Flying out of JFK Airport and wondering at what time you should get to JFK Airport for an international flight? Let’s take a look.
Seasoned travelers and first-time flyers can be equally perplexed when the ideal time is to arrive at JFK before an international flight. Here’s the thing. If you arrive too late, you might miss your flight. And if you arrive too early, you will have way too much time to kill and be left wondering what there is to do at JFK Airport.
The Best Time to Arrive at JFK for Your Flight
Many factors affect this, including the weather, your flight schedule, and JFK parking space availability. It would be best to consider all of these when planning your arrival. This way, you’ll be following the airline’s instructions and will be aware of any delays or cancellations.
How Early Should I Get To JFK for an International Flight?
If you need to catch an international flight from JFK, you must arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight. If you want to be extra careful, plan to arrive four hours before your flight departs. You don’t want to miss a trip, especially one that will take you to another country.
When flying out of the country, the check-in process can be a bit more complex, and you can expect longer queues at customs. That’s why most airlines recommend you reach JFK at least three hours before an international flight. Always check with the airlines in advance to know about the recommended arrival times.
Remember that JFK is a very busy airport. Therefore, you should arrive early enough to avoid any delays caused by public transport or heavy traffic along the way. And, because you never know what will happen along the way, you must plan ahead of time and allow for unanticipated events. You don’t want to miss an international flight because of a minor oversight!
How Early Should I Get To JFK for a Domestic Flight?
If you are flying somewhere within the United States, we recommend that you arrive at least two hours in advance. Even if it is within the country, you’ll still need to allow adequate time for check-in and luggage processing. You don’t want to end up short of time, which is why you should arrive two hours before the scheduled flight departure time.
Do I Really Need to Get To the Airport 2 Hours Early?
Yes, you must. Even if you aren’t checking luggage, most airlines need you to be at the airport at least an hour before your departure time. This ensures that you have enough time to complete all the necessary security and ticket checks. If you’re checking luggage, you must allow time for that, too. That’s why you need to get to the airport at least two hours early.
How Much Earlier Should I Be at the Airport for an International Flight?
We recommend that you get to the airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure time for international flights. Confirm whether there are any travel restrictions for your trip. If your destination requires them, make sure you bring a completed copy of any required travel documents to the airport.
Why do you have to be at the airport 3 hours early for international flights?
Before boarding their flights, international travelers need to go through a few more steps than domestic travelers. You’ll need to go through immigration and visa/passport and the usual security checks and screening. Also, when traveling abroad, you’re more likely to travel with more than just a carry-on bag. This means the luggage drop-off line can extend your time at the airport.
More Questions Answered
How early can you check in luggage at JFK?
How long is security check-in at JFK?
How long does it take to clear US customs at JFK?
Do I have to go through security again for a connecting flight at JFK?
What terminal at JFK is for international flights?
Renée Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on road and air travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make driving and trip planning easier and budget-friendly for everyday travelers.
