How Early Should You Arrive at the Airport?

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Getting to the airport on time sounds simple enough, but deciding exactly when to arrive can be surprisingly difficult. Two hours before departure might be plenty for one trip and cutting it close for another. The right timing depends on where you’re flying, whether you’re checking luggage and how busy the airport is likely to be.

For a domestic flight within New Zealand, you generally won’t need the same amount of time as you would for an international departure. If you’re travelling during school holidays, around Christmas or at another particularly busy period, however, allowing extra time can make the experience considerably less stressful.

Think about everything that has to happen after you walk through the terminal doors. You may need to find the check-in desk, drop off a suitcase, go through security, locate your gate and perhaps stop for a coffee or something to eat. A few unexpected delays can quickly turn a comfortable schedule into a rushed one.

Your luggage can also make a difference. Travelling with only carry-on bags means you can usually skip the baggage drop and move through the airport more quickly. If you’re checking a suitcase, make sure you know the airline’s baggage-drop cut-off time rather than assuming you can arrive whenever you like.

It’s worth checking the airport and airline information before leaving home, particularly if you haven’t flown for a while. Terminal arrangements, check-in procedures and security requirements can change, and some airlines recommend different arrival times.

There’s also nothing wrong with giving yourself a little breathing room. Arriving early enough to sit down, use the bathroom and have a drink before boarding is often preferable to racing through the terminal while watching the departure board.

The goal is to leave enough margin for the things you can’t control. A little extra time at the beginning of a journey can make the rest of the holiday feel much more relaxed.