What Time Should You Arrive at the Airport Prior to Departure of a Flight?
Airport Arrival Times: Travel Experts Share Their Advice
A common question in numerous households revolves around how early one should arrive at the airport. Some prefer to arrive hours before their flight, while others would rather walk straight onto the plane as others board. This disagreement can even extend to relationships, as travel is a deeply personal matter. Michael Holtz, the CEO and founder of SmartFlyer, shares insights into optimal airport arrival times.
According to Holtz, solo travelers with carry-on luggage and a loyalty program membership may only need about 75 minutes at the airport. Boarding usually begins 30-50 minutes before a flight, and with fast-track status, it takes approximately 20 minutes to get through security and another 20 to reach the gate. However, Holtz encourages adding buffer time when in doubt, as airports' efficiency and travelers' preferences can vary.
Tori Simokov, the founder of the Window Seat newsletter, advocates for a more conservative arrival time of 90 minutes. Simokov notes that this time frame allows for check-in, security clearance, a bite to eat, and a comfortable stroll to the gate without rushing. In her ten years of flying, this approach has never failed her.
Jesse Neugarten, the founder of Dollar Flight Club, stresses the importance of arriving at least two hours before boarding, regardless of the situation. For early morning or holiday flights, he suggests allocating an additional 30-45 minutes due to airport traffic, security lines, and potential delays. If traveling from a larger airport or budget airline, add extra time for fewer TSA lanes. Neugarten advises checking real-time TSA wait times using apps like MyTSA or airport websites to streamline the airport experience.
While experts' thoughts on exact arrival times vary, they all acknowledge that numerous factors come into play, such as seasonality, time of day, and checked luggage. Moreover, airport efficiency, loyalty programs, and personal preferences can significantly influence the required arrival time.
When it comes to international flights, a general guideline is to arrive three hours before the flight. Larger terminals, increased security procedures, and passport control necessitate more time for international departures. Jesse Neugarten recommends allocating even more time for larger airports or during peak travel times, taking potential delays and longer security lines into account. Tori Simokov reminds travelers to consider checked baggage cutoffs when planning their arrival time. Most domestic flights have a 40-45 minute baggage cut-off, while international flights require a 60-90 minute buffer.
In summary, travelers should consider many factors when determining the optimal time to arrive at the airport, including type of flight, airport efficiency, and personal preferences. By adhering to these guidelines, travelers can reduce stress and enjoy a smoother airport experience.
- For solo travelers with carry-on luggage and loyalty program membership, RealSimple suggests requiring about 75 minutes at the airport, considering the 20 minutes for security and another 20 to reach the gate.
- When considering check-in, security clearance, a bite to eat, and a comfortable stroll to the gate, Realsimple's Tori Simokov suggests conservatively arriving 90 minutes before the flight, as this approach has suitably catered to her throughout her ten years of flying.
- For international flights, Life and Home-and-Garden magazine advises travelers to arrive three hours prior, considering larger terminals, increased security procedures, passport control, and airport efficiency differences that necessitate more time.
