Smooth Sailing: Effortless Hacks for a Stress-Free Flight Day

3. Get to the Airport Early (But Not Too Early)

You don’t want to be running through the terminal, but you also don’t want to sit at the gate for hours feeling exhausted before you even board. The sweet spot is about two hours before a domestic flight and three hours for international travel. Check live traffic updates before leaving the house so you can adjust your departure time if needed. If you’re relying on public transportation, confirm schedules ahead of time. Arriving too early just means extra waiting around, so if you have time to spare, enjoy a coffee or explore the airport rather than sitting at the gate for hours. Bonus tip: Use your airline’s mobile app for check-in, digital boarding passes, and real-time flight updates. This way, you’re not dependent on airport screens.