Appropriate time to arrive for a flight?

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gromit801

You stand an excellent chance of NOT making your flight.

All flights are overbooked to a degree. Those who get on are first come, first served at check in. If you are among the last to check in, you very well might not have a seat.

What if there's bad traffic? Parking problems? A really long line at security? (Many people have missed flights on that issue). Remember, airlines have a cutoff time at which you will not get on the plane, even if it's still there. It's usually about 30 minutes, but can vary. So subtract a half hour from your cushion time.

You need to be checked in two hours before your departure time.

There's no yes or no answer for this one. 5pm is rush hour for most cities, so you might want to consider the traffic situation as well. If you are not checking in any bags, you'll probably have plenty of time to catch your flight. However, if the lines are long and you have bags to check in, 1.5 hours might not be enough time. Even if you get on the plane, your bags might never make it. The best thing to do would be to pack all your stuff into a carry-on luggage.

meg420c

I would think that would be fine. I showed up at the airport around Christmas 2 hours before departure, and waited about 1 1/2 hours after security and baggage. You should have nothing to worry about.

afk

It definitely depends on what airport you are leaving from. I'd call your airline or your airport and ask them. At some small airports I can arrive 20 mins before my departure time and easily make it. At other larger airports, 3 hours could be cutting it close for a domestic flight. So, give them a call and be sure to give time for traffic, check-in and security. If you miss your flight, rebooking fees are a mandatory $50.

private_jet_charter

They currently suggest that you arrive for your flight two hours prior to boarding for a domestic flight and around 4 hours for international travel. You would not want to get stuck in a long line in security or customs and miss your flight.
For major airports you can check the average wait times for TSA checkpoints here:
http://waittime.tsa.dhs.gov/index.html
Hope this helps and have a great trip!

tonalc1

Barely. I always allow at least two hours for domestic flights.

Carrie

Yes, that is plenty of time. Probably more than you need.

Steven

If it is a domestic flight you are fine, that is not a busy time for out-going flights, so the security checkpoints should go very quick.

Servette

If you fly domestic, yes...plenty of time.

Emin3m

i reccommend at least 4 hours in advance incase a crazy muslim trys to bomb the airport.

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