How early do you need to be at the airport? - The complete guide to a stress-free departure ✈️
As the day of travelling approaches, the eternal question arises: "When should I be at the airport?" The short answer is that it depends on your destination, airline and type of travel. The long answer - and the one you get here - gives you all the details to avoid stress and potential misunderstandings at the airport.
How early should I check in at the airport?
As a general rule, you should check in at least 45-60 minutes before your flight, but this varies depending on the airline and route. Many airlines open check-in desks 2-3 hours before the scheduled departure. If you have luggage, make sure you get there in plenty of time to drop it off as the queues can be long. Check in desks and baggage drops are located in the different terminals, so it is important to know which terminal you are going to.
Please note that it is especially important to arrive well in advance of international flights, especially if you are a European travelling outside the Schengen area, as there may be extra security checks and longer waiting times.
Recommendations for check-in at the airport:
Domestic travellers: Be at the airport at least 1-1.5 hours before your flight departure.
European destinations (Schengen): Arrive 2 hours before your flight.
Outside the Schengen area: Arrive 3 hours before your flight.
Travelling with hand luggage only?
If you only have hand luggage and have checked in online, you can typically just show up at the airport 1-2 hours before departure. You can skip the baggage queue and go straight to security - but remember to give yourself some extra time in case of queues or gate changes.
Why do you need to be at the airport 3 hours early?
Three hours may seem excessive, but it's all about anticipating waits and delays. Here are some reasons:
Security checks at large airports can take a long time, especially during holiday periods.
If you have luggage, you'll first need to find your airline's counter, wait your turn and hand in your suitcase at the counter and get your baggage tag printed.
For flights outside the EU/Schengen, there may be extra ID and visa checks.
Larger airports have long walking distances to the gate and gate changes can happen at short notice.
It's worth noting that airports are typically busiest during peak seasons such as the summer holiday period, Christmas holidays and other major holiday weeks. The days of the week can also affect busyness, with Fridays and Mondays often being particularly hectic due to commuters and weekend travellers. Morning and afternoon hours tend to be the busiest times of the day, as many business trips and longer international flights are typically scheduled for these times.
Travellers with disabilities or pets should allow extra time for check-in and security as there may be special procedures and assistance needed. If you are flying while pregnant, it may also be a good idea to arrive extra early to avoid unnecessary stress.
The earlier you arrive, the more time you have to orientate yourself, find a place to sit and maybe buy some food before boarding.
What are the benefits of checking in from home?
Online check-in is a godsend for those who want to save time and avoid unnecessary waiting:
You can choose your seat and receive your boarding pass by email.
You can often check in up to 24-48 hours before departure, depending on the airline.
Only have hand luggage? Then you can go directly to security without having to go to the counter.
You can use the machines at the airport to print your baggage tag, which is much faster than manually.
Travelling with hand luggage? Read our blog post: Hand luggage rules or our complete packing list to make sure you don't forget anything important.
Should you leave earlier if travelling with children or elderly people?
Yes, it is highly recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes earlier if travelling with children. 30 minutes earlier if you are travelling with:
Young children, as it takes longer to get through security.
Elderly people or people with reduced mobility who may need assistance.
Groups where logistics take extra time.
It's especially useful to have checked in from home and have boarding passes ready - either printed or on your mobile phone.
Security check: How to get through quickly
Security is an important step on the way to your flight, and with a little preparation you can make the process faster and easier. Have your liquids packed in a transparent bag and ready to be placed in the tray, and make sure electronics such as laptops and tablets are easily accessible for quick retrieval and scanning. Always follow staff instructions and be aware that certain items - such as liquids over 100ml and sharp objects - are not allowed in hand luggage. Read more about the rules for liquids in hand luggage here.
With these small preparations, you can get through security and to the gate quickly.
What if the flight is delayed or cancelled?
It's obviously extremely frustrating if you've arrived early, patiently gone through the whole process - and then it turns out your flight is delayed, cancelled or overbooked.
Refundmore can help you in those situations. Many passengers don't realise that they have EU-passenger rights that makes them entitled to compensation of up to €600 if their flight is delayed:
Is delayed for more than 3 hours.
Is cancelled at short notice.
Is overbooked and you are denied boarding.
It only takes a few minutes to check your compensation here. Simply enter your flight and booking details and we'll take care of it for you - without you having to write lengthy complaints yourself.
Do I still have to show up at the airport if my flight is delayed?
Yes, you still have to turn up on time at the airport - even if your flight is delayed. It may seem logical to stay at home a little longer, but the duration of the delay may change and the airline may suddenly have the opportunity to shorten the waiting time or rebook you on an earlier flight. If you are not present at the airport, you risk losing your seat - even if the delay is not your fault.
Also, some airlines require you to check in and drop off luggage at the original time, regardless of the delay. Therefore, to be on the safe side, it's always recommended to follow the original meeting times unless your airline explicitly informs you otherwise.
If you do end up spending a long time at the airport due to a delay, save documentation and contact Refundmore afterwards - you may be entitled to compensation for lost time and inconvenience.
Conclusion: Be on time and utilise the benefits of online check-in
Knowing when you need to be at the airport is key to a great travelling experience. Make sure you do:
Check in from home whenever possible.
Have documents and boarding passes ready.
Arrive early - better 30 minutes early than 10 minutes late.
And if your flight is cancelled, remember that you can get help with compensation. It's your right.
FAQ
How long before departure should you arrive at the airport?
If you are flying internationally, it is generally recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. For domestic flights, 1-1.5 hours may be sufficient.
How long before departure should you arrive at the airport for domestic flights?
For domestic flights, you should arrive at the airport at least 1 hour before departure, as you still need to go through security.
