Why do I have to be at the airport 3 hours early?

Both United and American Airlines require travelers to check in at least 60 minutes before most international flights. Another reason to leave three (or more) hours before your international flight: Just because you’re running late, doesn’t mean you can skip to the front of the security line.

Why should you arrive early to the airport?

Not only will it save you some precious time, you’re also less likely to be bumped off the flight (of course, should that happen, you might get overbooking compensation). There’s also the fact that some specific routes require an earlier arrival at the gate, as do certain destinations and airports.

How early should I be at the airport for a 6AM flight?

If you book a 6AM domestic flight, for example, you’ll need to arrive at the airport by 4AM. Depending on how far you live from the airport, this could mean getting on the road around 3AM or 3:30AM; traffic should be minimal at this time, as should check-in and security lines.

How early should you get to the airport before an international flight?

For many, the notion of arriving at the airport 3 hours before an international flight is one airline commandment that can’t be broken – except that even most airlines don’t recommend you get to the airport that early. Where Does The 3 Hour Rule Come From Anyway?

What is the 3 hour rule for getting to the airport?

The 3 hour rule may have been practical for most flights in a time when all bags were routinely opened for searches, passports couldn’t be scanned electronically, ticket records weren’t computerized; but not so much now. The sweet spot for getting to the airport before an international flight is actually two hours before scheduled take off.

How do Airlines determine checked bag time recommendations?

Again, the airlines base their recommendations according to the amount of time it takes for a checked bag to get from the check-in counter to the gate – which is roughly equal to the amount of time it takes the passenger to get to the gate.

Is the 3 hour rule for baggage search still relevant?

( As most experienced ramp agents will tell you .) The 3 hour rule may have been practical for most flights in a time when all bags were routinely opened for searches, passports couldn’t be scanned electronically, ticket records weren’t computerized; but not so much now.