Why does the airport insist that I show up hours before take-off
The counter issuing boarding passes opens up three hours before the flight. They've asked all the passengers to report at the airport at that very hour. Once that is over no one's allowed to leave the area or enter it. I was wondering if it is a common practice in all airports around the world? Are we supposed to wait for three hours or more at the airport? I am traveling from UAE.
Best Answer
There are many airports in UAE
But taking Emirates as an example, the rules are:
- Check-in opens 3 hours before the flight and closes 90 minutes before
- You should go through security no later than 60 minutes before departure
- Be at gate 45 minutes before departure, but no later than 20 minutes, because the gate will be closed then.
I personally have not heard of a requirement to be at the airport 3 hours before, but sometimes it is recommended, so that if there is a queue or any sort of hold up, then you would still have ample time and not be late.
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Why do people show up so early to the airport?
The TSA and airports want you to get there earlier, each for its own reasons. The agency does not like to be rushed with screenings even if there's a long security line. Airports want you to take advantage of their incredible shopping and dining facilities, which you can't do if you're rushing to the gate.Why do you have to be 2 hours early for a flight?
If you plan to travel during the holidays, take extra consideration, and plan accordingly. With an increase in the number of travelers, you could run into more traffic on your way to the airport and longer lines once you arrive. As a rule of thumb, it's best to arrive: 2 hours early for domestic flights.How many hours should you show up before a flight?
When you're traveling within the United States, we make the suggestion to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure.Why do I have to be at the airport 3 hours early?
Another reason to leave three (or more) hours before your international flight: Just because you're running late, doesn't mean you can skip to the front of the security line. You might be at risk of missing your flight, but that \u201cdoes not give you automatic right to move up the line,\u201d says Duncan.No One Needs to Arrive 2 Hours Before Flight, Here's Why
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Answer 2
Actually, 3 hours is very common at foreign airports, but it is not a requirement, it is a recommendation. It is stated on the ticket and even recommended by the airlines. It is not required if you are flying domestic, but for international flights it is highly recommended.
If you are traveling business for example, you can arrive one hour before the flight and still check in - however, you may run into a wall of people at immigration (especially at a busy international hub like Dubai).
Now, once you are past immigration and security, you cannot leave the terminal unless under special circumstances - this is because its a high security area.
Reasons for the 3 hour requirement:
Time for you to check-in and deal with any eventualities there (for example, oversized baggage, extra luggage allowance, etc.)
Time for you to clear immigration. This can easily take 45 minutes to an hour at a busy hub like Dubai - for various reasons other than simply traffic.
Time for you to pass through security. This again, chalk up at least 15 minutes if you are at a busy time.
Time for you to find your gate. At some airports, you might need to take a train just to get to your gate.
Even if you ignore all the above, behind the scenes a lot needs to take place for international flights. Combine all this and 3 hours pass by very quickly.
Eventually when the large majority of airports (and travelers) come to grips with self-checkin, electronic boarding passes, and electronic gates - this time might be reduced but until then, enjoy the hustle of international travel :)
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