Start with the non-negotiable: your check-in deadline (HLE)
Before you start thinking about traffic, set the absolute deadline: the check-in deadline. Allow time to drop off any hold luggage and go through security. In short: you must be physically at the check-in desk well before the check-in deadline.
Useful tip: if the airline hasn’t specified a time, the check-in deadline at EU airports is 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. It’s always best to check the specific check-in deadline for your flight, then plan your schedule backwards from that point.
👉 Read more:
- What time should you arrive for your flight? Tips on planning ahead by flight type.
- Check-in at the airport: the security and check-in process.
Calculate your ‘Home → Terminal’ journey time using predictive tools
Navigation apps now include estimates based on historical data and real-time traffic.
Two useful tips:
- Google Maps: set ‘Leave at… / Arrive by…’ for a specific date and time. The app calculates an estimated journey time for this slot, based on typical traffic conditions and public transport timetables (if you’re combining driving with public transport). Repeat the test with different departure times to see the impact of peak traffic.
- Waze: ‘Plan a journey’: enter your desired arrival time at the terminal and let Waze notify you of the ideal departure time based on current and forecast conditions. Handy for early morning flights or those during rush hour.
Pro tip: compare two ‘Arrive by’ journeys 15 minutes apart. If the travel time increases significantly, it’s a sign you need to set off earlier (due to unpredictable traffic).
Add a realistic airport buffer based on your flight profile
Once you’ve estimated your door-to-door journey time, add your airport buffer. The DGCCRF provides the following general guidelines: at least 1 hour before a domestic flight, 2–3 hours for a long-haul flight (procedures may extend the waiting time).
Use these as a starting point, then refine them based on your flight’s HLE and your specific circumstances (checked-in luggage? children? documents to check?).
👉 Preparation: check the baggage policy (dimensions, weight, oversized items) to avoid any surprises at the check-in desk.
Method for estimating the time needed to get to the airport
Aim: to estimate the time needed to get to the airport based on traffic and flight times, without just guessing at random.
- Note down your estimated departure time (e.g. 30 mins for a domestic flight, 40 mins for an international flight) and aim to arrive at the terminal at least 1 hour before your estimated departure time if you have checked-in luggage or documents to check.
- Plan your arrival at the terminal using Google Maps or Waze (using the ‘Arrive by’ option). Adjust your arrival time to ensure you have plenty of time to go through security (e.g. add 30 mins if you’re travelling with your family).
- Compare two departure times (e.g. 06:10 vs 06:25). Choose the most reliable one and allow for the longer duration.
- Add in the small time elements: car park (shuttle bus), drop-off point, walk to the terminal, and a buffer for unforeseen delays (10–20 mins). Apps will tell you when to set off; still, allow for a bit of a margin.
- Double-check the day before: has the flight schedule changed? Is the check-in desk the same?
- D-Day: start navigation in real-time mode and follow the ‘Departure Time’ notifications (Waze) if you’ve enabled them.
Last-minute checklist before you leave 🧳
- Documents and apps: boarding pass, ID, visa, airline app, confirmation email.
- Luggage: cabin and hold baggage within size and weight limits, tags attached.
- Itinerary: ‘Arrive by’ option selected, ‘Departure Time’ notifications enabled.
To accurately estimate the time needed to get to the airport based on traffic and your flight times, first set your estimated departure time, calculate a realistic journey time using Google Maps or Waze in ‘Arrive by’ mode, then add an appropriate buffer time for the airport based on your situation. Have a safe flight! 🛫
Photo: Freepik