Classic Goldilocks problem. I don't like being at the airport too early, nor do I like being too late.
For the last few years, I've managed to find the magical sweet spot. Here is the formula that I use, and I like this method, in particular, because it works backwards from the departure time through everything you'll encounter at the airport to figure out when to leave the house.
This technique is also great for figuring out how to time an airport pick-up ride. Boop!
In my mind, there's nothing worse than killing time at the terminal-no expensive airport sandwich, please-nor is it amazing drowning in anxiety at security figuring out if you'll make the flight.
Common knowledge dictates arriving at the airport two hours before departure for a domestic flight, and three hours before an international flight. This particular calculation revolves around the boarding time, since you can still technically miss a flight even if you arrive before the departure time.
(The departure time doesn't account for when the aircraft crew closes the plane door early, in which you're screwed. It has happened to me!)
This method does require checking in online beforehand, for those of you who don't like to check-in (who are you? Jeffrey, I'm calling you out!!).
Here are the mental calculations I use to figure out my departure time.
- Check in online.
- Find the boarding time (it is usually about an hour before departure time).
- Plan to be at the gate one hour before boarding time.
- I do not plan time for security, because I have CLEAR. Add 20 minutes otherwise.
- Figure out how much time it takes to get to the airport.
- Add 20 minutes as a buffer, for traffic and unforeseeable issues.
- Now you have the time for when you should actually leave for the airport.
There's also other things to consider, like if you have kids, a major travel holiday, and whether you're checking a bag. Add 20 minutes for each extenuating criteria, but we're going to assume it's nice and seamless as possible.
There you have it!
