Frequent flyers are pretty familiar with the right time to arrive at the airport, complete the check-ins, go through the security procedures, and board the plane. It’s usually the first-time flyers who struggle with everything in between, from booking to boarding, forgetting one thing or the other, and ending up in an agitating situation.
Stated that missing a flight could be the worst nightmare of any traveler; it is high time that you get detailed answers to how early I should get to the airport.
Factors That Determine Passenger’s Time to Arrive at the Airport
The ideal time to reach the airport cannot be described by considering just one factor: there are tons. Nevertheless, we are going to discuss the crucial ones with you.
If you take into account the following ted-talk, you will no longer fear getting to the airport late, and you will always have ample time to prepare for your travels without panicking.
Whether you are driving or renting a vehicle
The first and foremost concern is whether you drive your vehicle, rent one, or use public transport to get to the airport. There’s quite a time difference amongst each of the mentioned. So, if you have your wheels to get to the airport, well and good (Skip the busy routes and use the isolated ones); if you are renting the wheels, you must rent them well ahead of time; if you are hopping in on public transport, must be aware of the unforeseen traffic that may interrupt your way.
In addition, you must consider the distance between your area of residence and the airport, which takes us to our next point.
The distance between your residence and the airport
No one but you are well aware of the exact distance between your home and the airport you have got your next flight from. So, suppose the distance is about 20 miles, you must spare 30 minutes for road travel. Alternatively, if the distance crosses 50 miles, you must spare one complete hour and a few more minutes to get to the airport. So, does it mean that you need to arrive at the airport one and a half hours before your scheduled departure? Absolutely not! There’s always more than meets the eye; it also depends on whether you have a flight to catch a domestic or international destination.
Whether your departures are to a domestic destination
Getting to the point. Domestic departures would require you to be present at the airport in your airline’s assigned terminal, with your luggage, two hours prior. If you want to play safer, arrive three hours early.
As domestic flights or flights within your country do not require you to go through additional security procedures or screenings, you can easily complete the check-ins, undergo the security checkpoint, and wait for your boarding call. In the meantime, you can also make use of the airport amenities if desired.
Whether you need to check in your luggage at the airport
Passengers can also check in for their flights online (if the airline allows it) to retrieve an e-boarding pass. This will allow them to skip the check-in at the airport’s premises and move to the checkpoints with their e-passes to save time and enjoy the amenities.
If you get an e-boarding pass early, you will need about 1.5 to 2 hours to go through the security screening and to the departure gates (for domestic travel). For international travel, 2.5 to 3 hours are sufficient.
Whether your departures are to an international destination
Now, let’s talk about how early you should get to the airport for your international departures because a list of procedures is waiting for you to arrive, finish, and board. First, you will need to complete the check-ins and get your luggage checked at the airport. Afterward, you are required to move to the security checkpoints, where everything will be screened for security purposes.
The rules for international travel are stricter than those for domestic travel. You must have your visa, passport, identification documents, a valid boarding pass, and whatever your airline has requested you present during the procedure. TSA screening may be one of the procedures. Given the number of additional procedures, passengers must necessarily arrive at the airport 3 to 4 hours prior to their scheduled departure.
Whether you or your co-passenger requires mobility support
On the day of your flight departure with any airline, you must arrive at least 2 hours before to get mobility support or additional assistance for your travels. Every airline requires passengers to inform them in advance about their needs and requirements, so it’s important that you do so as well. You must understand that there may be discrepancies or mistakes on your or the airline’s behalf. If such an unfortunate event occurs, you must be present well ahead of time to cover that up and board your flights without any worries.
If you are carrying your wheelchair or any medical equipment, it will also go through proper screening without compromising security. So, you must save enough time for the same.
Whether you are traveling during peak hours, days, or seasons
Another time-considering factor is just “the time you are traveling in.” Peak hours, such as midday, days, such as Saturdays and Sundays, and seasons, such as spring or summer breaks, are the most traveled times. During such times, you must add at least half an hour to your planned reaching time. This will help you navigate the crowded airport and make your way to your terminal without having to hurry.
Whether you want to save time at the airport to access the lounge
Last but not least, if you want to access the exclusive lounges at the airport (if you are eligible to enter the lounge), you can arrive as early as your airline suggests to spend time inside the lounge, take in its super cozy atmosphere, enjoy the meals, drinks, and other amenities it has to offer and make the most out of your purchase. Usually, the airlines allow not more than 3 hours inside the lounges.
Getting Done!
If we have to choose between the early birds and the people who cut it close, we will support the early birds, justifying the well-said phrase that precautions are better than cure. In clear-cut terms, international travelers arrive three hours before; domestic travelers arrive two hours before.
Must remain in touch with your airline to have updated information and details on your terminal, your departure and arrival timings, and any other query you may have.
Questions that might be Lingering in your Mind
Most airlines start boarding their flights 30 to 50 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
The domestic security lines take around 10-15 minutes, whereas the international security lines may extend up to a wait of 25 to 30 minutes.
For domestic departures, at least two hours early, and for international departures, at least three hours early.
You should arrive at least two to three hours early for your domestic departures.
You should be present at the airport at least three to four hours early for your international departures.
Yes. If you are traveling within the United States or within your country, you must arrive 2 hours before your flight departure timings.
If you have no luggage to check in and have completed the procedure with the web check-in facility, it should take you 1 hour to reach the airport and board your plane after security directly.
In general, some airports allow passengers inside the airport not earlier than two to five hours before their departure time.