Here’s exactly how much time you need at the airport prior to a flight

Deciding when to get to the airport for a flight is always a gamble.

What if there’s a delay? Will the security lines be long? What if it takes a while to check bags?

Airports and airlines tend to typically suggest arriving two hours before departure on domestic flights and three hours on international flights.

However, these standard guidelines don’t always apply — especially during the summer travel rush.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened a staggering 2.99 million passengers at airports across the country on Sunday, June 23 — the highest number in a single day. Since the agency said that seven of the top 10 busiest travel days ever have occurred in the past month, it’s more important now than ever to know how much time to allot for the airport.

Travel experts told the Wall Street Journal that there are certain factors that could allow a passenger to add or reduce the amount of time needed at the airport prior to a flight. They noted, however, that these are just rough estimates and not an exact science.

Baseline arrival: 90 minutes prior to flight

The baseline rule of thumb is to arrive at the airport 90 minutes before your departure time.

According to the TSA, about 99% of travelers spend just 30 minutes or less waiting in the standard screening lines at airport security checkpoints.

If you’re traveling with just a carry-on, a bare minimum 90-minute buffer before your flight is all that’s needed, including the amount of time it takes to walk to the gate.

Major airports: Add 20 minutes

If you’re flying out of a major airport, you’re going to want to plan to get there a little earlier.

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Jen Campbell Boles, founder of Explore More Family Travel, a North Carolina-based travel agency, told WSJ that the top factor for determining buffer time is the airport size.

With larger terminals and more people traveling through, it’s almost guaranteed that there will be longer lines as well as longer walks to the gate.

For example, at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, some gates are about a 15-minute walk from security.

Peak travel time: Add 30 minutes

Mornings and late afternoons are prime time at the airport, as well as on weekends.

Add about a half hour to your arrival time in order to account for long lines. And if you’re planning on getting food at the airport, expect to wait in line for that as well.

Checking bags or traveling with pet: Add 30-45 minutes

Even if you tag your bag on your own, it can take quite some time to check it.

There are multiple parts of the process that could potentially require you to spend time waiting, such as printing out luggage tags and lines to weigh bags and drop them off.

Many airlines also require bags to be checked 30 to 45 minutes prior to departure, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well.

Henley Vazquez, co-founder of the travel agency Fora, advised to budget even more time if you’re checking oversized or unusual items, such as skis or golf clubs. Pets also require more time, since most airlines have to approve your pet to fly, which requires assistance from an agent.

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Mobile boarding pass: Subtract 20 minutes

If you already have your mobile boarding pass, your preparation will save you about 20 minutes at the airport.

Be sure to check in for your flight before leaving for the airport and download your boarding pass (or print it at home) to skip any wait there may be for a check-in kiosk.

Most airlines allow you to check in 24 hours in advance.

International flights: Add 30 minutes

Traveling internationally is a longer process than traveling domestically: a valid passport and travel documents are required, deadlines for checked luggage are earlier, you have to wait for customs, and flights typically board earlier.

TSA Pre-Check or Clear: Subtract 20 minutes

According to a spokesperson for TSA, 99% of people with TSA PreCheck wait just 10 minutes or less to go through security.

This saves time on security itself since you don’t have to remove your shoes or remove electronics from your bag.

But not all airports have Clear or specific Pre-Check lanes, and some advisers warn that these services don’t save as much time as they once did since so many people have it these days.

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Young kids: Add 60 minutes

Small children tend to take up more time everywhere, but especially with air travel.

Having to go through separate metal detectors is a process in itself — and don’t forget to account for baby food, breast milk or formula in excess of liquid limits if necessary, since those need to be screened separately.

Wheelchair: Add 90 minutes

If you need to get a wheelchair to navigate the airport, it’s going to take a lot longer.

Lauren Doyle, president of the Travel Mechanic, a North Carolina-based agency, said, “You’re relying on someone else.”

Also be sure to reserve the wheelchair in advance with the airline.

Parking and rental cars: Add 20 minutes

Dealing with a rental car is never an easy feat — though travel advisers told the WSJ that it’s easier these days than it used to be.

However, the main issue these days is the distance between the rental agency and the terminal.

Caroline Quinn, a travel specialist with the luxury travel agency Black Tomato, said that the car drop-off could be far away at some airports.

If you’re parking on your own, be prepared to deal with crowded lots and garages. If possible, reserve your spot in advance or opt for a more remote or overflow lot.

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