How much time do you need to allow at the airport?
You know that sweet spot between arriving embarrassingly early at the airport and making that heart-pounding sprint to your gate? After hundreds of flights—both domestic and international—I’ve learned finding it isn’t as simple as the airlines’ standard “arrive two hours before departure for domestic; three for international” mantra would have you believe. While you might have Google Maps telling you exactly how long it’ll take to reach the airport, what happens after you pull into the parking garage or are dropped off by the Uber is where the real timing puzzle begins.
The truth is, your ideal airport arrival buffer depends on a dizzying array of factors that can change not just from airport to airport, but from day to day at the same airport. Are you checking bags or traveling carry-on only? Is it peak summer travel season or a quiet Tuesday in February? Is your departure terminal known for its lightning-fast security lines, or is it the one where even pre-check passengers end up scrolling through their phones for 45 minutes?
This flow chart that should help you time your airport arrival just right:
Twist’s Take: This flow chart will help you fit an airport coffee run without missing your flight.
