Why do airports want you to arrive 2 hours early?
  • 20 Jun, 2024
  • Travel tips
  • Travomint

Why do airports want you to arrive 2 hours early?

When you have made the flight bookings to travel with your family and friends and have now started preparing for the journey, such as mainly the boarding process, check-in, baggage, and other things. When you were collecting all these details, you must have heard instructions from the airport that you should arrive at the airport at least two to three hours prior to the scheduled flight. Once you are well informed about all the rules and regulations, going through the journey becomes a lot easier. It is necessary for you to follow all the instructions given by the airport, such as arriving at the airport on time. You have to go through many checkpoints and complete several formalities that are time taken. To avoid all the inconveniences and troubles, you need to go through the process comfortably. 

Is it really necessary to get to the airport 2 hours early?

It is definitely extremely important to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before the domestic and 3 hours prior to the international flight. Before you board the flight, you have to go through some checkpoints and the check-in process, which includes the documentation, baggage check-in, and other formalities. This will take time, and if the airport authorities find any prohibited items in your bags, then it may take a while. To avoid all these situations, you should reach the airport on time according to the flight. If you face any troubles or issues during the process, contact customer support at the airport so they can provide instant solutions to make the journey comfortable. 

Is it okay to arrive 2 hours before flight?

Even if you are late for the flight and you have an international flight scheduled, then the least you can arrive at the airport is at least one to two hours before the flight. However, the same instructions for domestic flights are 45 minutes to 1 hour, and if you get a lot more than that, you might have to miss the flight. Make sure you contact the customer support executives of the airport and inform them about your delay so they can manage things accordingly and let you know what things can be done to make the process quick. 

What is the 2 hour flight rule?

Most Airlines and Airports have this 2-hour rule where if the flight is delayed for more than 2 hours, then the airline will provide compensation. They will either book you on another scheduled flight, provide complimentary refreshments and drinks, a seat upgrade, or any other services that will make the journey comfortable for you. They can give you miles and coupons as well, which can be used to get a flight booking with the airline or any facilities at the airport. Once you avail facilities at the airport, the boarding process becomes easy and quick for you. 

What services does Airport provide?

There are a number of services that can be acquired when you are at the airport. These facilities are mainly available to make the journey and the time spent at the airport comfortable for you. These services include parking areas, ATMs, baby strollers, helpdesk, etc.; some other services have been listed below so you can easily access them at the airport to make the journey pleasant:

  • Restaurant and Lounges - The lounges and restaurants can be used while waiting for the flight with the delicious food and ambiance. 
  • Baggage Services - Your bags will be tied, tagged, and transported safely to the destination with the baggage department's help. 
  • Currency Exchange - During the International flight, exchanging currency is necessary, and it can be done at the airport. 
  • Children’s Play Area -  Traveling with kids is not a small job; you have to keep manage things for them. At the airport, they have children's play areas where you can put the babies. 
  • Language Assistance - If you have language issues at the airport, you can ask for language assistance. 
  • Baggage Carts - You do not have to handle everything all alone, such as the bags. The airport provides free baggage cart services, and you can get them at the entry gates.
  • Medical Center - If you need medical care because of the previous health conditions or suddenly not feeling well, you can get the medical facilities at the Airport by contacting the customer support.