There seems to be two different schools of thought when it comes to how early you should arrive to the airport before a flight. On one hand, there is the extreme dad stereotype of getting there no fewer than five hours early while maintaining a tight grip on the family's passports. And then there are those who seem to always make it just by the skin of their teeth.
However, not surprisingly, the correct answer of when you should get to the airport is somewhere in the middle, according to international flight attendant Yana Biryukova, who shares travel tips and tricks to her popular TikTok account.
Earlier this month, as travelers began gearing up for the holidays, Biryukova shared arguably the most important tip to ensure that you make your flight while staying as stress-free as possible.
"I'm an international flight attendant and here's a holiday tip for you. People always ask me, 'How early should I arrive to the airport before my flight?'" she explained in the short video, before delivering some bad news for the chronically tardy: "Honestly, if you want to avoid last-minute stress, you should arrive to the airport very early."
Biryukova says that if you're traveling domestically—or in other words, within your own country—you should show up at the airport two to three hours early. However, when flying internationally, she says you should allow yourself three to four hours.
"Giving yourself extra time will help you stay relaxed and ready for your flight," she concluded, adding a "safe travels" for those flying this holiday season.
But for those who abhor the thought of arriving to the airport two hours or more before a flight, there is some good news. Most airlines offer day passes to airport lounges for under $75, so you can relax in style without racking up a potentially costly tab at a terminal bar or restaurant. You may just find yourself wanting to arrive even before Biryukova suggests!
@itsyanachka Arriving to the airport early this holiday season means less stress, more time to relax, and a smoother journey! How early do you plan to arrive for your flight? #HolidayTravel #TravelTips #AirportHacks
♬ champagne - G Sounds
