For domestic flights, it is generally recommended to arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure. This allows enough time for parking, check-in, security screening, and any unexpected delays such as long lines or peak travel times
. If you have TSA PreCheck, no checked bags, or are familiar with the airport, you might reduce this time slightly, but two hours is the standard guideline. For international flights, the recommendation is to arrive three hours before your scheduled departure. International travel usually involves more steps such as passport control, visa checks, and longer boarding times (often 45 minutes to an hour), so this extra time helps ensure you complete all procedures without stress
. Some airports may require even earlier arrival times, so it’s good to check specific airport guidelines. In summary:
- Domestic flights: Arrive 2 hours early
- International flights: Arrive 3 hours early
Adjustments may be needed based on airport size, time of day, season, whether you have checked bags, and if you use expedited security programs like TSA PreCheck
