Want to know how far in advance you should arrive at the airport for your flight? Here’s our practical advice to avoid any anxiety!
Before we leave on a trip, we all go through a little anxiety phase. Whether it’s the fear of taking the plane, or the fear of missing your flight, there’s every reason to be as prepared as possible. Prevention is better than cure, as the saying goes. However, the fact remains that many travelers miss their flight, or are caught unawares by the unexpected. This could be due to a traffic jam on the road, or too long a wait at customs. Fear not! Thanks to our comprehensive guide, you’ll know at what time to arrive at the airport for your flight and avoid these pitfalls.
Recommended airport arrival time
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Airlines generally recommend arriving at the airport at least two hours in advance for domestic flights. That way, you’ll have time to drop off your luggage and pass through security without any pressure.
For international flights, it’s best to arrive at the airport three hours in advance. This is because you need to allow a little more time to pass through immigration control. For example, if you’re traveling to Vietnam for more than a fortnight, you’ll need a Vietnamese visa before departure. Checks for this take time, especially because of the queues, so bear this in mind.
On the way to the airport
Imagine you’re on your way to the airport and you’ve got an hour before your flight leaves. You’re almost at the airport, but suddenly you have to make a detour. Or worse still, you’re stuck in a traffic jam!
It’s advisable to allow at least an extra thirty minutes for your journey to the airport. You can never count on the unexpected with your vehicle or public transport. So if you’ve got an hour’s drive to the airport, you’re better off allowing 1h30 or 2h for the journey. Leave in advance, it could save your vacation.
Ticket and baggage check-in
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People often wonder how long it takes to check in their luggage. Also known as « check-in », ticket and baggage check-in is the first phase of your journey. All you have to do is go to your airline’s check-in counter and present your passport. If you bought your tickets online, you’ll be given a paper version.
Once this is done, you’ll be asked to check in your baggage, and if you’d like to bring a « carry-on » on the plane. Allow around 30 minutes to get through this stage, especially for international flights. However, please note that the queue to check in your baggage can sometimes be long. In this case, allow extra time for this process, especially if you arrive an hour before your flight.
Also, from experience, here’s a little tip: arrive directly when the ticket offices open. This should get you through in under five or ten minutes, in most cases.
Switch to safety
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After check-in, you’ll have to pass through security detectors. In addition, all hand luggage will be X-rayed. For international travel, you may be asked a few questions about your travel intentions or what you’re carrying. This can happen to anyone, even if nothing suspicious is seen, so relax.
Going through security usually takes no longer than 15 minutes. However, this depends on the airport and the number of security stations open. If you have electronic equipment, you’ll need to take some time to remove it from your bag before the X-ray.
Boarding
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Finally, after all that, it’s time to board the plane. Here, it’s important to know the boarding end times. These vary on average between fifteen and twenty minutes before departure. In other words, if you’re unlucky enough to arrive late, you won’t be able to board the plane. That’s why getting to the airport early is so important.
As soon as you have completed check-in and passed through security, we recommend that you proceed to your boarding area. Don’t waste too much time with the stores along the way. With the help of the various signposts, you’ll be able to find your area without worry. However, if you have any doubts, ask an airport employee for help. Once you’re close to the boarding area, you can visit the nearby stores to pass the time.
Other factors to consider
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You’ve prepared everything and you’re sure of what you’re going to do, but you still have a doubt in your mind? It’s true that taking your flight is also a question of adjustment and good timing. So here are a few other factors that could work against you before you arrive and enter the airport.
Airport parking
Taking your car to the airport? Then don’t forget to consider how long it will take you to find a parking space. To make life easier, you can reserve your airport parking space online. Otherwise, allow around twenty minutes to be sure, although this depends on the size of the airport.
The time of year
It’s no secret that the holiday season and summer vacations are perfect excuses to travel. As a result, airports can become very busy during these periods. You’ll often have to be patient at the counters of an international flight during the summer vacations, for example. Again, in this case, remember to go to the counters as soon as they open. You’ll waste less time waiting.
Flight time
The departure of an international flight, due to the time difference, could be in the middle of the night. And that can sometimes work in your favor. Depending on the time of your next domestic or international flight, the airport may be more or less busy. In fact, you may have to wait longer if your flight takes off during the busiest hours. Another criterion to take into account.
Customs
Airport security laws and procedures can vary from country to country. It’s best to allow extra time for customs clearance when you’re abroad. Generally speaking, allow at least 30 minutes extra.
In conclusion, you now know what time to arrive at the airport for your flight, i.e. at least two to three hours in advance. A little research beforehand on visas, in addition to good preparation, will save you a lot of headaches. On that note, we wish you a pleasant flight!