A calm walk to the gate starts with the right time buffer. Get there too early and you'll be tired of waiting; too late and you risk missing the flight. Below are practical benchmarks for domestic and international departures, without the rush.
In short: arrive 1.5–2 hours early for domestic flights and 2.5–3 hours for international ones. Keep in mind that check-in and bag-drop desks close ahead of time, and boarding usually ends around 20 minutes before departure. Your exact flight time and terminal are in My Bookings.
01 / BenchmarksHow early to arrive
These are baseline benchmarks for an ordinary day. They allow for desk queues, security and the walk to the gate. In high season, on holidays and at large hubs, allow more time.
02 / Cut-offsWhen everything closes
The main cause of missed flights isn't departure itself but the deadlines before it. Check-in and bag drop close earlier than you'd expect, and staff usually can't make exceptions. Here are typical figures:
- Check-in and bag drop — usually close 40–60 minutes before departure.
- Boarding gate — boarding typically ends 20–25 minutes before departure.
- The exact times are printed on your boarding pass and depend on the airline and the airport.
03 / When to add timeWhat adds time
Add a buffer to the baseline benchmarks when several of the factors below overlap. Better to spend an extra half hour airside than to sprint to the gate.
- High season and holidays — long queues at security.
- Large hubs and big terminals — distant gates can take 15–20 minutes to reach.
- International departure — passport control and sometimes a tax-free refund.
- Special baggage — sports gear, musical instruments and oversized items need separate handling.
- Travelling with children or with a passenger who needs assistance.
04 / Day-of planHow to time your arrival
Confirm departure and terminal
Open My Bookings and check your departure time, terminal and flight number the day before.
Pick your benchmark
Domestic — 1.5–2 hours; international — 2.5–3 hours. With carry-on only you can plan for less.
Add buffer for risk factors
High season, a large hub, special baggage or travelling with children — add 30–60 minutes.
Account for the journey
Allow for traffic and parking — this is separate from your time inside the airport.
Check in online
Check in ahead to save time at the desks — especially if you're flying without checked bags.
05 / FAQFrequent questions
How early should I arrive for a domestic flight?
Usually 1.5–2 hours before departure. With carry-on only and online check-in done, an hour to ninety minutes is generally enough.
And for an international flight?
Plan for 2.5–3 hours: passport control and earlier cut-offs come into play. In high season and at large hubs, allow more.
Can I arrive at the last minute?
We don't recommend it. Check-in and bag drop close 40–60 minutes, and boarding 20–25 minutes, before departure. Passengers who miss the desk cut-off are usually turned away.
Where can I find my terminal and flight time?
In My Bookings. If anything is missing, message @sales_travel_bot or call 8 800 1000-646.