Traveling is an amazing experience that transforms us and broadens our horizons and perspectives.
However, when it’s time to embark on a new adventure, travelers often face a blend of anticipation and overwhelming worry.
After all, it’s no secret that an unavoidable part of this journey is canceled or delayed flights, waiting in long lines, and the fact that travelers at airports usually face the challenge of carrying their luggage around until check-in opens.
Also, a question that often arises is how early one should get to the airport to ensure they have the proper time to pass through all the airport procedures without worry in mind.
To learn more about this topic and find out how to conveniently store your bags at an airport, check out the comprehensive guide we’ve prepared for you today.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
How Early Should You Get to the Airport for Domestic Flights?
Generally speaking, you should get to the airport two hours before a domestic flight to have enough time for parking, check-in, security screening, and any unexpected delays.
Bear in mind that typically you need to check in for your flight at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time, whether you are checking bags or only traveling with a carry-on.
Also, the two-hour recommendation includes your waiting in big lines while passing through security, first to confirm your identity, and then to go through scanners.
Plus, in case you’re traveling with your little ones, or are flying during peak travel times, you will undoubtedly need as much time as possible to reach the right gate.
Now that we talked about domestic flights, let’s elaborate on what happens regarding international flights.
How Early Should You Get to the Airport for International Flights?
As a rule of thumb, it is advised that you get to the airport three hours before your scheduled departure for an international flight to have enough time for parking, check-in, security screening, and any unexpected delays.
Typically, international flights due to their busier nature have a longer boarding process (usually between 45 minutes up to an hour) and agents are often required to review more documentation from the travelers such as your visa.
Plus, depending on the airport you’re flying out of, you might also need to go through additional security screening before your departure.
Moving on, let’s explore some extra factors that can affect how early you should arrive at the airport.
What Are Some Additional Factors that Can Influence How Early You Should Arrive at the Airport?
Some extra factors that can affect how early to arrive at the airport are the following:
Factor #1: Airport size
Generally, larger airports may require more time due to longer security lines and greater distances between terminals.
For instance, if you’re flying out of a major and quite busy hub such as John F. Kennedy (JFK), it will probably take you some extra time to reach your gate than in the case of a small or remote airport.
Factor #2: Time of day and season
Another important factor to consider is no other than the time of day you’re traveling, as well as when in the week or year.
Generally, early mornings, evenings, and holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas tend to be busier, resulting in longer lines at the airport than during other times of the year.
Factor #3: Baggage cutoff times
Although each airline sets its own cutoff time for checking bags, it’s typically somewhere between 45 and 60 minutes before departure.
For domestic flights, the majority of U.S. Airlines, including Delta and American Airlines, require you to check your baggage at least 30-45 minutes before departure.
For international flights, the baggage cutoff is usually at least 60-90 minutes before departure.
Factor #4: Enrollment in TSA PreCheck or a similar membership program
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR which are primarily used within the United States are both programs designed to expedite the security screening process at airports, reducing waiting times significantly.
To be specific, CLEAR expedites the ID check, and TSA PreCheck speeds up the physical screening.
Similar programs exist in other countries, with their own versions of expedited security screening.
For example, Canada has NEXUS, and several European countries such as Athens participate in Fast Track programs.
Factor #5: Additional services
Take into account that in case you need special assistance, such as wheelchair services, it’s best to arrive even earlier, allowing yourself at least 90 minutes before the recommended check-in time.
And since we keep our promises it’s about time to tie up some loose ends and take you through a simple process to easily store your luggage at an airport.
How to Easily Store Your Luggage at an Airport
At first glance, storing your luggage at an airport’s facilities might seem like a convenient option.
However, if you aim for flexibility, saving money, and above all simplicity, then it sounds like we might be the perfect fit for you.
At Stasher, we’ve partnered with hotels, cafes, and local shops, in over 890 cities worldwide to cater to the needs of every traveler, looking to safely store their luggage for a few hours or days.
Simply head over to our homepage or download our app for Android or iOS, and store your luggage anywhere with Stasher!
