Getting to the airport: Understanding how early to arrive

A hotly debated topic, especially among travel companions, is how early you should plan to arrive at the airport before a flight. It seems most people fall into two camps — the “right on time" camp or the “earlier the better" camp. Whichever side you’re on, there are several considerations you may want to weigh before heading to the airport.

Why some people get to the airport so early

If you're like some who prefer to err on the side of being early, arriving at the airport with a large cushion of time to spare could offer many advantages.

Parking

It can be wise to account for the amount of time it will take you to find a parking spot, unload your car and — depending on how big the airport is — wait for a shuttle bus to take you to the check-in area. If you've never been to this airport before, checking out their website ahead of time can help you understand the parking situation.

Checking your luggage

When you first arrive, you may encounter a long line to check your luggage, so it can be helpful to account for this possibility. Make sure you know what size luggage is considered overhead versus what can be checked (check your airline's website if unsure). Also, note that if your bag is over a certain weight, you may be charged additional fees.

Navigating security

Though it may feel frustrating to wait in line to get through security, it's a very important step that ultimately protects you and everyone in the airport. When you arrive early, there can be less stress about how long this portion of check-in will take.

To keep things moving, remove your outerwear and shoes if required as you approach the metal detectors or body scanners. Place your electronic devices and bags on the conveyor belt and listen to instructions from TSA officials.

Finding your gate

After security, you can now find your gate. When you're early, there's no need to run through the terminal while carrying all your bags. You have plenty of time to use the restroom and get situated, which can reduce anxiety and help prepare you for a successful trip.

Shopping

You may realize you forgot to pack something. When you have time to spare before your flight, this leaves the opportunity to shop. You can usually find many airport stores offering everything from clothing to personal items such as motion sickness medicine, chargers, books and much more.

Eating

It's nice to have extra time to grab something to eat or sit at the bar. Many airports offer a variety of restaurants or grab-and-go options so you don't have to get on the plane hungry — especially in an era of reduced meal service on most flights.

Working

If you're a business traveler you know that any extra time to get work done is helpful. When you arrive early, you may have time to polish that presentation or answer a few emails.

Lounging

Have you ever wondered how to access those comfortable airport lounges with private bathrooms, comfortable seating and free snacks? If you tend to stick to one airline, you can purchase an airline club membership or acquire an airline credit card that comes with lounge access.

Another way to gain access is to get a travel rewards credit card with complimentary Priority Pass Select™ membership. Keep in mind there may be an annual fee with travel cards that include this perk. Many airlines also offer a day pass for purchase.

Planning

One last potential advantage of being an early bird is the ability to speak with an airline representative at the gate. If any changes arise in your flight itinerary, you'll have time to fix them or make other arrangements. This may also be helpful for seniors, those with special needs and those who require wheelchair access or other accommodation.

How early should you get to the airport in 2024?

When you do the backwards math and start with your departure time, it can be helpful to assume a few things:

• Boarding the plane begins about 30 minutes before take-off (larger planes may even board 45 minutes in advance).
• Backing up further, it can be helpful to account for spending at least 20 minutes in the security line.
• Keep going. You may want to add another 20 minutes for baggage check. If you only have a carry-on, you'll save some time there.
• Finally, it can be helpful to add some time for parking and shuttle service, if applicable.
• When you add in an additional cushion to go to the restroom, the convenience store and the general time it takes to walk from security to your concourse to your gate, you quickly get to the 2-hour mark.

Please note that this timeline is recommended by airport officials for a national flight. If you are flying internationally, the recommendation from airport officials is to give yourself three hours instead of two. This is to account for the additional time it takes to get through immigration and customs.

Should you arrive two hours before a flight?

It's highly recommended by most airports to arrive at least 2 hours before any flight but closer to 3 hours for international flights.

Keep in mind, airports want you to utilize their carefully curated shopping and dining options, which you can't do if you're rushing to the gate. So it's in their best interest for you to arrive early.

A good source of information is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). They even have an app called MyTSA which offers data on how historically busy an airport will be on your specific travel date.

Time-saving hacks for getting through the airport

Have you ever left for a trip feeling on top of the world, only to have your carefully planned trip ruined by an airport delay? Here are some time-saving hacks you may wish to use to help make the start of your trip a smooth one:

• Use carry-on luggage instead of full-size to avoid checking bags.
• Check-in to your flight before you arrive at the airport using the airline's app and have your mobile boarding pass ready to go.
• Study the terminal map before you arrive to understand how far your gate is from the security checkpoint. Map out any shopping or dining spots you want to hit on the way.
• When possible choose off-peak times of day to depart so you avoid the crowds. This means choosing flights that leave prior to 7am or after 9:30pm.
• Don't let baggage delays or trip cancellations ruin your travel plans. Use a travel rewards credit card for all travel-related purchases because many of them offer Trip Cancellation / Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver and Lost Luggage Reimbursement.
• Get approved for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^® or NEXUS. These programs expedite traveler screening through TSA security checkpoints. Even better — when you use your Chase Sapphire Reserve^® credit card to pay for your Global Entry or TSA Precheck^® or NEXUS, you can receive a statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee. Note that this credit card has an annual fee.

In summary

Even the most conscientious planners may face an unexpected obstacle at the airport. Arriving at least 2 hours before a flight gives you the best chance of settling in at your gate stress-free and ready for takeoff. Wheels up!