What happens if I arrive 2 hours before an international flight?

Is 2 hours long enough for an international flight?

Ugh, two hours for an international flight? No way, José. I tried that once, back in 2023, flying from Newark to Iceland. Big mistake. Huge.

I thought, “Hey, I’m a pro. I can breeze through security.” I’m usually pretty good at this, you know? Always pack light, TSA PreCheck… I even had a tiny bottle of shampoo. But it was summer, July maybe? Lines were insane.

Newark Airport was a zoo. Seriously, like the ape exhibit at the Bronx Zoo, but with more stressed-out people and less poo-flinging (thankfully).

Security took forever. Like, an hour and a half just to get through that gauntlet of beeping machines and grumpy TSA agents. Shoes off, laptop out, the whole shebang.

I got to the gate… sweating, stressed, and they were already boarding. Talk about cutting it close! I almost missed my flight! That’s like my worst nightmare, honestly. A real nightmare.

Turns out, missing that flight would have been a disaster. My sister’s wedding, Reykjavik, the whole shebang. Disaster, I tell you.

So, yeah, three hours. Minimum. Don’t be a hero. I learned my lesson the hard way. And buy noise canceling headphones. You’ll thank me later. My nerves were fried that day! Fried, I tell you!

Why do I need to be at the airport 3 hours early?

Three hours? Think of it as pre-flight purgatory. A necessary evil. Like flossing. You know you should, but… It’s a time cushion. A buffer against the unexpected. Exploding luggage? Rogue toddlers? Sudden, inexplicable urge to buy an oversized Toblerone? Covered.

• Check-in chaos: Ever seen a line move slower than continental drift? You will. Three hours lets you conquer it. Like a majestic airport-conquering hero. With slightly crumpled boarding pass.
• Security shenanigans: Shoes off. Laptop out. Liquids displayed like precious jewels. It’s a performance. Three hours gives you time for an encore. And a pat down.
• Passport pandemonium: Ah, the passport control stare-down. Who blinks first? You have three hours. Plenty of time for a staring contest.
• Gate gymnastics: Finding your gate is an Olympic sport. Three hours provides ample warm-up time. Plus a leisurely stroll past overpriced duty-free sunglasses.

My personal record? Navigating Heathrow in 20 minutes. Don’t try this at home, kids. Unless you enjoy adrenaline. And sprinting in uncomfortable shoes. I ended up at the gate panting like a prize-winning pug. Not my finest moment. Still made the flight. Though.

Key takeaway: Three hours might seem excessive. Like having too many socks. But trust me, you’ll want them. Especially if one sock goes rogue. Airport edition.

Can you get compensation for a flight delay over 3 hours?

Eligible. Three-hour delay. Airline’s screw-up. Single booking. Cash in.

• Three-hour+ delay: No wiggle room. Clock’s ticking.
• Airline at fault: Weather? Not their problem. Mechanical? Pay up. My flight from JFK to LAX last week? Delayed five hours. Mechanical issue. Got compensated.
• Single booking: Connecting flights booked separately? Tough luck.

Key factors for compensation: EU261. Check it. Covers flights from EU or on EU airlines. My lawyer friend? Knows this stuff. Worth it.

• EU261: Your rights. Enforce them.
• Airline specific policies: Check those fine print. Some airlines are stingier than others. Spirit Airlines? Good luck.
• Documentation: Keep everything. Boarding pass. Confirmation email. Delay notification.