While the general guideline of arriving at the airport two hours before takeoff remains, Upgraded Points' latest study reveals that certain airports demand an even larger time cushion, while others might allow travelers to relax a bit longer.




"Successful travel is all about starting your journey on the right note," said Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points. "Our study shows that one-size-fits-all advice doesn't always work when it comes to airport arrival times. By understanding each airport's unique challenges – from sprawling layouts to heavy security lines – travelers can better plan their trips and avoid the stress of last-minute scrambles."

Study Methodology

The study analyzed 15 factors impacting the overall preflight experience, like parking availability and TSA wait times to terminal size, departure delays, and even shopping options. Each data point was scaled for accurate comparison and weighted by its significance. The resulting score, capped at 50, indicates the necessary arrival buffer, with higher scores meaning travelers should arrive even earlier.

Set Your Alarm: Top 10 U.S. Airports That Require an Early Arrival

1. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – 3 hrs, 20 mins
2. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) – 3 hrs, 6 mins
3. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 3 hrs, 5 mins
4. Orlando International Airport (MCO) – 3 hrs, 1 min
5. Denver International Airport (DEN) – 2 hrs, 59 mins
6. Miami International Airport (MIA) – 2 hrs, 58 mins
7. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – 2 hrs, 53 mins
8. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) – 2 hrs, 51 mins
9. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 2 hrs, 47 mins
10. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) – 2 hrs, 46 mins

Shorter Waits: Top U.S. Airports Where Travelers Can Arrive the Latest

1. John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) – 53 minutes before the flight
2. Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) – 55 minutes
3. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) – 59 minutes
4. Kansas City International Airport (MCI) – 1 hour, 2 minutes
5. San Antonio International Airport (SAT) – 1 hour, 11 minutes
6. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) – 1 hrs, 16 mins
7. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) – 1 hrs, 22 mins
8. Oakland International Airport (OAK) – 1 hrs, 28 mins
9. John Wayne Airport (SNA) – 1 hrs, 29 mins
10. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) – 1 hrs, 31 mins