Are you the type who sprints through the terminal at the last minute, or do you prefer arriving at the airport hours ahead of time? Regardless of your style, knowing how early you need to arrive can save you stress and ensure a smooth travel experience. The timing depends on various factors, such as whether your flight is domestic or international, the airport's size, the time of day, whether you're checking luggage, and if you have TSA PreCheck.
Experts have devised a handy calculator to help you determine your ideal arrival time at the airport. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Start with the basics: Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights.
- Checked in online? Subtract 30 minutes.
- No luggage to check? Subtract 15 minutes.
- Have TSA PreCheck or Clear? Subtract 15 minutes.
- Flying from a busy airport or during peak times? Add 30 minutes.
- Planning to grab a bite or shop before boarding? Add 30 minutes.
- Traveling with kids or special equipment? Add 30 minutes.
Adjusting your arrival time based on these factors will help ensure a hassle-free trip, whether you're a last-minute sprinter or an early bird.
Source
Photo: Getty