How early should I get to Hanoi airport for a domestic flight?

How early should I arrive for my domestic flight?

Two hours. Two hours early for a domestic flight. Is that enough?

It never feels like it. I always feel rushed, even when I’m stupid early. Maybe it’s my anxiety. My stupid, stupid anxiety.

Security lines, ugh.

• TSA PreCheck helps, definitely. If you have it. Worth every penny.

• Early morning flights are the worst. Everyone is grumpy. Fewer staff are around too, I swear.

• Holidays? Forget about it. Triple that two hours. Christmas 2023 was a nightmare at Atlanta. Never again.

• My carry-on is always a mess, adding to the stress. I always pack way too much, always.

So two hours? Maybe. Probably not. Three? That’s probably a better bet, especially if you’re like me.

You might as well just sleep at the airport. I’ve done it. Wouldn’t recommend it. But I’ve done it.

How early should I arrive for my domestic flight?

Ninety minutes, tops. Unless you’re packing a herd of particularly stubborn llamas in your carry-on. Then, add an hour. Seriously.

Two hours is for nervous Nellies and those who enjoy airport sushi. I personally find that excessive, bordering on masochistic. It’s an airport, not a medieval siege. Unless, of course, you are bringing a live chicken. Then all bets are off.

Think of it like dating: you wouldn’t show up three hours early, would you? That’s creepy. An hour and a half provides ample time for:

• Security (unless TSA decides to conduct a full body cavity search… then all bets are off again).
• Finding your gate (even I, with my expert navigational skills honed from years of dodging rogue luggage carts, occasionally get lost).
• Grabbing overpriced coffee (because caffeine is essential for surviving the indignity of airline pretzels).

My last flight? I strolled in at 75 minutes before takeoff, breezed through security – my impeccable packing skills are legendary, naturally – and was sipping my chamomile tea (I’m sophisticated, unlike you) at the gate. No drama. No stress. Pure zen. Except for that tiny incident with the screaming toddler. But that’s another story. And frankly, I don’t remember it too well. Probably repressed it.

Remember: punctuality is a virtue, but preemptive anxiety is a vice.

Things to consider:

• Peak travel times: Expect longer lines. Plan accordingly. Think of it as a more intense version of Black Friday.
• Airport size: Larger airports equal longer walks. My left knee still aches from my last trip through LAX.
• Your own efficiency: Are you the type who meticulously organizes your toiletries or are you more of a “throw everything in a bag” kind of person? That will affect your preparation time. If it’s the latter, well, I can’t really help you.