How early do you really need to arrive at the airport for international flights

Although passenger technology has improved in recent years, it still pays to get to the airport in plenty of time.

Find the sweet spot between no panic and unnecessary time at the airport. 

International flights

When travelling to an international destination, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne airports all suggest arriving three hours before the scheduled departure time. The flight's departure time is the key factor here but bear in mind that this suggestion from Sydney airport also includes "time to explore explore the airport" before you fly. We'd say allow at least two hours before departure time at the bare minimum.

Online check in

As you've no doubt already discovered, checking in online can save you time at the airport on domestic and international flights. Most domestic flights offer this but if you're on an international flight, the technology has not been rolled out across all airlines. On Emirates and Qantas, for example, you can check in online for an international flight. Online check in also means you get a boarding pass sent directly to your phone via sms or email. But be sure to be aware of your specific airline's online check in cut offs. With Qantas, for example, online check for an international flight is open from 24 hours until 30 minutes before the flight.

Getting to the airport early means more time in the lounge.

Baggage check in

If you're checking in bags, allow for additional time. Even when the process is automated you want to get to the airport with enough time to take in factors such as public transport delays and school holidays when the international terminal can be heaving.  On Qantas, bag drop closes 30 minutes before domestic flights and 90 minutes before international ones. With Virgin, it's 45 minutes for domestic flights and 90 for international and for Jetstar it's 40 minutes for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international.

Connecting flights

If you've got a connecting flight, you want to get to the airport at least two hours early. Why would you arrive at the airport with so much time to spare? This is to ensure your baggage will be checked through all the way to your destination and the best way to ensure this happens is by speaking to check in agent. Which means some sort of line.

If you're checking bags through on a connecting flight, allow enough to confirm its final destination with a gate agent.

Domestic flights

You also need to arrive early when travelling on a domestic flight but there are fewer processes to go through, most notably customs. Give yourself at least an hour before the scheduled departure time and be aware of any external factors - such as school holidays, public transport strikes and long weekends - that may add additional crowds.

Boarding gate times

Different airlines have different rules about the closing of boarding gates. But once that door is shut, it's shut. With Jetstar and Qantas as an example, the boarding gates close strictly 20 minutes before the flight.

Domestic and international flights

Regardless of whether you're flying international or domestic, there are several factors you need to consider beyond simply baggage and time of year. If you're flying business of first class, the check in lines are generally shorter. But if you're travelling in a group, it can take a while to get everyone checked in and to the gate.

Originally published as How early do you really need to arrive at the airport for international flights