Is Arriving Early at the Airport Worth It?

Despite airports making a constant effort to develop infrastructure, expand terminal spaces, and offer premium services during check-in to accommodate the new wave of travellers, passengers often find themselves arriving either too early or too late at the airport. Missing a flight is a justified nightmare, but is arriving too early worth the effort?  

Airport and airline services often recommend that passengers arrive early to be able to check in, pass through the security check, and reach the boarding gate on time. The standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and at least three hours before an international flight. But there are numerous factors to consider when you decide your travelling schedule, for instance, your means of transport.  

Public transport runs on a specific schedule and drops passengers near the terminal. Car parks, on the other hand, are often farther from the terminal building entrance, and drivers might need a shuttle service to reach the terminal building on time. Cabs, however, are allowed a couple of minutes at the main terminal to enable passengers to offload their luggage and rush over to their counters. But it is also important to consider general weather conditions and holiday seasons, as either can cause heavy traffic along the route or cab availability issues.  

While the means of travel is heavily emphasised when deciding arrival time, here are a few more factors you should consider while preparing for your flight.  

The size and layout of the airport 

The size of an airport affects how long it will take to reach your gate. Hub airports like London Heathrow (LHR) have considerable distances between check-in counters and gates, contributing to the time passengers will spend finding their way to their flights.  

Pre-Check services 

Passengers with a TSA PreCheck membership are privy to a streamlined security process where they do not need to remove laptops and liquids from their bags. While the membership could save valuable time, the application process is availed at a price and only after a background check and an interview.  

Passengers can also consider weighing/scanning their baggage at baggage counters available in the airports. Premium assistance services and web check-in are also great ways to stay ahead of the queue.  

Aircraft type 

Aircraft type is often the least considered factor that comes to mind when deciding when to arrive at the airport. A little bit of research when booking the flight could buy you some time before boarding. Boarding commences early for wide-body aircraft to allow passengers more time to settle in within the airline's standard turnaround time, and the airline staff expect passengers earlier at the gate. 

The debate as to what the right time is to arrive at the airport is, of course, never to be won. However, it is best to arrive early and enjoy airport services rather than struggle through unforeseen delays before your flight.