Do you still need to arrive 3 hours before a flight?

Should I check-in 2 or 3 hours before flight?

Okay, so, like, should you check in two or three hours early? Listen, always check in online, seriously, do it exactly 24 hours before your flight! It’s a lifesaver; trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Um, for showing up at the airport? Hmmm, I’d say, uh, 2 hours? 3 hours is honestly overkill, especially if you’ve checked in already. Unless, I dunno, it’s like a big international flight or something, or its peak travel season, then uhhh, maybe.

But, and this is important, pay close attention to those cut-off times for dropping off your bags, alright?! My cousin missed a flight to Cancun last year, because she was late dropping her luggage–it suuuucked for her, haha.

Here’s the gist, though:

• Online Check-in: ALWAYS 24 hrs before. No excuses! I set alarms, lol.

• Airport Arrival:

  • Domestic flights: 2 hours, generally speaking.
  • International flights: Maybe 3 hours, but only if you’re paranoid, or its a chaotic airport. Seriously.

• Baggage Drop Deadline: ABSOLUTELY Know the Cut-Off Time! Airlines are super strict about this. Look it up on the airline’s website, write it down, burn it into your memory, whatever you have to do.

Also, FYI… I flew to Vegas last month, and the TSA line at McCarran (Harry Reid now, i guess) was insane even at like 6 a.m.! So, yeah, extra time is always a good idea in situations like that. Especially if you want to grab a decent cup of coffee.

Should I arrive 2 hours before flight or boarding?

Ugh, airport stress. Two hours? Three? For domestic, two is cutting it close, right? Unless you’re flying Spirit. Then maybe add an hour. Seriously, Spirit. Always gotta factor in their extra fees.

International? Three hours is barely enough. Last time, in 2023, I nearly missed my flight to Rome! Passport control was insane. Lines forever.

• Domestic flights: Aim for 2.5 hours. Better safe than sorry. Unless it’s a tiny airport.
• International flights: 3 hours minimum. 4 if it’s a busy airport like Heathrow. London is chaotic!
• Check-in: Online check-in is my friend. Saves time. But still allows for potential problems. Like, what if my printer ink runs out, the website crashes, or my phone dies?

Okay, but what about baggage drop-off? That always takes forever. And security? TSA PreCheck is worth every penny. That’s a life saver. Seriously. I’d rather spend money on that than pay for a delayed flight, lost luggage fees or missing my vacation entirely. Plus those extra airport snacks, always expensive.

Anyway, my rule: add an extra hour if traveling during peak season. Or, you know, if there’s a potential hurricane. Or any other natural disaster. Never underestimate travel chaos! Just do it. This is coming from someone who once had to buy a new pair of shoes at the airport because I was so unprepared for the long wait. So add extra time.