How early to get to JFK?

Check our websites, JFK, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty, to get a sense of current wait times but always allow plenty of time for the security screening. It is recommended that you arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international travel but also check with your airline.



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Leave Plenty of Time. Arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international travel. Allow as much time as possible for arriving at the airport, checking in (especially for checked luggage), and clearing security.

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For international travel, many carriers suggest arriving at the airport at least three hours prior to the departure time. For domestic, the general rule is at least two hours. And if you get to the gate quickly, that's not a bad thing. You can relax, have a bite to eat at our concessions—they're open!

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The TSA and airports want you to get there earlier, each for its own reasons. The agency does not like to be rushed with screenings, even if there's a long security line. Airports want you to take advantage of their incredible shopping and dining facilities, which you can't do if you're rushing to the gate.

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The General Guideline for How Early You Should Get to the Airport. Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight.

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There's much less demand to fly at 6 a.m. than there is at, say, 9 a.m., and that reality is often reflected in the fares charged for a given route.

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Are flights busy at 6AM? The probability for a delay is at its lowest (20% or below) from 6am – 11am. Early morning flights have less runway traffic, planes ready to take off from the night before, and fewer planes already in the air. Days of the week can impact the ticket price, along with delays.

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Things to Do at New York Airport
  • “Shop Till You Drop” at JFK Airport.
  • Eat and Drink at New York Airport. ...
  • Let your Children Play.
  • Pamper yourself at JFK Airport. ...
  • Enjoy a Quiet Time at JFK Airport. ...
  • Take in the Airport's View. ...
  • Sleep at New York Airport.
  • Check-in at TWA Hotel.


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Suggested arrival time: 2 hours before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights. 3 hours before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US (4 hours from Bogota)

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