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1.5 hours before takeoff especially at large airports
Do it your first couple of times and then you can have a better idea of how fast security typically is around that time. But yeah, 5:30 sounds typical for travel. I live in ATL and I’d wake up around 5:30-6 to get to the airport by 7:10 for my 8:10 flight
Make sure you at least get pre-check. Also get clear if you’re going to travel a lot (D will pay for it if you travel enough, or Amex platinum reimburses it).
Pre-check and clear lines are getting longer but still worth it. Gives you the flexibility to pick any lane to get through security as quickly as possible too
Take this for fwiw. No missed flights in over 10 yrs of travel
You work backwards. Optimize like an F1 pit crew
- Gate closes 15 mins prior to departure
- Security + getting to the gate takes 15-20 mins if you have precheck/clear at LGA.
So the right answer is no more than 40 mins before departure
Bonus pts
- pre-pandemic the avg consultant took ~83. 2 flights a year. If on average they spent 1 hr extra at the airport (based on recommended arrival time), they lost 3.5 days of their life in an airport. An entire week in a year if you added in delays
- similar math for checked bags. Add 1 hr per flight
- learn your aircraft and pack accordingly. Some people argue they board early because they need space for their bags. Never had the problem of not finding space
- when returning, book your uber as soon as you get out of the gate. Itll be there right when you get out. Incl. a quick pit stop at the restroom (used to take 20 mins during the lga construction years, but it's gotten better now)
- Delta > United > everyone else
Rising Star
Yes to all of these points. Also not missed a flight (except one where inbound was 3 hours late and missed connection, but not my fault).
Only other thing I’ll add is it’s not all about time optimisation. As you point out, either way, you spend a good amount of time on planes or at airports. So, figure out what makes it most enjoyable for you.
For me, I hate rushing and getting stressed in lines and I do enjoy relaxed time at airports. So I actually chose to go an hour or so earlier. No worrying about traffic etc or security lines. Then of course I’m there before boarding, so I spend the extra time in the lounge. I’ll grab some food and tea in the morning, sit by the window, and just enjoy life and breakfast for a bit while watching the sun rise and the planes go by. Extra time investment which turns something that’s a “have to do” into an enjoyable part of my week.
You need to be at gate 45 minutes before departure add 45 to 50 minutes for security / going to the departure gate.
Tip: If there is a dedicated international terminal and internally connected to domestic terminals then you can beat the rush (especially at Atlanta airport)
Thanks for the tip, hope I can travel there one day
Pro
At least 420 minutes
Nice
Please get global entry or at least tsa precheck! It saves SO MUCH time over the course of a project!
Get precheck
You're in nyc? Please get precheck. The lines are sometimes horrendous. It can take an hour plus on a bad day.
With precheck, I get to the airport under an hour and I'm through tsa less than 10 min.