How Long Before a Flight Should You Arrive? (2025)

How Long Before a Flight Should You Arrive? (2025)

by

How Long Before a Flight Should You Arrive?

One of the most common travel questions is, “How early should I get to the airport?” The answer depends on several factors, including whether your flight is domestic or international, which airline you’re flying, and airport size. Arriving at the right time helps you avoid stress, long lines, and potential missed flights.

This guide breaks down recommended arrival times for major airlines, tips for faster check-ins, and key differences between domestic and international flights.

General Rules of Thumb: Domestic vs International Flights

✔ Domestic Flights:

  • Arrive 2 hours before departure for most U.S. domestic flights.
  • Smaller airports may only require 90 minutes, but large, busy airports (like LAX, JFK, or ATL) could require the full two hours or more.

✔ International Flights:

  • Arrive 3 hours before departure for most international flights.
  • Passport control, customs paperwork, and longer security lines can add extra time.

📌 Tip: Always check your airline’s recommendations, as some carriers have stricter cutoff times for check-in and baggage drop.

How Early to Arrive by Airline

Here’s what major airlines recommend for arrival times before your flight:

1. Delta Air Lines

  • Domestic Flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before departure.
  • International Flights: Arrive 3 hours before departure.
  • Check-In Deadlines:
    • Domestic: 30 minutes before departure (most airports).
    • International: 1 hour before departure.
      📌 Tip: Delta recommends earlier arrival at major hubs like Atlanta (ATL) and New York (JFK).

2. American Airlines

  • Domestic Flights: Arrive 2 hours before departure.
  • International Flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
  • Check-In Deadlines:
    • Domestic: 45 minutes before departure.
    • International: 1 hour before departure.
      📌 Tip: For flights to South America, Asia, or Europe, give yourself extra time—security lines can be longer.

3. United Airlines

  • Domestic Flights: Arrive 2 hours before departure.
  • International Flights: Arrive 3 hours before departure.
  • Check-In Deadlines:
    • Domestic: 45 minutes before departure.
    • International: 1 hour before departure.
      📌 Tip: United advises checking specific airport requirements, especially at busy hubs like Newark (EWR) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD).

4. Southwest Airlines

  • Domestic Flights Only:
  • Arrive 2 hours before departure.
  • Check-In Deadline: 30 minutes before departure (with baggage check closed 45 minutes before).
    📌 Tip: Southwest flights are open seating, so arriving early gives you better boarding group numbers.

5. JetBlue Airways

  • Domestic Flights: Arrive 2 hours before departure.
  • International Flights: Arrive 3 hours before departure.
  • Check-In Deadlines:
    • Domestic: 40 minutes before departure.
    • International: 60 minutes before departure.
      📌 Tip: JetBlue recommends early arrival for flights to/from the Caribbean and Latin America due to additional document checks.

6. Alaska Airlines

  • Domestic Flights: Arrive 2 hours before departure.
  • International Flights: Arrive 3 hours before departure.
  • Check-In Deadlines:
    • Domestic: 40 minutes before departure.
    • International: 1 hour before departure.
      📌 Tip: Alaska suggests allowing extra time at West Coast hubs like Seattle (SEA) and Los Angeles (LAX).

Airport Size Matters: Small vs Large Airports

✔ Small Airports (Regional Airports):

  • Shorter security lines.
  • 90 minutes arrival time may be enough for domestic flights.

✔ Large Airports (Major Hubs):

  • Long TSA security lines.
  • More walking to gates.
  • Additional document checks for international departures.
  • Always stick to the 2–3 hour rule or even a little more during peak travel seasons.

📌 Tip: During holidays or summer travel rush, add an extra 30-60 minutes to avoid missing your flight.

Early Check-In & TSA PreCheck/Global Entry Advantage

✔ Online Check-In:

  • Most airlines allow online check-in 24 hours before your flight.
  • Speeds up the airport process by allowing you to skip long lines for boarding passes.

✔ TSA PreCheck (Domestic Travelers):

  • Shorter security lines.
  • No need to remove shoes, laptops, belts, or liquids from bags.

✔ Global Entry (International Travelers):

  • Expedited re-entry into the U.S. after international travel.
  • Includes TSA PreCheck benefits.

📌 Tip: If you have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you can usually arrive 30 minutes later than recommended, but always consider airport size and time of day.

Final Thoughts: How Long Before A Flight Should You Arrive?

✔ Domestic Flights: Plan to arrive at least 2 hours before, but 90 minutes may be fine for small airports and non-peak times.
✔ International Flights: Plan to arrive at least 3 hours before, especially when flying to Europe, Asia, or Latin America.
✔ Holiday/Busy Travel Seasons: Add an extra 30-60 minutes for unexpected delays.
✔ Use Online Check-In and Trusted Traveler Programs to save time.

📌 Bottom Line: It’s always better to wait at your gate than sprint through the airport! Aim for the early side to enjoy a stress-free travel experience. ✈️