How long before departure should you be at the airport? Tips for stress-free travel
Your next trip or the long-awaited vacation is coming up, and you are wondering again: When should I actually be at the airport? Few things are as stressful as rushing through security at the last minute and barely making it to boarding on time. At the same time, you also don't want to sit in the departure hall for hours waiting for your flight. The ideal arrival time at the airport depends on various factors such as destination, travel time, airline, and airport. In this article, we explain what you should consider when planning your time for a flight and give you practical tips so that 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 quicker and more straightforward, at large airports you often have to expect long distances and waiting times at security or at machines.
Here you will find an overview of the most important German airports and the recommended arrival times. However, always check with your airline shortly before your trip when 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 online check-in for your trip. For a domestic flight, it is advisable to arrive 2 hours beforehand. If it is an international flight or if you have to check in luggage, you should plan 2.5 hours in advance.
How long before departure should you be at Munich Airport?
Munich Airport is also considered another major hub in Germany. Here too, for international flights, you should be on-site about 3 hours in advance, especially during peak times. For domestic flights, 1.5–2 hours is sufficient.
How long before departure should you be at Düsseldorf Airport?
From business trips to long-haul flights to short trips – Düsseldorf Airport is an important hub for many travelers. With online check-in, 2 hours in advance is sufficient, while for international travel and/or with luggage check-in, you should plan 2.5 hours in advance.
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 in advance. If it is vacation or holiday time, you should also consider this in your time planning.
How long before departure should you be at Berlin Airport?
At Berlin Airport, there may be delays at peak times, for example, at the security check. Therefore, plan to arrive about 2–2.5 hours before international flights.
To arrive at the airport on time, you should also consider how long the drive to the airport takes. This includes the car or train ride, parking, and walking to the terminal.
Domestic flight: When should I be at the airport?
Generally, it is sufficient 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, arriving about 1 hour beforehand is sufficient, provided there are no long queues or other delays. You can also track waiting times at security checks 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 traveling within the EU, you should be at the airport about 2 hours before departure. This allows enough time for luggage check-in, security checks, and boarding. For destinations outside the EU, 2–3 hours is recommended, as passport or visa checks may need to be conducted, and there are many security measures for some flights, such as to the USA.
If you want to save time on your trip, some airlines at certain airports offer the option of evening check-in. With evening check-in, you can check in your luggage and complete the check-in process the night before your trip.
Arrival time at the airport by airline
The recommended arrival time at the airport may also vary by 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 is merely recommendations and without guarantee. Therefore, research the exact requirements on the website of the respective airline shortly before your trip and follow the airline's guidelines.
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, plan for 3 hours in advance. Condor offers both online check-in and check-in at the airport.
Eurowings: How long before departure should I be there?
Ryanair: How long to be at the airport before departure
Please note that check-in at the airport with some airlines and certain booked fares is associated with additional costs and therefore online check-in is preferred.
Tips for a relaxed departure: Save time and nerves!
With these simple tips, your next flight will be stress-free:
Use online check-in:
Many airlines offer online check-in, which is often available one or more days before your departure time. This allows you to conveniently print your boarding pass at home or retrieve it on your smartphone, avoiding long waits at the check-in counter.
Keep important documents ready:
Important travel documents such as passport, boarding pass, booking confirmation, and visa – if required – should be readily available. A separate case or travel organizer can help avoid long searches.
Plan enough time for your journey:
Research the best route to the airport in advance and account for possible delays such as traffic jams or train delays. Especially at large airports or during holiday times, it's better to plan a little extra time to arrive relaxed and reach your plane on time.
Pay attention to hand luggage regulations:
If you are traveling only with hand luggage, you should adhere to the relevant guidelines of the airline regarding, for example, suitcase size or the transport of liquids. This way, you can get through security without any problems.
