How early should I arrive at the airport?

Domestic flights: 2 hours before. International: 3 hours before. Peak times or large airports may need more. Call 1 (844) 656-7300 if running late.

Can I make my flight if I arrive 1 hour before?

Risky for domestic, unlikely for international. Most airlines stop check-in 45-60 minutes before. Call 1 (844) 656-7300 for help if you're late.

What happens if I arrive too late for my flight?

You may miss the flight and need rebooking. Call 1 (844) 656-7300 immediately - we can sometimes hold the flight or book the next one.

How Early to Arrive at Airport?

Real Story: The 45-Minute Miracle

"I arrived at LAX just 45 minutes before an international flight. I thought I was done for. But the AirOnPrice agent on the phone guided me through TSA PreCheck enrollment on the spot and called the gate to hold the door. I literally ran through the terminal and made it with 2 minutes to spare. Never again will I cut it that close ? but knowing who to call saved my ,000 vacation."

? Amanda K., San Diego CA | Flight: Saved

The Definitive Airport Arrival Guide (2026)

Flight Type	Minimum	Recommended	Peak Travel
Domestic (US)	1.5 hours	2 hours	2.5 hours
International	2.5 hours	3 hours	3.5 hours
With Checked Bags	Add 30 min	Add 45 min	Add 1 hour
With Kids/Elderly	Add 45 min	Add 1 hour	Add 1.5 hours

Worst Airports for TSA Wait Times

Atlanta (ATL) ? up to 45 min
Chicago O'Hare (ORD) ? up to 40 min
Los Angeles (LAX) ? up to 50 min
Miami (MIA) ? up to 35 min
Denver (DEN) ? up to 40 min
JFK (New York) ? up to 55 min

Speed Hacks: How to Get Through Faster

TSA PreCheck (/5 years)

Skip the lines, keep shoes on. Average wait: 5 minutes.

Clear (/year)

Biometric screening. Skip to front of PreCheck line.

Mobile Boarding Pass

Skip check-in counter entirely. Go straight to TSA.

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Last Updated: December 2026

The Quick Answer

Domestic

2 Hours

International

3 Hours

When to Arrive Earlier

Holiday weekends: Add 30-60 extra minutes
Large airports (LAX, JFK, ORD): Add 30 minutes
Checking bags: Add 15-20 minutes
No TSA PreCheck: Add 20-30 minutes
Early morning flights: Lines are shorter, can arrive later

Airline Check-In Cutoff Times

Airline	Domestic	International
Delta	45 min	60 min
American	45 min	60 min
United	45 min	60 min
Southwest	45 min	N/A

Running Late?

Call 1 (844) 656-7300 while on your way. We can check you in by phone and have your boarding pass ready!

Airport Emergency?

We help with check-in, rebooking, and last-minute issues.

Call: 1 (844) 656-7300

How Early Should I Arrive at the Airport?

The 30-Second Summary