We book flights for convenience, yet the fear of missing them often lingers in our minds.. Therefore, reaching the airport a few hours before the flight time can secure you from scary thoughts. However, you must understand that the time to reach the airport can be different for domestic and international flight. The reason is that international flight requires you to fulfill some additional formalities.
Knowing everything about checking in at the airport gives you enough time to pass the security check and board the flight. So, the below blog will help you gain an understanding of how early one should reach the airport.
When Should I Reach the Airport for Domestic Flight?
The right time to reach airport when you have a domestic flight can be different than it is for international flights. Therefore, you can get a little late for a domestic flight & reach the airport with 2 hours left before departure. Further, you should complete the check in process minimum 30 minutes prior to flight. It does not matter whether you only have a carry-on bag or or check in bag as well, the timing remains the same.
Online check-in
Beside that, you can also complete the check-in online and download your boarding pass. It will save you time at the airport. On the contrary, when you are traveling with an infant, expect a longer queue. Therefore, reaching airport few hours before flight is a must.
Checking In Bags
Similarly, when you have check in your bags, then it can take some extra time. Therefore, reaching beforehand can save you from any inconvenience at the airport.
Security Check
Passengers must have to go through a security check procedure at the airport. It may require you to remove some items from your luggage. Therefore, you should reach airport a little early, especially during peak season.
Boarding Flight
The Airlines usually require you to board the flight minimum one hour before flight. The timing can differ when you have booked a seat in advance. Further the boarding delays can make you lose access to overhead bins.
By What Time Should I Reach the Airport for International Flight?
International flight may involves additional formalities as compared to domestic one. Therefore, it is important to reach the airport a little bit early. Mostly airlines allow you to reach the airport minimum three hours before the international flight.
Online Check In
Not all airlines allow online check in for international flight. Therefore, you have to face the long waiting queue to complete the check in for bag and ID verification.
Security Check
Most of the airlines may play extra cautious while completing the security check for international flight. So, keep it in mind and arrive at the airport earlier than the said time.
Immigration Check
International travel may also require you to go through the immigration check. You have to verify your passport, visa, and other international documents here. Therefore, it can be a time consuming process. Apart from that, immigration authority may also take your photo for the immigration purpose.
Note: Get the TSA PreCheck or clear to expedite the security check at the U.S airports. You can get this by joining TSA PreCheck.
How to Save Check In Time to Reach Late at the Airport?
Many airlines provides facility to complete the check in online. Therefore, you can access this facility 24 hours before flight. Further, it expedites the security check, luggage check in and boarding process at the airport.
However, if you somehow missed the online check-in, then complete it through airline kiosk at least three hours before the flight.
When Can Airlines Allow Checking In Luggage?
Usually, you can check your bags at least 2 to 3 hours before the flight. However, in no case can you check your bags more than 6 hours before a domestic flight on some airlines.
On the contrary, some airlines allow luggage check in minimum three hours before the international flight. Whereas some airlines may allow you luggage check in till one hour left for flight.
For example
- Southwest Airlines does not allow luggage check in when 45 minutes left for flight. If you do so, then the airline will mark it with late check in. Therefore, complete the bag check in maximum four hours before flight.
- Whereas, Spirit Airlines allows you bag check in 24 hours before flight till one hour prior to departure.
- Similarly, Delta Airlines does not accept baggage check-in over six hours before flight.
Note: It is important to check specific airline policies for check-in time.
How Long Can I Board A Flight?
Timing to board a flight depends on which airlines you are going to fly & the type of flight (domestic or international)
Domestic Flight
Usually, airlines start the boarding process for domestic flights 30 to 45 minutes before flight that ends till 15 minutes before flight.
International Flight
Most airlines allow boarding flights 45 minutes to one hour before flight. It ends with 15 minutes left for departure.