Ask any group of travelers the “perfect arrival time” for an airport, and you’ll spark a debate worthy of its own reality show. One person clutches their boarding pass like a golden ticket and insists on arriving hours early. Another swears life is too short to waste in a terminal, breezing in just before boarding. And then there are the middle-grounders—comfortable with enough time to grab a snack, but not enough to memorize every store in Duty Free.

So, what’s the sweet spot? According to the TSA and most airlines, it’s two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international ones. That cushion helps cover everything from traffic snarls to bag drops and security lines that seem to move at glacial speed.

Of course, your timing depends on a few key variables. Did you check in online? Are you flying during peak holiday season? Do you need to park a car—or herd kids? Members of TSA PreCheck or CLEAR might trim the timeline, while first-time fliers may want extra breathing room.

If you do push the limits, staying organized is your golden ticket. A streamlined carry-on—like the ULTI Every Day/Every Where Bag from CONMIGO—keeps your laptop, liquids, and ID ready for inspection, helping you zip through TSA instead of wrestling with zippers.

Bottom line: know yourself, know your flight, and plan accordingly. Whether you’re an airport early bird or a last-minute sprinter, the goal is the same: start your trip with excitement, not stress.