What time does the airport arrive for my domestic or international flight?

Do you want to know how long in advance you have to get to the airport for your flight? Here are our practical tips to avoid anxiety!

Before we go on a trip, we all go through a little worrying phase. Whether it’s the fear of taking the plane, or the fear of missing its flight, all the reasons are good to prepare to the maximum. Indeed, it is better to prevent than cure, as the proverb says. However, there is no less that many travellers miss their flight, or are surprised by an unexpected. This could be due to a traffic cap or a waiting time too long to the customs. Don't be afraid! Thanks to our full guide, you will know when to arrive at the airport for your flight by avoiding these pitfalls.

Check-in time at the recommended airport

Airlines generally recommend arriving at the airport at least two hours in advance For a domestic flight. So you'll have time to drop your luggage and pass security without any pressure.

For international flights, it is best to arrive at the airport three hours in advance . Indeed, you have to allocate a little more time to cross immigration controls. For example, if you travel to Vietnam more than fifteen days, a Vietnamese visa will be requested before you leave. Checks for this take time, especially because of the queues, so think about that.

En route to the airport

Imagine that you’re on your way and that you have an hour left before your flight leaves. You almost arrived at the airport, but suddenly, you have to make a detour. Or worse, you're caught in a jam!

It is recommended to provide for at least one period 30 minutes more for your travel time to the airport. It is never safe from an unforeseen vehicle or public transport. Therefore, if you have an hour drive to the airport, then count 1:30 or 2:00 For the trip, rather. Go ahead, it could save you your vacation.

Registration of tickets and baggage

We often wonder what the length of baggage check-in is. Also called the “check-in”, the check-in of tickets and baggage is the first phase of your trip. In fact, you only have to go to your airline counter to present your passport. If you bought your tickets online, we'll give you a hard copy of them.

Once this is done, you will be asked to check your baggage and if you want to bring a carry-on to the plane. Count about one 30 minutes to pass through this stage, especially for an international flight. Nevertheless, please note that the queue to record your baggage may sometimes be long. So in that case, plan more time for this process, especially if you arrive an hour before your flight.

In addition, experience, here is one small advice : arrive directly at the opening of the windows. Thus, you should spend in less than five or ten minutes, in most cases.

Security transition

After your recording, you'll have to pass security detectors. In addition, all hand luggage will be passed X-rays . For international travel, you may be asked some questions about the intentions of the trip or what you are transporting. This can happen to everyone, even if nothing suspicious is seen, then relax.

The transition to security is generally not longer than a 15 minutes . However, it depends on the airport and the number of security stations that are open. If you have electronic devices, it will take a little time to remove them from the bag before X-rays.

Embarkation

Finally, after all this, it has now come time to board the plane. Here, it is important to know the hours of end of boarding. These oscillate on average between fifteen and twenty minutes before departure. In other words, if by bad luck you arrive late, you will not be able to ride on the plane. That is why arriving early at the airport is essential.

As soon as you complete the check-in and pass the security, we recommend you head to your boarding area. Don't waste too much time with the shops on your way. Using the various indicator panels, you can find your area without worry. However, if you have any doubts, ask an employee of the aid airport. Once close to the boarding area, then you can shop nearby to spend time.

Other factors

You've prepared everything and you're sure of it, but still have a doubt in your mind? It is true that taking his flight is also a matter of adjustment and good timing. Here are the few other factors that could play against you before arriving and entering the airport.

Airport parking

Are you taking your car to the airport? So don’t forget to consider the time it takes you to find a parking space. To make your life easier, it is possible to book your car park online at the airport. Otherwise, count about 20 minutes to be sure, although it depends on the size of the airport.

The period of the year

It is well known, the holiday season or summer holidays are perfect excuses for a trip. Therefore, airports can become very busy during these periods. It will often take proof of patience at the counters of an international flight during the summer holidays, for example. Again, for this case, think to go to the counters at their opening . You'll waste less time waiting.

Flight time

The departure of an international flight, due to the time lag, could be in the middle of the night. And it could sometimes play in your favor. Depending on the time of your next domestic or international flight, the airport could be more or less busy. In fact, you may expect more if your plane takes off during the most frequented hours. Another criterion to be taken into account.

Customs

Airport security laws and procedures may vary from country to country. It’s better to plan extra time to go to customs when you’re abroad. Generally, have at least 30 additional minutes.

In conclusion, you now know when to arrive at the airport for your flight, that is to say, less than two to three hours in advance. Also, a small research on visas, in addition to a good preparation, will save you headaches. On this, we wish you a good flight!