What sort of personality do you have? Do you like stress? Are you that alpha personality type who thrives on clutch moments, seconds to go racing against the clock? Or are you like most of us and like a calm stress free existence most of the time? If you're one of the majority of people who don't like stress I strongly advise getting to the airport a little early when you are going to travel for business or travel.

I travel more than most and the last thing I want at the start of a business or personal trip is to be stressed because I arrived at the airport with not enough time. I think I'm indicative of the average traveler even though I've been in the Travel industry for over two decades. My guess is you are probably just like me and so I offer this advice for your consideration because a little less stress in our lives is a good thing.

For most domestic flights in most of the countries around the world you need to be an hour before the flight. For most international flights it is between two and three hours before departure, depending on the airline and airport.
Do you like Stress when you Travel?

There are benefits to arriving early:

Check in is quite often less crowded so you won't be standing in line wasting precious shopping or relaxing time getting your boarding pass and getting rid of luggage.

It's often easier to request a seat change if the ones you have been allocated are not suitable. This is especially important for families or larger parties wanting to sit together on the flight.

If you have over weight baggage I find the airlines are far more lenient with the first half of check-ins. As the baggage allowance for the flight grows they are going to be tougher on the later check-ins. Excess baggage charges can be a drain or finances at the beginning or end of your holiday.

You don't have to rush through security. During peak traveling times it is wise to allow even more time to pass through security.

Once you make it into the departure lounges you are relaxed and can take advantage of the facilities available. Do some shopping read a book, start enjoying that holiday etc.

Some airlines allow you to purchase entry to their executive class lounges. It's a treat some people like before a big holiday and I've done it myself. If you're already a member then it's always nice to take advantage of these facilities as you've earned them.

If you are a first time traveler always take advantage of frequent flier membership with the carrier you're flying with. All the airlines I know are free to do join so do it. If you're taking a long flight often the mileage you accrue will be enough for a short haul flight in your home country so it's like a bonus holiday. Add your short haul frequent flier reward to some carefully purchased accommodation with your credit card points and you almost have a free bonus holiday.

The difference between arriving at the plane relaxed rather than stressed is about 30 minutes. Not much in the greater scheme of things. So if I am flying internationally I get to the airport two hours and thirty minutes ahead of time.

It's worth the 30 minutes for a little less stress. The time I saved today gave me the opportunity to write this article.
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