Picture this: You’re going on a trip with your three closest friends. You ask each person how early they want to get to the airport before your flight. You get three different answers—four when you count yours.
Some folks love the thrill of strolling up to the gate just as the boarding process kicks off. Others prefer a buffer—sometimes hours—to shop Duty Free, relax in a lounge, or simply not feel any sense of stress.
However, no matter your preferred pre-flight routine, there are some general guidelines to follow for when you should get to the airport.
How early to get to the airport for domestic flights within the U.S.
Travelers flying within the U.S. should plan to arrive two hours before their flight. That’s the guidance according to most airlines, as well as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Naturally, there are some variables that come into play: Are you driving and parking at the airport? Have you already checked in online? Are you flying during a busy time, such as the summer months or holidays? Do you need to check a bag? Are you a member of TSA PreCheck? These (and other) factors can add to—or lessen—the amount of time you need ahead of your flight. Consider them as you formulate your pre-trip plans.
DYK? TripIt Pro’s Go Now feature alerts you when you should leave for your drive to the airport based on your current location, flight status, and real-time traffic conditions. Once you've enabled Go Now in the TripIt app, you’ll receive a push notification 10 minutes before it’s time to go, along with an estimated arrival time once you’re on your way to the airport.
How early should I get to the airport for international flights?
As a general rule of thumb, travelers flying out of U.S. airports to international destinations should arrive three hours before their flight.
Here’s why: international flights require more screening—whether it’s reviewing passengers’ passports, visas, health documentation, or other travel documents. Being prepared with your required documentation can help expedite the check-in process, but sometimes delays are inevitable. You’ll also want to leave ample time to walk to your gate.
Giving yourself plenty of time ahead of your international flight will help avoid stress—and missing your flight.
When to arrive at airports outside the U.S.
This one’s a bit trickier, as guidelines can vary. If you’re traveling outside the U.S., consult your airline’s or departure airport’s recommendations for when to arrive at the airport.
How to navigate the airport quickly
Running behind schedule? Just want to expedite the airport arrival process? Here are five tips to help you get through the airport in a quick and efficient manner the next time you travel:
1. Bring a carry-on bag only
Skipping the line to check a bag will save you a lot of time ahead of your flight. When possible, be sure to check in for your flight online. That way, you can go right to the security checkpoint upon arriving at the airport with your boarding pass already in hand.
2. Book an elite fare class
Flying a fare class other than economy—think: business class or premium economy—usually comes with perks, like priority check-in. This can help you move more quickly through the process of checking in and dropping off your luggage.
3. Sign up for TSA PreCheck and/or CLEAR
Joining a trusted traveler program like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR can help expedite the airport screening process.
How does it work? With TSA Pre, once you’ve been approved as a low-risk traveler, you gain access to an expedited security line where you don’t have to remove or separately scan your laptop, liquids, or jackets.
When you join CLEAR, you’ll scan your fingerprints and/or the irises of your eyes to verify your identity—replacing the need for a TSA representative to check your boarding pass and photo ID.
Since a CLEAR membership expedites the ID-checking part and TSA PreCheck expedites the security line part, you can use the two programs together to make navigating airport security as quick as possible.
Read more: TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or Both? A Guide to Help You Decide
4. Prepare your carry-on for the TSA checkpoint
Having your carry-on bag ready to go through the security check will not only help you get through faster, but will also keep the line moving for your fellow travelers.
For starters, be sure your liquids comply with the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. And if you don’t have TSA Pre, be prepared to remove your laptop or other large electronics, as well as your jacket and/or belt.
5. Use TripIt Pro’s Interactive Airport Maps
Once you’re through security, use TripIt Pro’s Interactive Airport Maps to navigate to your gate—or another point, such as a lounge, restroom, or restaurant. You’ll get step-by-step walking directions, plus an estimate for how long it will take to get there.
