How Early Should You Arrive at the Airport for Domestic vs. International Flights?

Timing your airport arrival is a delicate balance. Show up too early, and you’re stuck wandering the terminal, paying way too much for an unfortunate sandwich. Show up too late, and suddenly, you’re in a full sprint, dodging slow walkers and praying security doesn’t decide to search your bag.

So, what’s the sweet spot? How early should you actually get to the airport for domestic vs. international flights?

Domestic Flights: Finding the Right Arrival Time

For domestic flights, the general rule is to arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before departure. That gives you enough time to check in, get through security, and grab a snack before boarding. But not every traveler—or every airport—operates on the same timeline.

If you’re checking a bag, pay attention to cut-off times. Most airlines close check-in and bag drop about 45 minutes before departure. If you miss that window, your bag’s not making the trip—even if you do. Security lines can also be unpredictable. A short, breezy wait one day can turn into a 45-minute crawl the next, thanks to an understaffed checkpoint or a group of first-time flyers holding up the line.

The airport itself also plays a role. If you’re flying out of a smaller regional airport, you might be fine cutting it closer. But at a major hub like LAX, O’Hare, or JFK? Give yourself some extra time. These places are basically small cities, and just getting to the right terminal can feel like an adventure on its own.

When You’ll Need Extra Time for a Domestic Flight

If you’re traveling with family or a group, assume things will take longer. Herding multiple people through security—especially with kids, strollers, and numerous carry-ons—is not a speedy process.

Anyone needing special accommodations—like wheelchair assistance, medical equipment, or just extra time to get through a large airport—should plan for at least 30 to 45 extra minutes.

Flying during a peak travel time? Add time for that, too. Holiday weekends, Monday morning business travelers, and Friday night flights have longer lines. These crowds can slow you down even if you’re usually a fast-moving airport pro.

If you’re in a rush, a few tricks can help: check in online before you arrive, use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR if you have them, and check airport security wait times online or through an app.

International Flights: How Early is Too Early?

For international flights, airlines suggest arriving at least 3 hours before departure. These flights involve more steps—longer check-in lines, passport control, and more thorough security checks—which means you need more time.

One of the biggest delays? Checking in and dropping bags. If you’re flying internationally, some airlines require an extra passport or visa check before you even get to security. That process can be quick… or it can be the reason you miss your flight.

Once you get through check-in, you still have to clear security, and depending on the airport, that can add anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. But wait—there’s more! Some countries require you to go through passport control before boarding, which means yet another line to wait in before you even reach your gate.

When You’ll Need Even More Time for an International Flight

If you’re traveling with kids or a group, just like with domestic flights, everything takes longer than you think. Add extra time for bathroom breaks, snack stops, and last-minute “Where’s my passport?!” moments.

If you need additional documentation, like a visa check, factor in another 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how strict your airline is. Some flights won’t let you check in online if they need to verify your paperwork in person, so you’ll have to wait in the full-service line at the airport.

Some airports are just chaotic. If you’re flying out of a notoriously busy international hub like JFK, Heathrow, Charles de Gaulle, or Dubai International, give yourself more time. These airports are massive, and even after security, getting to your gate can feel like a marathon.

And don’t forget about luggage. If you’re checking multiple bags, you’ll need extra time to deal with the bag drop process. Some airlines move quickly, while others make you question every life choice that led you to that line.

What’s the Sweet Spot?

For domestic flights, aim for 1.5 to 2 hours before departure. If you’re traveling with family, checking a bag, or flying out of a major airport, push it closer to 2 hours.

For international flights, 3 hours is a good baseline, but consider adding more time if you’re dealing with visa checks, a large airport, or extra assistance.

When in doubt, play it safe. Worst case, you’re stuck at the airport with time to relax, grab a snack, and watch people sprint to their gates. That’s always entertaining.

So, are you an “arrive five hours early” kind of traveler, or do you like to test fate? Share your stories and tips with the Frayed Passport community!

About the Author

As the editor-in-chief of Frayed Passport, my goal is to help you build a lifestyle that lets you travel the world whenever you want and however long you want, and not worry about where your next paycheck will come from. I've been to 20+ countries and five continents, lived for years as a full-time digital nomad, and have worked completely remotely since 2015. If you would like to share your story with our community, or partner with Frayed Passport, get in touch with me at sarah@frayedpassport.com!

Featured image by Phil Mosley on Unsplash