https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 13 May 2026 19:53:52 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight/page/2#post-2035148 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 09:49:45 +0000 cranberry 2035148@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If we're getting dropped off at the airport, I try to be there 1.5 hours before our flight time. I figure that the plane typically boards 30 minutes before the flight time, so that gives us an hour to check in and get through security. If we are driving ourselves and have to park the car, I'd probably add an extra 30 minutes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight/page/2#post-2035105 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 09:33:50 +0000 Mrs. Toad 2035105@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I try to be about 1.5 hours early for domestic flights. I haven't really traveled internationally. I would be very careful with small airports. I missed a flight because they only run security for an hour prior to a flight and then shut it down 30 minutes before boarding. Security personnel then needed to do something else at the airport and just stopped screening people. There are only 5 or so flights a day out of that airport. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2035103 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 09:32:40 +0000 Mrs. Bee 2035103@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>we leave 2 hours before our flight takes off, and usually get there with a little over an hour. it's always plenty of time! for international depends if we're trying to get a bulkhead seat! otherwise 2 hours before. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2035086 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 09:22:23 +0000 Littlebit 2035086@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At a larger airport I would be there 2 hours early. Our airport is pretty small and only 10 minutes away. So I usually get there about an hour early. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2035069 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 09:11:01 +0000 illumina 2035069@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At least 2hrs before an international flight. I aim to be there 2.5hrs early just in case we get held up on the way to the airport. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2035049 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 09:01:00 +0000 ineebee 2035049@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We don't have kids yet, so for a regular flight (non-holiday weekend, etc.), I like to get there 1:20 early. If it's a busy weekend, or if we're flying out of an airport I'm unfamiliar with, 1:30 or 1:40 before our flight time. For international, 2 hours. In general, I like to be at the gate 30-40 minutes before the departure time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2035038 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 08:46:46 +0000 Anagram 2035038@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We shoot for slightly longer than an hour for domestic and closer to two for international. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2035033 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 08:44:44 +0000 bpcmarj 2035033@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>After missing a flight this summer, I now make sure I have PLENTY of waiting time and a very long layover if I have one. I typically travel alone with LO and I am not about to deal with the stress of missing a flight alone. Flying next week and plan to be at least 2 hours early to my flight. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2035026 Thu, 22 Jan 2015 08:38:26 +0000 krispi 2035026@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I always shoot for 2 hours early. Our airport is large and busy, and security is unpredictable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034609 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 20:46:02 +0000 Synchronicity 2034609@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm always early, sometimes earlier than the recommendations, because I'm a paranoid freak about traveling and it calms my nerves to know I have plenty of time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034596 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 20:39:30 +0000 Tanjowen 2034596@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yep. We aim to be at the gate at least 1 hour prior to any departure. We fly standby and they are really strict on that rule, and we also fly out of ATL airport, and you never know how crazy security will be, so we play it safe. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034580 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 20:29:56 +0000 Astro Bee 2034580@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used to cut things really tight, close to the minimum times, and was close to missing a flight a couple of times. DH likes being really early though, even for domestic flights, and now I follow suit. Since we've been getting flight status (both last year and this year with Air Canada) and get the quick line for security due to having a NEXUS card, we are usually through security about 10 mins after arriving at our local international airport (even with checking bags). The whole travel experience is so much easier now, and we have lots of time to relax and have food/drink at the airport, and wait for our flight. We usually do 1 1/2-2 hrs for domestic (45 mins is cutoff), and 3+ hours internationally. We also always do online check-in. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034559 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 20:21:10 +0000 NCSUchick27 2034559@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I always get to the airport super early. I can't stand being rushed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034541 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 20:07:01 +0000 QueensBee 2034541@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, always! We fly through busy airports (JFK, LGA), usually at peak season, and I hate to feel extra stressed about it so we leave plenty of time. I also like to have time to pick up a snack and a magazine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034510 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 19:37:27 +0000 BSB 2034510@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Depends if I have checked bags or carry-on only. I think on average, I get to the airport about 1.5 hrs before a domestic flight. I like enough time to relax after security and grab something to eat or snacks for the plane. We can pre-board because of my DH's health condition, so I like being at the gate 30 minutes before take-off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034500 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 19:28:43 +0000 Periwinkle 2034500@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It depends on the time of the flight, but usually the airport is the only place where I am ever early! I try to do 2.5 hours for international flights and about 1.5 for domestic. If it's just me when I travel for work I will cut it a bit closer. While our main airport is ranked as one of the worst in the country for delays with arriving flights, departing flights and security are generally not too terrible. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034402 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 17:43:02 +0000 meganmp 2034402@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Depends on the time of day and the day of the week. Popular flying times, 1.5 hours/2 hours domestic/international. Otherwise? 45 min/1.5 hours. I know the low density lines at our airport, though:) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034397 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 17:38:27 +0000 coopsmama 2034397@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Caly: same here.</p> <p>Stress when traveling just isn't worth it to me so I prefer to arrive a few hours early have some time to grab a coffee or a book or some food. I just make it a relaxing part of the trip. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034381 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 17:22:15 +0000 MrsKoala 2034381@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Usually about 1 hour before. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034380 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 17:20:35 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 2034380@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I usually do 1.5 hours for domestic and 3 hours for international. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034354 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 16:51:41 +0000 aegie 2034354@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Caly: I agree. The last thing I want is to rush around an airport with a toddler. I live in the NYC/NJ area, so all of my home airports are crazy so I give myself PLENTY of time to get ticketed, get our bags checked (if any), through TSA security check and enough running around the airport to git it all out of her system before getting on the plane. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034320 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 16:28:52 +0000 matador84 2034320@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Always. I have travelled enough to know crazy crap happens and long lines can occur so I'm always there really early. I hate being stressed out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034319 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 16:28:37 +0000 mediagirl 2034319@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: depends on the airport and the day and the time flying. If I am flying Monday morning at 8am, I am going to be there 3 hours early. If I am flying Monday at 3pm, I'll go 2.5 to be safe. &lt;-- that's for international. Drop an hour for domestic. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034292 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 16:08:44 +0000 edelweiss 2034292@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i usually aim for 1.5 hours for domestic. for international, 2-2.5 hours was enough. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034273 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 16:00:16 +0000 dolphin 2034273@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If it's just me and DH we arrive an hour early for domestic. If we're with LO we aim for 1.5 hr. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034204 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 15:37:57 +0000 looch 2034204@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We always go early, especially if we have bags to check, which we usually do. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034192 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 15:35:32 +0000 LuLu Mom 2034192@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I follow the rules, my DH hates it, but I'm a "rather be safe than sorry" and lets get a drink/food/ect. while we wait. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034189 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 15:35:02 +0000 Caly 2034189@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I do. The last thing I want is to be stressed out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034176 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 15:29:31 +0000 lamariniere 2034176@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: that should be fine.</p> <p>I've had issues on occasion with international flights having to wait forever to check in then more loooong security and customs lines, but I think it really depends on routes and time of day. For me this always happened when I would fly France to the US because so many US-bound flights leave in the morning and one airline could be checking in people for 3 or 4 destinations, so being early was definitely key! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-early-do-you-arrive-at-the-airport-for-a-flight#post-2034172 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 15:27:30 +0000 PurplePumps 2034172@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When I fly out of my home airport (Boston) I get there an hour early for domestic and about 1.5 for international. Non familiar domestic airports usually about 1.5 hrs early, and 2-2.5 for international. </p>