How long before departure should you be at the airport? Tips for stress-free travel
Your next trip or long-awaited vacation is coming up and you're wondering again: When should I actually be at the airport? There's hardly anything as stressful as rushing through security at the last minute and just making it to boarding. At the same time, you don't want to sit in the departure hall for hours waiting for your flight. The ideal time to arrive at the airport depends on various factors such as destination, travel time, airline, and airport. In this post, we'll explain what you should consider when planning your time for a flight and give you practical tips so your next flight can start relaxed!
How long before departure do I need to be at which airport?
An important aspect of the ideal arrival time is the airport: Is it a large or a small airport? How much time do the processes at the respective airport take? While small airports are often faster and more straightforward, at large airports you often have to deal with long distances and waiting times at security checks or machines.
Here you will find an overview of the most important German airports and the recommended arrival time. However, always check with your airline shortly before your trip when the counters and machines for passengers open, so you arrive at the airport on time.
How long before departure should you be at Frankfurt Airport?
Frankfurt Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in Germany. To save time, you should use the Online Check-in for your trip. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 2 hours beforehand. If it's an international flight or you have luggage to check in, you should plan for 2.5 hours in advance.
How long before departure should you be at Munich Airport?
As another major hub in Germany, Munich Airport also requires that you be there about 3 hours in advance for international flights, especially during peak times. For domestic flights, 1.5–2 hours are sufficient.
How long before departure should you be at Dusseldorf Airport?
From business trips to long-haul flights to short trips – Dusseldorf Airport is an important hub for many travelers. With an online check-in, 2 hours beforehand are sufficient, while for international trips and/or with luggage check-in, you should plan for 2.5 hours.
How long before departure should you be at Hamburg Airport?
Hamburg Airport is also one of the largest airports in Germany. Depending on the destination, the recommended arrival time here is between 2–3 hours beforehand. If it's holiday or vacation time, you should also consider this in your timing.
How long before departure should you be at Berlin Airport?
At Berlin airport, there can be delays during peak times, for example at security checks. Therefore, plan approximately 2–2.5 hours for international flights.
To arrive at the airport on time, you should also consider how long the journey to the airport takes. This includes driving or taking the train, parking, and walking to the terminal.
Domestic flight: When should I be at the airport?
As a rule, it suffices to be at the airport about 1.5 hours before departure for domestic flights. This time frame allows you to check in your luggage, go through security, and reach your gate calmly. If you are traveling with only hand luggage or without any luggage and were able to check in online, an arrival time of about 1 hour beforehand is sufficient – provided there are no long queues or other delays. Waiting times at security checks can also be tracked in apps offered by some airlines and airports.
International flight: When should I be at the airport?
For international flights, your arrival time at the airport also depends on whether you are traveling within or outside the EU. If you are moving within the EU space, you should be at the airport about 2 hours before departure. This leaves enough time for luggage check-in, security checks, and boarding. For destinations outside the EU, 2–3 hours are recommended, as passports or visas may need to be checked and some flights, e.g., to the USA, have many security measures.
If you want to save time on your trip, some airlines offer the possibility of evening-before check-in at certain airports. With the evening-before check-in, you can check in your luggage and yourself the evening before your trip.
Arrival time at the airport by airline
The recommended arrival time at the airport can also vary depending on the airline, as different airlines have their own check-in and boarding processes. Some offer fast check-in options or shorter closing times at the counter, while others require longer lead times. The following information on arrival times are merely recommendations and not guaranteed. Therefore, research the exact requirements on the website of the respective airline shortly before your trip and follow the instructions of the airline.
Condor: How long before departure should I be at the airport?
The airline recommends being at the airport 2 hours before departure. For trips to the USA or Canada, 3 hours in advance are to be planned. Condor offers both an online check-in and check-in at the airport.
Eurowings: How long before departure should I be there?
Ryanair: How long before departure to be there
Please note that airport check-in with some airlines and for certain booked fares may involve additional costs and therefore online check-in is preferable.
Tips for a relaxed departure: How to save time and nerves!
With these simple tips, your next flight will be stress-free:
Use online check-in:
Many airlines offer an online check-in that is often available one or more days before your departure time. This allows you to comfortably print out your boarding pass at home or retrieve it on your smartphone, avoiding long waiting times at the check-in counter.
Keep important documents handy:
Important travel documents such as your passport, boarding pass, booking confirmation, and visas – if required – should be readily available. A separate case or a travel organizer can help avoid long searches.
Allow plenty of time for the journey:
Research the best route to the airport in advance and plan for possible delays such as traffic jams or train delays. Especially at large airports or during holiday seasons, it's better to plan a little extra time to arrive relaxed and catch your plane on time.
Pay attention to the hand luggage regulations:
If you're traveling with hand luggage, you should adhere to the respective guidelines of the airline regarding, for example, suitcase size or transportation of liquids. This way, you'll get through security checks without any problems.
