Airport arrival times tend to be a heated debate amongst high-strung travelers. Many people go with the rationale that they would rather just get there early so that they don’t have to worry about missing their flight. If that is your preference, then go for it.
Generally, I believe that if you have never missed a flight, you spend too much time in airports. You can probably tell by now; I am a big proponent of maximizing my time. If you know how to navigate airports, take advantage of various tools, apps, and prescreening memberships (Pre-check, Clear, Global Entry), you can time your arrival with a very high degree of certainty, and greatly minimize any risk.
Early Arrival vs. Just-in-Time
With that said, I am not proposing that you time your arrival so that you make it to the gate right at boarding. I see airport arrival time as a case-by-case decision. There are many times when early arrival is preferred. Some examples are:
- To have a meal
- Do some shopping
- Visit a lounge
- Try to go standby on an earlier flight
- Stay ahead of traffic patterns
Domestic vs. International Flights
Generally, if I am flying out of a US airport and I am not looking to do any of the aforementioned activities, I aim to arrive an hour before my departure. Keep in mind that assumes that I have my boarding pass electronically, am not checking bags, and that there are TSA Pre-Check/Clear lanes at the airport. I will arrive earlier for flights that depart from foreign countries, as the priority security access is no longer a factor and timing is more unpredictable.
Case Study: Barbados Incident
Arriving at the airport early for the lounge in this instance turned out to be extremely fortunate. As I went through security at BGI, I realized I had left my iPad at the hotel. As I mentioned earlier, travel brings about unexpected situations that you need to be able to navigate so having a laid-back attitude is necessary.
After freaking out in my head for about 20 seconds, I got over the initial shock, collected my things, and left the secure area. I knew that with the hotel about 30 minutes away and my flight 2 hours away, I would be able to pull this off. However, I tried calling the hotel but could not manage to get through, probably because my cellular service was not great. Consequently, I got on the Wi-Fi and jumped on the Marriott app where I knew I would be able to use their messaging to chat with the hotel.
Thankfully, this property was responsive on the chat function, as many are not. They found my iPad and charger in the room and sent it in a taxi to the airport. I arranged the payment and meet-up logistics, all through the app, and about 45 minutes later, I had my iPad which I am typing on now from my Inter-Caribbean flight to Antigua. Best of all, I still had time to have lunch in the Priority Pass lounge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, airport arrival times can vary based on personal preferences and situational factors. By understanding how to navigate the airport efficiently and taking advantage of available tools and services, you can maximize your time and minimize stress. Whether you prefer to arrive early or cut it close, being prepared and adaptable is key to a smooth travel experience.
