TSA Precheck, Kids, and Parking: Why One-Size-Fits-All Airport Advice Doesn’t Work
This article dives into why generic airport advice (‘arrive 2 hours early’) is outdated, and how individual factors like TSA status, traveling with kids, parking choices, or even the departure airport, completely change your ideal “leave by” time.
If you've ever Googled "What time should I leave for the airport?" you've probably noticed that most answers feel generic, vague, or just plain wrong. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—especially when you factor in things like TSA PreCheck, traveling with kids, or where and how you plan to park.
Here’s why general airport advice doesn’t cut it, and what you should consider instead.
1. TSA PreCheck Isn’t a Magic Pass, But It Changes Everything
TSA PreCheck can be a game-changer for frequent travelers. With dedicated security lines and relaxed screening rules (keep your shoes on, laptop in your bag), it dramatically reduces wait times.
But here’s the catch:
Not all airports operate efficiently with PreCheck lanes.
PreCheck doesn’t guarantee an express experience during peak travel times.
Not everyone in your group may qualify, which means you're only as fast as your slowest traveler.
LeaveBy Tip: If you have PreCheck, your time buffer might shrink by 15–30 minutes, but only if you’re traveling solo or with other PreCheck passengers. Otherwise, plan as if you don’t.
2. Traveling With Kids Changes Everything
Traveling solo? You might be able to shave minutes off your arrival time with smart planning. Traveling with a toddler who just discovered escalators? Add 30 minutes—minimum.
Kids bring unpredictability. Bathroom stops, snack demands, stroller breakdowns, and the simple act of getting through security with a car seat can eat away at your schedule faster than you’d expect. Even seasoned parents underestimate how long it can take to repack carry-ons after security.
3. Parking: The First (and Most Underestimated) Leg of Your Airport Journey
It’s easy to assume that parking adds a fixed amount of time to your departure plan. But “airport parking” can mean radically different things—from pulling into a valet lot just steps from check-in, to waiting 20 minutes for a remote shuttle that still has three terminals to stop at before yours.
Misjudging parking time is one of the most common reasons travelers miss flights. And in unfamiliar airports, even seasoned travelers can be caught off guard by confusing signage or full garages.
Plan smarter:
Know your parking situation ahead of time. Are you parking onsite or offsite? Is there a shuttle involved? Do you need to reserve a space? These questions can save you from panic pacing at the terminal curb.
The Problem With Generic Advice
Travel sites and airlines hand out standard rules to avoid liability. But in real life, those guidelines assume ideal conditions—and most travel days are anything but ideal.
Let’s say two people are on the same flight:
One is flying solo with PreCheck, carry-on only, and using rideshare.
The other is checking bags, has two small kids, and parked in long-term economy.
Should they arrive at the same time? Absolutely not.
How LeaveBy Helps
LeaveBy exists because one-size-fits-all advice isn’t enough. We help travelers build smart, personalized leave times based on the real factors that affect their journey—like security trends at your specific airport, whether you’ve got PreCheck, if you're parking or getting dropped off, and whether you're flying international or domestic.
It’s not just about being early. It’s about arriving on time, without stress, with room to breathe.
Takeaway: Build Your Own Rulebook
The next time someone says “Just get there two hours early,” smile and nod—then check LeaveBy. Because when it comes to airport timing, the only rule that matters is the one that fits your trip.
What Time Should I Leave for the Airport? A 2025 Guide
when to leave for flight
Wondering what time you should leave for the airport? Whether you're a first-time flyer or a frequent traveler, getting the timing right is key to a stress-free trip. In this guide, we’ll break down the factors that affect your airport timing and show you how to calculate the perfect "leave by" time — and how tools like LeaveBy can do it automatically for you.
The General Rule of Thumb
Domestic flights: Arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure
International flights: Arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure
These are the standard recommendations from most airlines and airports. But they don’t take into account real-life variables like traffic, parking, TSA lines, or traveling with kids.
Key Variables That Affect When You Should Leave
1. Traffic Conditions
Traffic varies by time of day and day of the week. Morning rush hour? Add 30+ minutes. Weekend? Maybe 10 minutes less.
Pro tip: Use Google Maps to preview traffic patterns at your planned departure time.
2. Parking Situation
Different types of parking affect how long it takes to get to the terminal:
Economy lot with shuttle: Add 20–30 minutes
Garage or valet: Add 5–10 minutes
3. Security (TSA PreCheck vs. Standard)
TSA PreCheck: Save up to 20 minutes
Standard screening: Can take 30+ minutes during peak hours
4. Kids and Baggage
Traveling with children or checking bags? Add buffer time:
Each young child: Add 10–20 minutes depending on age
Checked bags: Add 10–15 minutes for bag drop and possible delays
Sample Calculation (DIY Method)
Say you have a 2:00 PM domestic flight at LAX:
Arrive at airport: 12:00 PM
Parking shuttle: 20 mins
Traffic: 40 mins
10 mins for checking a bag
→ Leave by: 10:50 AM
Now imagine doing that math every time you fly. That’s where LeaveBy comes in.
What Is LeaveBy?
LeaveBy is a smart mobile app that calculates exactly what time you should leave for the airport — personalized for you.
It factors in:
Flight number and airport
Real-time and predictive traffic
TSA status (PreCheck or not)
Parking type
Number and age of children
Whether you’re checking bags
It uses AI to combine all this info and generate a precise "leave by" time, so you don’t have to guess or pad your trip with extra stress.
FAQs
How early should I get to the airport for international flights?
3 hours minimum, more if you're checking bags or flying out of a busy hub.
How can I factor in traffic if I'm leaving tomorrow?
Use Google Maps' "Depart at" feature or let LeaveBy do it automatically.
What if I’m using rideshare or public transit?
LeaveBy supports multiple travel methods, including Uber, Lyft, and transit schedules.
Final Tip: Don’t Waste Time Waiting
The real goal isn’t just catching your flight — it’s spending less time waiting at the gate and more time where it matters.
Download LeaveBy and make every trip smarter, calmer, and better timed.