Upgraded Points uncovers the airports where travelers should arrive the earliest

News / Upgraded Points uncovers the airports where travelers should arrive the earliest

A recent Upgraded Points study shows some airports may require even more buffer time

While the general guideline of arriving at the airport two hours before takeoff remains, Upgraded Points' latest study reveals that certain airports demand an even larger time cushion, while others might allow travelers to relax a bit longer.

Study methodology

The study analyzed 15 factors impacting the overall preflight experience, like parking availability and TSA wait times to terminal size, departure delays, and even shopping options. Each data point was scaled for accurate comparison and weighted by its significance. The resulting score, capped at 50, indicates the necessary arrival buffer, with higher scores meaning travelers should arrive even earlier.

Set Your Alarm: Top 10 U.S. Airports That Require an Early Arrival

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – 3 hrs, 20 mins
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) – 3 hrs, 6 mins
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 3 hrs, 5 mins
Orlando International Airport (MCO) – 3 hrs, 1 min
Denver International Airport (DEN) – 2 hrs, 59 mins
Miami International Airport (MIA) – 2 hrs, 58 mins
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – 2 hrs, 53 mins
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) – 2 hrs, 51 mins
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 2 hrs, 47 mins
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) – 2 hrs, 46 mins

Shorter Waits: Top U.S. Airports Where Travelers Can Arrive the Latest