In 2026, the time it takes to exit an airport depends heavily on the flight type: 30–45 minutes for domestic and 60–90 minutes for international. For a domestic flight with only carry-on luggage, you can often be at the curb in under 20 minutes if you are seated near the front of the plane. However, if you have checked bags, the "wait at the carousel" adds a standard 15–20 minutes. For international arrivals, the process is lengthened by immigration and customs. While 2026 technology like Mobile Passport Control (MPC) and "Global Entry" has significantly reduced wait times at major hubs like JFK or LAX, you should still budget at least an hour for the combined walk to the terminal, passport processing, and baggage reclaim. If you are arriving in a foreign country where you require a "Visa on Arrival," the process can easily extend to two hours or more.