How early do you arrive at the airport?
Negotiating airports can be stressful for international travellers. Check-in queues, security screening and passport control can all lead to anxiety as your flight’s departure time draws nearer.
David Beneke from RAA Travel Product Support suggests arriving at the airport three hours prior to departure, or when your flight’s check-in opens.
“This not only allows for any unforeseen traffic delays on the way to the airport, but also provides adequate time to resolve any unexpected documentation or booking issues,” David says.
“This is particularly important given the ever-changing entry requirements for international destinations.”
Online check-in can speed up the process, but passengers can’t do much about queues at security and passport control. Though, the departure SmartGates installed at most Australian international airports have sped up document checking.
Keep in mind, check-in closing times can range from 60 to 120 minutes depending on the airline and the flight, and departure gate closing times vary between airports and airlines.
Airports like Singapore’s Changi and Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur International Airport conduct security screening at the departure gates, so be sure to arrive at the gate before security shuts shop.