7 min read

How Early Should I Get to the Airport?

Timing your arrival at the airport can make or break your travel experience. Arriving too late can mean missed flights and unnecessary stress, while arriving too early might leave you waiting around with nothing to do. So, what’s the ideal time to get to the airport? The answer depends on factors like your flight type, airport size, and whether you’re checking bags or parking your car. In this guide, we’ll help you figure out the perfect timing to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, no matter where you’re flying from.

How Early Do I Have to Get to The Airport?

The general rule of them thumb is to be there at least 2 hours earlier for domestic flights. If you’re traveling overseas, you’d be on the safer side reaching there at least 3 hours earlier. This may not be a strict rule or something, but it sure is convenient.

Do you want to know the specific arrival times for airports? Please go to the page explaining the arrival times per airport:

Do I Really Need To Be at the Airport 2 Hours Early?

Yes, it’s best if you’re early.

You’ve got so much on your plate already, and you wouldn’t want to be rushing through stuff at the last minute.

Also, if you’re earlier, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’re on top of everything and will get to board without any issues. We also tend to be forgetful when in a rush.

Do you remember when Rachelle from FRIENDS packed up everything for her travel (last-minute) but forgot her passport (and she realized this only when they asked for it)? While funny on-screen, this is not the kind of humor you’d want in real life.

Is 2 Hours Enough Time for International Flight?

The thing with international flights is that they often begin boarding passengers earlier on because the planes are bigger. Also, you’ll have to go through additional checks which will take longer than it would for a domestic flight.

So, it’s best if you get there at least 3 hours earlier — less trouble for you and no last-minute rushes. Sweet, right?

Why Should You Be at the Airport 3 Hours Early For International Flights?

It’s best if you reach the airport at least 3 hours earlier for an international flight because:

There are additional check-in requirements
You’ll have to wait for passport verification
Getting your boarding pass will take longer than for a domestic flight
They start boarding the plane 15 to 30 minutes earlier
International airports are usually busier than smaller ones

Factors to Consider When Scheduling Your Arrival at the Airport

While this “being 2-3 hours earlier” rule is generally a good practice, there are some other factors that you should keep in mind as well. One friendly advice: always be earlier, even if you don’t have to be.

You know how Michael Scott says: “the earlier worm gets the… worm…”

Just for laughs, folks!

So, here’s the deal: if you’re traveling via a larger, international airport, such as the Albuquerque International Airport, you should be there earlier. The bigger the airport, the busier it gets.

The timeframe window also depends on the time of the day or the year. You know how very early and very late flights (and those in the winters) are cheaper? Well, that’s for a reason. Because there are lesser travelers.

But if you’re traveling during the peak hours in the summer, you’d better be Flash!

If you’re all by yourself, things will be faster. You can speed it up even further if you don’t have to wait for them to check your bags (if you’re not carrying).

Willing to spend an extra buck (it’ll actually be more than a buck) for faster checkout?

Why not try the priority check-in?

Whatever the case, you’d be glad to make it to the airport earlier, you can take our word on that.

Book Your Airport Parking Space with Parkos

Worried about your ride when traveling solo? Well, worry no more, because Parkos is here to help you pick the best parking space and service options so you can board your flight hassle-free.

Need to rush to the Kansas International Airport and don’t know what to do about your car? Well, leave it at the terminal and our valet will take it from there! It’s that simple.

See for yourself how we can help you travel without having to worry about your ride!

By Camilla in Flying Tips in June, 2023