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Advice for domestic airport arrival time before flight

I haven’t flown domestically in a while and want to ask if it’s ok to arrive at 5:30 AM for a 7 AM flight from JFK (Terminal 4) to LAX. Typically it is advised to arrive 2 hours before a flight but I’m hoping at that hour, arriving 90 minutes early will suffice.

Posted by
7667 posts

For JFK, I would do the two hours.
We fly out of JAX, Florida and still do the two hours and it is a modest sized airport, not like JFK.

Posted by
11179 posts

If you have to check bags, I think 90 minutes is more risk than I would care to take on. What is the cost to get a later flight if you miss the 7AM flight?

'arrive at 530' ... is that being in the TSA line or just 'at the airport'?

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/passenger-volumes

TSA screenings are running above pre-covid levels.

Posted by
3999 posts

Arrive at the security line by 5:30am as we’ll check in on the app the day before. We’re not checking any luggage.

Posted by
15003 posts

Do you have TSA Precheck? That would save time.

If you're familiar with Terminal 4, you know its the size of a small third world country. The walk from security to your gate could take "weeks."

Posted by
3999 posts

Yes, T4 is huge. I’m used to regional jets to Pittsburgh or Boston for example leaving from B40s/B50s but early morning transcons at the B20s. The 7 AM LAX flight tomorrow is scheduled to leave at B22 so we could also check the night before but that could change. B20s can’t be counted on so that’s something to consider. I have TSA Precheck but my husband does not.

Posted by
6315 posts

I have TSA Precheck but my husband does not.

I wouldn't chance it then.

Posted by
15003 posts

There is the T4 shuttle bus if they relegate you to a high number gate.