What Time Should I Leave for the Airport? A 2025 Guide
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.