Does checking in for an international flight take longer than a local flight?

Question

This is my first time going overseas. I'll be flying out of DFW and landing in Philadelphia at 7:41 pm, then my flight from there leaves for Dublin at 9:05pm. Am I giving myself plenty of time? Or do I go through all the "red tape" when I first check in at DFW?

Answer 1

Not really, except that many international flights are on larger planes and there are often many more people waiting to check in. Once you get to the check-in counter it really doesn't take any longer, maybe a few seconds to check that your passport and/or visa is in order, otherwise everything is about the same. You should receive both your boarding passes at DFW and your bags will be checked through to Dublin, when you get to Philly all you should have to do is get to your gate, 1hr 24 min. should be enough time.

Answer 2

You go through all the "red tape" when you check in at DFW. As the first answer says, there isn't much to it - you just show a passport to the airline agent instead of some other ID. There is no passport control or customs check when leaving the USA. Just get to DFW 2 full hours before your flight is scheduled to depart.  DON'T take the advice that you can cut getting to DFW only an hour before your flight is scheduled to depart.

There ARE checks when entering the USA, and it can take about a hour, counting waiting in line.

Answer 3

You only need to be there about one and half hours ahead of time because you first flight is domestic. Lucky for you you made this really easy on yourself. I used to live in Philly and i assume you are flying US Air cause you are stopping in PHL. You will only have to go through security once because lucky for you all the terminals are connected in PHL so you go threw domestic security in Dallas and when you land in Philly you can just walk over to your International gate in terminal A and your golden. Your baggage will be put on the plane and ready to go so no need to deal with bags when you get to PHL.

If you need anymore help send me over an email i would be willing to help. Have a good flight

Answer 4

They say arrive 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 before an international flight.  From my experience, flying is always a hassle, security is always a nightmare, and it's generally been worth it to be there the 3 hours before an international flight.

Answer 5

My airline suggest you get to the airport 2 hrs prior to departure for International flights.  You may not be going through customs but they should still be checking you passport to make sure it is valid so that you don't get denied entry when you get to your final destination.  Sometimes going through the Security checkpoints can be long especially if they decide to pull you aside to open you luggage and check it. It has only happened to me once but it does happen.  Remember you are not the only person checking in for the flight or the only one going through security.  For some reason   people seem to forget that. They think they can check in 30 minutes prior to flight and then get ticked off because their seat was given away or the plane left without them.

It's always better to be there too early than too late. Most Airports have shops, restaurants etc to keep you occupied.

Get there early, relax and enjoy your trip!!

Answer 6

No! It takes the same amount of time from what I have experienced!