around three hoursThe official recommendation from most airlines is that travellers should allow around three hours to check in and drop off their bags, go through security and get to their gate ahead of an international flight. Most check-in counters open three hours before departure.
How long should you layover before an international flight?
Two to three hoursTwo to three hours is the minimum recommended time for an international layover, but more might be needed. Sally French is a travel rewards expert who joined NerdWallet in 2020. She previously wrote about travel and credit cards for The New York Times and its sibling site, Wirecutter.
How long to wait before international flight?
How much time do you need between domestic flights and international flights?
What is a good connection time? Travel advisers say there's a lot to take into account when booking connecting flights, but a general rule of thumb is 60-90 minutes between domestic flights and at least two to three hours for international itineraries.
Why do you need to arrive early for international flights?
Plus, most everyone will have check—in luggage, so that takes longer for check—in. In addition, certain countries require entry Visa before you ever get your boarding pass, so you have to allow time for airline staff to check that info. You have to go thru immigration check before you leave a country.
Do you have to go through customs if you have a layover internationally?
Customs and immigration are usually required at the connecting airport for international flights. You don't always have to for domestic flights. In most cases, passengers on layover flights must clear customs and immigration at the first point of entry.