Ashley Bautista Holidays are universally adored, but the prospect of arriving at the airport two to three hours before departure and enduring a lengthy wait is far from appealing. Travel company Hoppa advises that airlines recommend passengers arrive at the airport a minimum of three hours prior to international flights or two hours before domestic ones. This allows ample time for a seamless check-in experience, including luggage drop-off, and helps avoid potential security queues.