If you have ever missed a flight (or even come close), you know how it can disrupt your entire travel plan. Here’s everything you need to know to catch your flight on time. Show Disclaimer: Always check the latest rules for your destination, and review current CDC guidelines before booking travel. Or visit Skyscanner’s COVID-19 travel hub for the latest news on all things travel. FAQs on when to arrive at the airport How early should I get to the airport for my flight? Even in COVID times, the standard rules about when to arrive at the airport usually apply: – For domestic flights, plan to arrive at the airport 2 hours early – For international flights, plan to arrive at the airport 3 hours early In most cases, that should give you plenty of time to make your way to the gate. You’ll probably even have a chance to grab a bite to eat or charge your phone before takeoff. Keep in mind that boarding typically begins 45 minutes ahead of takeoff, and the boarding gate closes about 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. But, as with most rules, there are exceptions. You can arrive at the airport a little closer to your flight time if you are: 1. Checking in online and a using mobile or print-at-home boarding pass 2. Not checking any bags 3. Arriving with a ride share or via public transportation (and don’t need to park or return a rental car) 4. Flying at an off-peak time 5. Using a familiar airport 6. Part of a Trusted Traveler Program (like TSA PreCheck) Has COVID-19 changed when I should arrive at the airport? COVID-19 has slowed down many processes that we considered normal before the pandemic. While many of the basic procedures are still the same—checking in for your flight, checking bags and going through security—many airports and airlines have added new health-screening procedures. Sometimes you’ll be required to present a negative COVID-19 test when you check in or provide proof of immunization or other documents, such as a passenger locator form. Be sure to check the requirements at the specific airports and countries you’ll be traveling through or to. How early should I get to the airport if I’m flying during peak travel times or a holiday? Traveling during peak travel times (Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year’s, spring break, etc.) can easily add an additional hour at security. During holidays, it’s best to be extra cautious and arrive up to three hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international flights. You’ll especially want to save additional time during the holidays if you:
2. Feel stressed about travel, and want extra time to help ease your worries 3. Are traveling with kids, require a wheelchair or need help getting to the gate and extra time boarding Can I arrive at the airport a little later and still make my flight? If you don’t have to check bags, you may be able to skip the check-in counter and arrive at the airport later. To do this, you’ll need to check in online and download or print your boarding pass before arriving at security. By packing light and printing your boarding pass at home—or using a mobile boarding pass, if available—you can arrive at the airport a little later than the recommended times. You can also review carry-on baggage size limitations and pay fees online before you get to the airport. In that case, you may be able to print your luggage tag at an airport kiosk and drop your bag at a designated spot—all without waiting in a long line. If you can skip the check-in counter, 90 minutes should be plenty of time to make it to your gate for domestic flights. Arriving two hours early for international flights (while still saving an additional 30 minutes for passport control) with your carry-on luggage and boarding pass should be sufficient. How late can I arrive at the airport if I have TSA PreCheck? Trusted Traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry help travelers get through security lines (or U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the case of Global Entry) more efficiently. But they’re no guarantee that you won’t still encounter lines when you get to the airport. No matter what program you’re part of, it’s a good idea to review your airport’s website ahead of time to make sure they have lines dedicated to your program. While you’re there, check the number of security lines available and see if they offer real-time updates on wait status. Even with these programs, you should still plan to arrive at least 60 to 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights, and 90 minutes to two hours early for international flights. Add extra time for peak travel periods. How early should I get to the airport if I’m traveling with kids? Parents know all too well that it takes much longer to do most things with children in tow. That’s why it’s a good idea to add as much as an additional hour so you have plenty of time to manage extra luggage and make sure your family is traveling safely. Plus, you’ll want to get to the gate early to take advantage of priority boarding with small children. This means families with young kids should plan to arrive at the airport up to three hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international flights. What time should I arrive at the airport with an unaccompanied minor? If you’re sending your child on a flight alone, there are additional steps to go through when you arrive at the airport. Aside from the usual check-in process, you’ll need to fill out additional paperwork, pay any service charges to the airline and obtain an “escort pass” to accompany your child to the gate. It’s probably a good idea to plan for at least an extra half hour to an hour, depending on the time of day and the season, to make time for these steps. When is the best time to avoid crowds at the airport? If you have the luxury of flexibility, it’s always a good idea to travel during off-peak times throughout the year. This usually means targeting the shoulder seasons of fall and spring and the slower periods in the weeks before or after major holidays. That allows you to not only get the best off-season deals but also avoid the crowds. The same goes for the time of day you travel. Aiming for flights that leave between 7-8am will put you between heavier travel times in the early and mid-morning. Likewise, you’ll typically find fewer crowds in the late evening, around 9:30 p.m. and later. It may not get you extra sleep, but traveling during these times can save you a half hour or more once you arrive at the airport. Does arriving at the airport through a ride share or via public transportation save time? Getting to the airport with a ride share or public transportation can be relatively stress-free because it saves time that would otherwise be spent finding parking and taking shuttles from a parking lot. However, ride shares and some public transportation (like buses) still make you vulnerable to rush hour traffic jams. If you know you’ll be traveling during a peak time, it’s probably still a good idea to plan on the standard two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. If you’re heading to the airport at a slower time of day, then you can consider arriving a little later. Plan ahead and book your ride share in advance or check public transportation schedules to make sure you don’t get stranded on the way. How often should I check my flight status? No matter when you arrive at the airport, a delayed or canceled flight can ruin even the best of plans. Don’t forget to check your flight status frequently before you leave and when you’re en route (that is, if you aren’t behind the wheel). Airlines have apps to keep you in the know about potential delays, your boarding time and your flight’s gate number. Chances are, by following the two-hour domestic, three-hour international rule, you will have plenty of time before boarding, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry! How can I make sure I leave my home or accommodation to arrive at the airport on time? Savvy travelers rely on many tools to help stay on track and on time. One of the most essential tools for any traveler is Google Maps. Not only can it help you find the best route and public transportation options (or even link to ride share options), it can also help you get to the airport on time. Use the “Arrive by” filter to plan your route and method of getting to the airport. Google Maps will update the time you need to leave based on current traffic conditions. You can even set an alarm to alert you when it’s time to get out the door.  Want to read more?
Find the help you needWant to see what the world has to offer? Get the latest news, tips, deals and more sent straight to your inbox. Do I need to be at the airport 2 hours early?When you're traveling within the United States, we make the suggestion to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure. For most airports, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time (airports requiring additional time are listed below, Go to footer note).
How early should I get to the airport 2022?The General Guideline for How Early You Should Get to the Airport. Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight.
Why do you have to be at airport 3 hours before?The TSA and airports want you to get there earlier, each for its own reasons. The agency does not like to be rushed with screenings, even if there's a long security line. Airports want you to take advantage of their incredible shopping and dining facilities, which you can't do if you're rushing to the gate.
Do I have to be at the airport 4 hours before?The TSA advises arriving at the airport two hours before your flight for domestic travel and three hours before for international travel. If you're traveling during peak times like early morning or evening, or during holidays and other events, please plan accordingly and allow for extra time.
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How early do i need to be at the airport
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