How Early Should You Get to the Airport?

The best way to avoid missing a flight is to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check in, get through security, and find your gate before boarding time. But how early?

I've flown all over the world, and by planning ahead and following some general guidelines, I've never missed a flight (yet).

A general rule of thumb is to arrive at the airport 2 hours early for a domestic flight or 3 hours early for an international flight. If you follow that direction, you can always be sure that you will reach your gate on time.

However, depending on your situation and the time and place of your flight, sometimes it's a good idea to give yourself a little more freedom. On the other hand, for some trips, arriving 2 hours early means you have to stay at the airport for an hour and a half.

So, how fast should you be actually to the airport? As with most things, the answer is “it depends.”

How Fast to Get to the Airport on Domestic Flights

Arriving at the airport with plenty of time to spare is always a good idea! It helps you avoid any unnecessary stress and ensures that your travel experience goes smoothly. For domestic flights, the general rule is to arrive at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time.

This allows you enough time to complete the check-in process, get through security, and navigate your way to the gate without feeling rushed. However, it is important to remember that there are several factors that can influence whether you need to arrive earlier than the usual 2 hour mark.

How Fast to Get to the Airport on International Flights

When it comes to international flights, most airlines recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure time. This additional time allows for potential delays during the entry process, security screening, and immigration procedures. Additionally, international flights often have strict baggage requirements and document checks, which can take longer to complete compared to domestic flights.

Arriving early on an international flight also gives you buffer time in case of unexpected problems, such as long lines at security or traffic delays on the way to the airport. It's better to have more time to relax in the airport lounge or grab a snack than to rush and get stressed trying to get to your gate on time.

Some Things to Consider

While arriving 2-3 hours before departure is a good rule of thumb, it is not a hard and fast rule. The time you need to get through the airport depends on many factors.

Depending on where you're flying from, when you're flying, and if you're signed up for a fast-track security plan, you may have more or less flexibility

Boarding Time vs Departure Time

The time listed when you buy your plane tickets is almost always the departure time: where the flight takes off. If you think about how early you can get to the airport, boarding time it is the most important time to watch.

Most airlines usually start boarding passengers 30–50 minutes before the scheduled departure time, but it depends on the airline. Your boarding pass usually lists the boarding time, and that's where you should aim to be at your gate

It is also important to remember that the gate usually closes 15 minutes before departure. If you're running through the airport to get to your gate in time for departure, you're usually too late.

How Much Luggage Are You Carrying?

Baggage checking adds an extra step to your pre-flight routine. Once you've arrived at the airport, you'll need to find the right baggage drop, wait in line, and make sure your luggage is tagged and checked in. This process can take time and may involve waiting in line, especially. at peak travel times.

On the other hand, if you are only traveling with carry-on luggage, your check-in process will be much faster. You can save time by checking in online before your flight, without the need to check-in any bags. In this case, arriving 1-2 hours before your domestic flight should be sufficient, depending on personal preference and the airport you are departing from.

Do You Have TSA PreCheck?

If you have TSA PreCheck, Clear, or other trusted traveler status, you're in luck! These benefits can really speed up your time at the airport. These permits allow you to skip the regular lines for security, meaning you can arrive at the airport late without worrying about missing your flight.

Do You Have Key Access?

Many airlines offer a priority check-in program that allows you to skip baggage lines, use priority boarding lanes, and sometimes even go through fast-track security lines at airports. All of these can help you get through the airport much faster.

Most airlines offer priority check-in with business and first class tickets. Sometimes, you can get priority boarding if you're part of an airline membership (like American Airlines' AAdvantage or Delta's Sky Priority).

If you have an urgent situation, there is no need to arrive early at the airport.

Are You Flying at a Busy Time?

Airports get busier on weekends, holidays, and school holidays. With these peak travel times, every step from parking to getting your boarding pass can take a long time.

Even the time of day you choose to fly can affect your airport experience; for example, airports tend to be busiest in the morning with a high volume of business travel.

If you arrive during one of these busy times, I recommend arriving early to give yourself more time to get to your gate.

Which Airport Are You From?

The airport you depart from can have a big impact on when you should arrive. At major international airports like JFK or LAX, which handle domestic and international flights, there may be large crowds and long lines at security.

On the other hand, smaller regional airports tend to move passengers faster because they have less traffic.

Tips to Ease the Airport Experience

Making your trip to the airport as smooth as possible starts with planning, from check-in to parking. These tips can reduce the time you have to spend walking through the airport and make the process less stressful.

Get online

Going online is a no-brainer today. By downloading your airline's app, you can check in the day before your flight and get your digital boarding pass without waiting at the check-in desk.

It's a great feeling to walk into the terminal and go straight to security.

Fly Carry-On Only

Deciding to go carry-on is a smart move if you want to avoid long lines. If you don't need to check in, you can skip the check-in counters, as long as you're already online.

You'll need to pack light, but do you really need five pairs of shoes for that weekend trip?

Also, when you arrive at your destination, you won't have to wait at baggage claim because you'll have checked out without checked bags. Go on your next adventure!

Get Ready to Go Through Security

Airport security checkpoints can be a bottleneck for travelers, but with a little preparation, you can breeze through them with minimal hassle.

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with TSA rules so you don't accidentally pack any prohibited items in your carry-on bag. And don't forget that electronics are portable for easy access.

Remember to empty your water bottle and pre-pack small items like your wallet, keys, and phone in your carry-on bag to prevent any snags when emptying your pockets into the bins. Finally, I recommend wearing easy-to-remove walking shoes that you don't take off quickly for safety.

Sign up for TSA PreCheck or Clear

Are you a frequent flyer? If so, you'll definitely want to consider signing up for programs like TSA PreCheck or Clear.

TSA PreCheck allows you to fly safely without the hassle of removing a laptop or liquids, and you can even keep your jacket and shoes on. It's a game changer!

Clearing is another option that is only available at major airports. Specifically, airport security uses a fingerprint or iris scanner to identify you, and you can travel even faster and safely. It's more expensive than PreCheck, but it lets you get to your gate in minutes rather than waiting in security lines.

By signing up for these expedited security programs, you can skip the security lines, meaning you don't have to arrive early.

Plan to Park in Advance

Finally, if you are driving to the airport, planning your parking space in advance is important. You don't want to arrive at the airport only to panic when the lot is full. At most airports, you can book long-term parking in advance.

Even better, you can use an app like How to book parking at nearby hotels and take their shuttle to the terminal. It is usually much cheaper than using airport facilities.

Alternatively, consider public transportation or ride-sharing services to avoid the hassle of parking altogether, especially during peak traffic times when parking spaces are scarce.