival times at the airport, you can ensure a stress-free journey and arrive at Burbank Airport with plenty of time to spare.

Frequently asked questions

It is recommended that passengers arrive at Burbank Airport at least 1-2 hours before their flight is scheduled to depart. During peak holiday travel times, the recommendation increases to 2-3 hours.

The recommended arrival time includes time for parking, check-in, and security screening. While security wait times at Burbank Airport are generally short, they can vary based on several factors.

If you have TSA PreCheck, you can likely adhere to the lower end of the recommended arrival time range. If you don't have TSA PreCheck, consider adding an additional 45 minutes to your arrival time.

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