The Check-In Cutoff Is Not Your Arrival Time

The check-in cutoff for an international flight is not when you should arrive. Not even close. It is simply the last moment an airline will accept you and it does not account for everything else you need to do before boarding.

Airline Check-In and Gate Cutoffs

Qantas closes international check-in 90 minutes before departure in economy and 60 minutes in business. Virgin Australia is 90 minutes. Jetstar is 60 minutes, though this can vary by aircraft type. Gates close 20 to 30 minutes before departure across all three airlines. These are the hard deadlines, and missing them usually means missing your flight.

But Don’t Forget, You Still Have To…

The cutoff times do not cover the rest of the airport process. After check-in and bag drop, you still need to clear outbound customs and go through security. If you are claiming a tourist tax refund, you will need extra time to find the TRS desk and get it processed which can take longer than people expect.

Add the Extras and the Buffer Disappears

Add some duty free shopping, a bite to eat or a coffee, and your 90 minute buffer disappears fast. Queues can also vary by airport and time of day, and a busy morning departure or travel during school and public holidays can eat up time you thought you had to spare.

The Sensible Estimate

For international departures, three hours is the sensible estimate. Two hours is cutting it fine, and it leaves very little room if something goes wrong, like a long queue at bag drop or a delay at security. If you have checked in online and travel with carry-on only, you may be able to trim this, but allow extra time if you are travelling during school holidays or other peak periods.

Plan Backwards From Your Departure Time

Work backwards from your gate closing time, not your departure time. Allow time to get to the airport, check in, clear customs and security, and walk to your gate. Leave a buffer for the unexpected, and you will start your trip relaxed rather than rushed.

How early do you get to the airport for an international flight? Pop it in the comments and follow 5 Star Trip so you are not caught short at the airport.