Airport Time Planner Calculator
Calculate when to arrive at the airport based on your flight time and TSA screening type.
Recommended Arrival Time
Airport arrival time depends on your flight type, TSA screening method, and a buffer for unexpected delays.
TSA screening wait times (average):
- Regular screening: 20–45 minutes (peak times up to 60+)
- TSA PreCheck: 5–15 minutes
- CLEAR + PreCheck: 2–5 minutes
General arrival recommendations:
| Flight Type | Regular | PreCheck | CLEAR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic | 2 hours early | 1.5 hours | 1.25 hours |
| International | 3 hours early | 2.5 hours | 2 hours |
Time breakdown (domestic, regular):
- Check-in/bag drop: 15–30 min
- TSA screening: 20–45 min
- Walk to gate: 10–15 min
- Buffer: 15–30 min
Busy travel periods (add 30 min):
- Monday mornings, Friday afternoons
- Holiday weekends (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break)
- Summer (June–August)
Pro tip: Check your airport’s live TSA wait times on the MyTSA app before heading out.