No one likes to wait for hours sitting at the airport. At the same time, the thought of missing a flight stresses everyone out. So, how early should passengers get to the airport for international flights? What is the right time? Common knowledge suggests arriving 2 hours early for domestic and 3 hours early for international flights. But is there any truth in it? Your ideal arrival time may vary depending on numerous factors. Let’s break it all down.
How early should you get to the airport for an international flight?
International flights usually mean more passengers, longer lines, and potentially time-consuming document checks. When flying internationally, it’s best to arrive three hours prior to a flight, as recommended by the airlines and TSA itself. The extra time is to help passengers with check-in and security processes, immigration procedures, and any unforeseen delays. In addition, there are certain scenarios, like flying during holidays, where arriving even earlier is recommended.
Why do you have to get to international flights so early?
There are numerous factors that influence how early you need to arrive at the airport. For example, the trip to the airport may be slow, and chances are you might get stuck in traffic. Similarly, the line that day for the security process could be twice as long. The wait times can also get unpredictable during peak hours or the holidays.
Distance to the airport and traffic
Whether you are driving yourself or taking a rideshare to the airport, keep the distance to the airport in mind. In addition, during peak travel times, it’s also important to keep an eye on traffic updates and plan your journey accordingly. The time of day you are traveling is just as important.
Checking in
Since some airlines and airports may not allow you to check in online, you’ll have to stand in line. In addition, international check-in counters are usually busy and slow. The number of bags travelers carry and the ID verification also add to the delay.
Security checks
Another procedure that may take some time is the security checks. Experiences are almost the same for both domestic and international flights, meaning you can expect long lines, especially during busy travel times and peak hours.
Tour group
If you’re traveling with your family and kids or elderly relatives who need assistance, it might take you extra time to get through security.
Immigration
When flying internationally, passengers will have to spend extra time for the customs and immigration processes, including passport, visa, and completed customs declaration form verification.
Boarding
Once you are done with all the screening and security procedures, you need to locate your departure gate and head straight there. Usually, the boarding gates are a 10 to 20-minute walk away from the security and vary depending on the terminal size. Boarding for international flights generally starts forty-five minutes to one hour before the scheduled departure. Expect additional security checks at the gate.
How to get through airports quickly?
Here are some tips for getting through the airport quickly:
- If you are traveling internationally, know that traveling with only a carry-on and packing all your belongings into that carry-on bag can save time.
- Having TSA PreCheck or CLEAR can significantly reduce the time spent in security lines. While having CLEAR+ speeds up the process and lets you go through security faster using biometric authentication, TSA PreCheck lets you use an expedited lane. TSA PreCheck also lets you speed through security without removing your shoes, belt, or light jacket, or things like a laptop or 3-1-1 liquids from your carry-on. Pairing TSA PreCheck with CLEAR+ will ensure the fastest way to the gate.
- Taking advantage of online check-in options is another way to quickly bypass the check-in lines at the airport. Did you know most airlines allow you to check in online 24 hours before departure? In other words, online check-in can save you a lot of time at the airport and let you download your mobile boarding pass.
- If you are traveling and accompanying someone who needs wheelchair assistance in the airport, it’s recommended to arrange it in advance.
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Booking an offsite parking space in advance over onsite parking can help you avoid the last-minute parking stress and thereby save a lot of time.
Bottom Line
Numerous factors come into play when you are planning an international trip. While the two-hour domestic and three-hour international rule is considered standard, there are times when it can change. However, at the end of the day, arriving at the airport at the right time depends on planning. Keep an eye on traffic updates, pack smarter, know security wait times, check in online 24 hours before your flight, and have expedited security programs like Clear or TSA PreCheck, among other things.
