How early should I get to the airport if I checked in online?

Online Check-In: How Early Should You Arrive at the Airport?

Online check-in is a fantastic tool for streamlining your travel experience, allowing you to skip the often-lengthy lines at the airport counter. However, simply checking in online doesn’t eliminate the need for planning your airport arrival time. The optimal arrival time depends heavily on two key factors: whether you’re checking bags and your TSA PreCheck status.

For Passengers Checking Bags and Without TSA PreCheck:

If you’re checking luggage and don’t have TSA PreCheck, we strongly recommend arriving at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. This buffer accounts for several potential delays:

• Baggage Drop-off: Even with online check-in, you’ll still need to drop off your checked bags. Lines at baggage drop can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day and the airport’s overall activity. Allowing ample time here is crucial.
• Security Checkpoint: Security lines can be unpredictable. Without TSA PreCheck, you’ll likely encounter longer wait times. Unexpected delays due to passenger volume or equipment malfunctions can further extend this process.
• Navigating the Airport: Finding your gate, particularly in a large airport, can take some time. Factor in potential walking distance and potential wayfinding challenges.

For Passengers Without Bags and With TSA PreCheck:

For travelers who have already checked their bags (or are traveling carry-on only) and possess TSA PreCheck, you can significantly reduce your airport arrival time. An hour before departure is typically sufficient. This is because:

• TSA PreCheck Expedites Security: PreCheck lines are generally much shorter and faster than standard security lines, dramatically reducing your wait time.
• No Baggage Drop-off: Without checked bags, you can bypass the baggage drop-off process entirely.

For Passengers With Bags and TSA PreCheck:

This scenario falls somewhere in between. While TSA PreCheck will speed up security, you’ll still need to drop off your checked baggage. In this case, allowing one and a half to two hours before your flight is a reasonable timeframe. This gives you ample time for baggage drop-off and even allows for some buffer in case the PreCheck line is unexpectedly longer than usual.

In Summary:

Online check-in is a valuable time-saver, but it shouldn’t be considered a magic bullet for eliminating airport wait times entirely. Always factor in your baggage situation and TSA PreCheck status when determining your optimal airport arrival time. While an hour might be sufficient for some, others may need two hours or more to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience. It’s always better to arrive early and relax than to rush and risk missing your flight.