This Is How Early You Should Be at the Airport

Here's everything you need to make your airport experience as smooth as possible.

For peace of mind, always give yourself extra time.

Faced with the question of how early to get to the airport, most people fall into one of two camps: those who arrive hours in advance and those who prefer a last-minute dash to the gate. While anyone can appreciate the thrill of a gate sprint, it’s almost always better to be an early bird. Still, the specifics can vary depending on your destination, the airport’s size and layout, and whether you need special assistance.

Here’s what travel experts suggest for a few common scenarios like domestic flights, international flights, and passing through airports outside the United States—plus, a few tips to make your journey from curb to gate as smooth as possible.

A United Airlines Boeing 737 Max-9 at Los Angeles International Airport.

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When You Should Get to the Airport for Domestic Flights

Most airlines suggest arriving at least two hours before departure for domestic flights. Lisa Farbstein, a Transportation Security Administration spokesperson, advises the same.

“We recommend that when flying domestically out of a medium to large airport that travelers get to the checkpoint two hours prior to their airline departure time, regardless of whether they are enrolled in TSA PreCheck,” Farbstein says. “This is especially important if someone is traveling during a holiday period.”

Two hours may seem like a lot of time, but Farbstein says even simple tasks, such as parking at the airport, can cause unexpected delays, especially if you need to shuttle from a remote lot. And if you're flying from a major hub with a reputation for being busy (ahem … Los Angeles International Airport), you may need to give yourself even more cushion. Keep in mind that check-in counters are typically at their busiest from early morning to midafternoon, and inclement weather can make them even more congested.

If You Know the Airport by Heart and You're Enrolled in a Trusted Traveler Program

Frequent fliers with elite status, TSA PreCheck, or Clear can sometimes cut the two-hour window down, especially if they only have a carry-on.

Travel coach Rani Cheema says she used to live 15 minutes from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and never needed the full three hours for international flights or the two hours for domestic trips. However, she says she never checked her bag and was familiar with the airport.

“I would highly recommend sticking to the standard guidelines during high season travel,” she says. “Summertime travel, spring break, major holidays. Consider arriving earlier if you haven’t traveled in a while.”

Passengers at the Vienna International Airport.

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When You Should Get to the Airport for International Flights

International flights often involve larger aircraft, more passengers, and potential document checks for things like visas and health forms. Since there are more variables in play, it's best to give yourself plenty of time in case anything unexpected pops up.

“When flying internationally, it’s best to arrive three hours prior to a flight,” Farbstein says. “Travelers need to be prepared for a line at their airline check-in counter if they are flying during a peak travel period of the day. And after someone gets through the security screening process, many of the larger airports have quite a walk to get to their gate. So, get to the airport early.”

While you may be able to shave off some time if you’re an experienced traveler with fast-track privileges, major hubs can still surprise you with unpredictable wait times during peak hours or the holidays.

Wheelchair users should give themselves extra time when traveling through an airport.

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When to Get to the Airport If You Use a Wheelchair

The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends travelers using battery-powered wheelchairs to arrive at least an extra hour before standard check-in times. In reality, you may want to budget more. It can take time to connect with a wheelchair attendant, and if multiple passengers need assistance, waits can get even longer. 

Stacey Nickens, vice president of corporate communications and marketing at the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, stresses the importance of planning ahead. She says you should try to request wheelchair assistance in advance or get a companion pass when you book a flight. 

“Airports, airlines and TSA are prepared for many different accommodations so the more you can plan through in advance, the better,” Nickens says. 

A busy terminal at Mumbai International Airport. Paulo Fridman/Corbis via Getty Images

When You Should Get to the Airport Outside the U.S.

International guidelines vary greatly, and while many countries have the same recommendations as the U.S., some airports advise giving yourself even more time. For instance, at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Pudahuel, Chile, travelers are asked to arrive around three hours before international flights—sometimes three and a half hours during peak periods—while Jamaican airports generally recommend giving yourself two to three hours for international departures. Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria typically advises arriving about three hours before international flights and up to four hours during high-traffic seasons.

What to Do If You're Helping an Unaccompanied Minor

Getting to the airport early is especially important if you have a child navigating flying solo. Mercedes Zach, a travel expert at ASAP Tickets, says most airlines have unaccompanied minor services for children between 5 and 14 years of age.  These services usually need to be booked at least 48 hours in advance, and because you’ll have to fill out extra paperwork at check-in, it’s a good idea to arrive even earlier than what's typically recommended.

A Southwest Airlines passenger checks in for a flight.

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Tips for Getting Through the Airport Quickly

General guidance says to arrive at the airport at least two to three hours before a flight—but things happen. Here's what you can do to ensure your airport experience goes as smoothly as possible.

Skip the Checked Bag

Traveling with only a carry-on can save a lot of time, especially if you check in online. If you do need to check a bag, look for automated kiosks or self-tag drop-offs.

Sign Up for TSA PreCheck or Clear

TSA PreCheck lets you keep your shoes and jacket on during screening, while Clear uses biometric data to quickly verify your identity before funneling you to the top of the PreCheck line.

“If you really want to expedite your experience, then use Clear,” Cheema says. “There are far less folks who use Clear, but if you can combine Clear with TSA PreCheck, you’re golden."

Consider Earning Status With an Airline

Flying first or business class often comes with priority check-in and boarding privileges. Frequent fliers with airline status can also get similar perks, and sometimes, you can earn status simply by having the right travel credit card. Plus, certain cards will reimburse your TSA PreCheck fees or Clear membership for the best of both worlds.

Be Aware of TSA Requirements

Be ready at the checkpoint, whether that means removing electronics (or leaving them stowed if you have TSA PreCheck), emptying large containers of any liquids, and being ready to take off your shoes and jacket. A little bit of preparation helps everyone move faster.

How early you get to the airport largely depends on your comfort level.

Risks Are Okay—But Always Have a Backup Plan

At the end of the day, when you should get to the airport depends on how badly you want to make it on the plane. Flight delays or missed connections can happen, no matter how prepared you are. Travel insurance is always a good idea—especially if you’re the risky type.