Home / How Early Should I Get to the Airport for an International Flight? | 2024 Guide
Getting to the airport early can be a pain.
You know the feeling when you just want to board a plane and fly somewhere else because you’re stressed out and exhausted? You don’t want to wait in line at check-in or security. If there are delays, you don’t want to be concerned about getting lost or missing your flight. But if you don’t get there early enough, then what happens?
If you’re not on time, you may not be allowed onto your flight at all!
That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how early you should get to the airport for an international flight. Based on your flight’s destination and departure, you’ll find out exactly when you should arrive. So you can rest easily knowing that everything will go smoothly once you reach the terminal!
When flying internationally, it’s essential to consider the time you need at the airport. You want to be early enough to get your boarding pass, check your bags, and get through security. But if you’re too early, you might have to wait for a while before boarding the plane.
Here’s a list of factors that influence how much time you need at the airport:
The airport you are travelling out of will significantly impact how much time you need to get through security and check-in. Suppose you are flying from an airport with many different terminals and gates (like Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport).
In that case, you will likely need more time than flying from a small regional airport with fewer gates (like Burlington International Airport).
If you’re travelling during peak times, the airport will be packed. You’ll have to deal with crowds and long lines, so it’s best to give yourself plenty of time to make your flight.
If you’re travelling during off-peak times, there will be fewer people and less stress. You can take advantage of this by getting to the airport earlier than usual.
The third factor that affects how much time you should spend at the airport is the time of day.
If you’re flying during peak hours, such as in the morning or evening, you’ll want to arrive earlier. You might even like to schedule your flight for an earlier time than usual so that you can take advantage of lower traffic.
If you travel during off-peak hours, such as midday or afternoon, you can avoid arriving late and spending less time at the airport.
You may think that you could save time by travelling by yourself. But you must account for their travel time while travelling with a group. If they’re not ready to go when you are, it’s going to make things take longer than expected.
If you’re travelling alone, you must plan your day as best as possible. You should always leave early enough to avoid surprises regarding airport traffic or other unexpected delays.
If you have a whole family or friends coming with you, there will likely be more people to check in for your flight and more bags to carry on. You’ll want to get to the airport earlier so everyone can make their flights.
Once you’ve packed your bags, it’s time to check them in. It’s essential to know how many bags you can check and how long it takes for each airline to process the baggage.
The amount of time this takes will vary depending on the airline and its policies. But generally speaking, if you’re checking a lot of bags or it’s peak season, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time at the airport.
If you’re looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of the airport, there are several ways to do this. One option is booking a flight that allows you to arrive at the airport early and spend time in a lounge before taking off.
Airlines offer airport lounges for premium ticket holders, but some airports have independent lounges. They allow all travellers to stay and relax comfortably before their flight. There are also times when airport lounges will be available for any traveller with a valid boarding pass for an airline that provides lounge access.
Airlines usually award elite status to frequent flyers who have been loyal customers for an extended period. Status can also be earned by completing specific challenges within their programs, like flying a certain number of miles within a year or spending a certain amount on flights within that same time frame.
These elite memberships mean that you’ll get priority check-in at airports so that you can skip some lines and get to your gate faster than other passengers who aren’t part of these programs would be able to do so themselves!
This can save time when you arrive at the airport and help ensure your bags are checked to their final destination.
Whether or not your flight is delayed is one of the most significant factors determining how much time you need at the airport. If your flight is delayed, you should set aside even more time than usual and be prepared to spend it waiting in line.
A delayed flight means that your airline has failed to meet its obligation to get you from point A to point B on time. To make up for this, they’ll have to provide free food and drinks and a place to wait (which might not be very comfortable).
If you’re travelling internationally and your flight is delayed, you’ll also have to go through customs again before getting on the next plane, which can take hours! So if there’s any chance that your international flight will be late, arrive at least three hours before departure time.
If you’re about to embark on a trip abroad, you might wonder: How early should I get to the airport? The answer is it depends. If you’re flying with a major airline like Delta or American, they’ll have all the details for you, but if you’re flying with a regional airline, it’s best to check ahead of time.
The good news is that with Emenac Travel, there’s no reason to worry! We’ve got your back covered, and we’ll take care of everything, so all you have to do is show up at the airport on time and enjoy your flight.
At the end of the day, there’s no correct answer to this question. How you get to the airport, what works best for you, and your budget are up to you. Remember that if you’re travelling internationally, it’s always better to be early than late! And don’t forget to grab some food and water before boarding; you don’t want to risk missing your flight because you’re too hungry or thirsty!
We wish you safe travels in 2024!
