How early are you supposed to be at the airport before your plane leaves?

Question

How early are you supposed to be at the airport before your plane leaves?

Answer 1

You need to be checked in at the airport at least an hour before a domestic flight (within the US) and at least two hours before international flights.

Answer 2

It depends on the airport, day, and time you are leaving. If you are the first flight out you really only need to be there 45 minutes before the plane leaves, if you are leaving on a weekend day at 9am or when the red eye is you will need more time like an hour and a half.

Answer 3

2hrs before your departure

Answer 4

90 minutes for domestic and  2 hours for international. I like to arrive 2.5 hours for domestic out of large airports and 2 hours out of small airports since I have time to check-in go through security and have a bite to eat.

For international flights I like arriving 3-4 hours before the flight since I do not have to contend with the lines. On my last overseas trip I checked in 4 hours before and there was no line and it was stress-free. It took me 10 minutes  from check-in to the gate. I enjoyed a nice drink and watching the planes before leaving SFO.

Answer 5

the time that I do is 2 hours before plane leaves usually wen i get to the gate I have 30 minutes before my plane leaves so I can get food or read.

Answer 6

about an hour and a half to 2 hours before

Answer 7

i say at least an hour and a half to two hours before. for anyone who has kids, three hours. you gotta allow enough time for security, baggage, buying stuff, finding your gate and standing in line. once i got stalled in security for half an hour because there was water in my bag. plus, it's better to have some time to kill and be able to relax than having to worry about missing your flight!

Answer 8

On national flights 2 hours and on International flights from 3 to 4 hours.  Remember security check lines,(specially during high season).

Answer 9

For domestic (within your country) flights, be there NO LATER than an hour and a half before departure...that would be pushing it, really. I'd say 2 hours. For international flights, I'd recommend being there at least 3 hours before departure time.