If you’ve ever found yourself running through the airport to make it to your flight on time, you know how stressful it can be. Or worse, you get to the gate and realize the plane has just taken off. Nobody wants to deal with that kind of hassle. It’s a surefire way to put a damper on your travel plans. To avoid any unnecessary headaches, it is imperative that you arrive at the airport on time. So how early should you get to the airport? Probably sooner than you think!
In general, we all tend to hate waiting. In fact, most of us prefer very fast and efficient. We get frustrated with slow internet speed or fast food that takes more than a minute. So why would we want to spend more time waiting? It’s probably best to consider giving yourself extra time as insurance. You never know what you’re going to run into. Plus, there’s something to be said for peace of mind. Why add extra stress to your day by trying to cut things too close?
Of course, we also don’t want to overdo it with too much time at the airport. Flying is supposed to save time, so we don’t want to negate that with too much anticipation. We’ll go over the recommended amount of time to allow at the airport, as well as the important factors to consider when planning how early to arrive.
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How early should I get to the airport?
The general rule is to arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight, which has a longer check-in process. This amount of time should allow for check-in, going through security lines and getting to the gate. However, this recommended time can vary quite a bit depending on several other factors. We will analyze them one by one.
Time and day
The day of the week is an important factor in determining security wait times. For the most part, Tuesday through Thursday are slower or less popular flying days. On the other hand, Friday through Monday are usually busier.
The actual time of your flight should also be taken into account. Early morning flights before 8am and evening flights after 6pm are the least popular and will usually have shorter lines.
If you’re flying at a busier time of day, you may want to add extra time to the two or three hours. Also, if it’s a slower spot, you may be able to cut a time.
However, the timing will also depend on other factors.
Group size
If you’re traveling alone or with another adult, chances are you’ll go through check-in and security faster than a family of six. Small children in particular may require more time if you have to carry them or allow their walking speed.
Of course, large groups of adults may also require more time. You don’t want to leave anyone behind, so of course you’ll wait for everyone to go through the check-in process.
Related: Sleeping at the Airport: The Family’s Travel Delay Guide
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The size of the airport
It goes without saying that you can get through a small airport much faster than a large one. A large airport could mean waiting in lines for shuttles to the gate or more walking time, as well as potentially navigating multiple buildings. However, a small and familiar airport could be quick and fast.
According to World Atlas, the busiest airports in the United States include:
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
Baggage value
If you plan to check bags, you need to allow time for that as well. This may only add a few minutes to your time during off-peak periods. However, it could be another long queue during the busiest flying times.
Travel time to the airport
While travel time to the airport is additional and not part of the total time you should actually be at the airport, it is still a factor. If the roads are congested or there is construction or bad weather, the travel time to the airport will obviously be longer than expected. This extra time will reduce the time you have allotted to be at the airport.
Parking
Where you park, you can also eat on your own time. Off-site parking with a shuttle service might take longer than expected. Even parking on site could take longer than expected if the lots are busy and you have to park far from the entrance.
TSA Pre-Check
If you become a TSA PreCheck member, you’ll be able to get through security much faster with access to a shorter line. You usually won’t even have to take off your shoes or belts, which also helps speed up the time.
Mobile check-in and boarding pass
Instead of waiting to check in at the airport, you have the option to do it right from home with the mobile app. You can even get boarding passes electronically or print them at home. This saves a lot of time if there are long waits for check-in, especially if you don’t need to check in your bags.
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How late can I get to the airport?
After reading all the factors to consider, you may think that you could shave a lot of time off the recommended two hours for domestic flights. So what is the minimum amount of time you have really need? Start by adding time to your boarding time, not your flight’s departure time. If your flight leaves at 4:00, but boarding is at 3:30, you will need to plan your time at the airport to get to the gate at 3:30.
If you have everything in your favor, you could be through security and at the gate in 15 minutes. This would be if you are traveling alone, have TSA PreCheck, or are traveling during an off-peak period, are not checking bags, and have checked-in and boarding on your mobile. Travel and parking time will also need to be considered. In this scenario, you would be at the airport 45 minutes before your flight departs at 4:00. However, you may want to leave time to grab a coffee or use the restroom as well.
And remember that many airlines require you to be checked in for your flight 30-45 minutes before departure, so check this beforehand and plan accordingly!
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