Number of hours before the departure, that is safe be at an airport for an international flight
Generally airlines suggest that you be at the airport around 3 hours from the time of departure. Flying from the US, I've often found this to be unnecessary and I generally end up waiting and getting bored at the airport.
I've also found airports outside the US, where they would not let you in before 2 hours from the actual departure time of an international flight. Often this happens to be a pain, waiting outside the airport.
Is there a reliable way to find out the right time to be at the airport depending on the country and the specific airport anywhere in the world?
Best Answer
Some airlines actually publish recommendations per airport. See http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/check-in/requirements.html https://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/checkingIn/arrivalTimes.jsp?anchorLocation=DirectURL&title=arrivaltimes
In general I have found that 2 hours works fine for most airports in the US, Europe, and China. Early online check-in can speeds things up considerably and also gives you a bit of wiggle room if the airline has bungled your reservation or ticket. Budget extra time for dropping of rental cars, rush hour traffic, bad weather, etc. on a case by case basis.
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How many hours ahead should I be at the airport for an international flight?
When you're traveling outside of the United States, we make the suggestion to arrive at least 3 hours prior to your departure. You must be checked in at least 1 hour before your scheduled departure. Additionally, we recommend being at the gate and ready to board 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time.Is it OK to arrive 2 hours before international flight?
While the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) recommends travelers arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours prior to an international trip, \u201cthose are just general times,\u201d says Richard Duncan, the Assistant General Manager of Public Safety and Security at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson ...Why do you need 3 hours before an international flight?
Since the actual time needed to go through check-In, security screening, and passport control can vary quite a bit depending on the airport, destination, time of day, etc., airlines tend to give the three hour advice to be on the safe side.How many hours prior to departure of international flight do the check-in counter opens?
Most airlines check-in counters in KLIA open at least 3 hours before flight and some also offer early and online check-in. Passengers are encourage to check-in at least 2 hours before the departure time. Advance check-in as early as eight hours ahead of scheduled time of departure is also provided.FIRST INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT? : Travel Tip, Airport Walk, Flight Preparation | Jen Barangan
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