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Us Flight | Tagged Posts
2019
8
November
Is 3 hours early still recommended for early morning flights to the US from Calgary?
8
November
Question:
Humans say...
Ben
2 hours is fine
Cheryl
2
Nicole
At 4
Tracey
Security for US departures opens at 4am. There's no need to be there earlier than that.
Norma
You should be good w a 4 AM arrival. ALWAYS check in day prior online, saves you a lot if time, and reduces the chance of you getting bumped off a flight if it is oversold, or an aircraft change to a smaller plane is needed.
Kevin
I just did a 6 a.m. US flight. I actually don't even think they got border security open until 4:30, however there was a small lineup already and it got bigger quickly. I wasn't checking bags so I wasn't held up by the baggage lines.
David
US customs does not open till 4:30am. I’d be there for 4:00/4:15
YYC get very busy in the morning, especially US customs. Our busiest times are from 5:00am to 8:30am
Debbie
Thanks so much everyone for the helpful advice!!
Erin
4 am. And you’ll be fast through. I’d even push to 4:30.
We did Mexico recently and arrived at 8:30. We were sitting at Starbucks by 8:55. Flight left at 10.
Christin
Kathy Kendall Power I’m well aware, as is Béatrice Bou. It was sarcasm
Christin
Kathy Kendall Power I’m well aware, as is Béatrice Bou. It was sarcasm
Heather
2 hours
Audrey
It depends. If you're dropping off bags. I've had to wait 30 minutes to drop off my bags then line up at customs.
Wayne
I worked there for 36 years...3:30-4:00AM, you’l be through in 15 min. 4:30, you’ll be 45min. Minimum
Debbie
Thanks again everyone!
Debbie
Thanks again everyone!
Mohammed
US flights are different from Mexico. Arrive no later than 4:00am.
Lucia
Mohammed not if you're flying to Mexico through the US
Wayne
Precisely my point. You’re clearing Customs here, which takes time
Olunda
2 hrs ahead of time shud b ok...Calgary international is pretty efficient now....I travel often and have never had problems
Sandra
I would try to check in online
Taunia
An hour and 1/2 prior so 4:30 youll have lots of time espevislly thstbtome if day Technically if you are not through security 1 hour prior to your flight departure time they can deny you. But we just flew to Mexico 2 weeks ago and we were in an through in like 10-15 mins tops. But check in prior it saves time
Amanda
4 am is perfect. 430 is too late and takes too long.
Amanda
And check in online before you even get to airport
Heather
2 hours is lots
Anne
No one will be there if you arrive 3 hours early! Been there, done that! Be sure to check in online.
Debbie
Yes we will definitely check in online and will plan on being there 2 hours ahead! Thanks!!
Wendy
Airport doesnt open until 4. We had an 6am flight to Belize in Feb and we arrived about 430. All was good
Jaclyn
Security doesn’t open until 4am
Michelle
I did it yesterday and customs took forever. Two hours should be comfortable. 1.5 is the minimum.
Michelle
Anytime I’ve flown outside of Canada I always get there 2 hours before my flight just to be on the safe side. Sometimes you can’t find your gate and sometimes the customs/security lineups can be unexpectedly long
Steph
I just did this... at 4am the checkin counter opened and at 4:30 customs opened. I got there just before 4 and ended up with enough time to grab Starbucks
A.I. says...
What Time Should You Arrive at the Airport for an Early Morning Flight?
When it comes to early morning flights, timing your arrival at the airport can be a bit tricky. On one hand, you want to give yourself enough time to navigate through the often-crowded security and customs lines. On the other hand, you don't want to arrive too early and spend unnecessary hours waiting at the gate.
For your specific situation, flying from Calgary to LA with a flight leaving at 6:00 am, here's our recommendation:
Arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure
While the general rule of thumb is to arrive at the airport 3 hours before an international flight, that guideline is primarily geared towards flights departing during peak hours. Early morning flights, like your 6:00 am departure, typically see lighter traffic and shorter lines.
By arriving at the Calgary airport by 3:30 am, you should have ample time to check in, clear security, and pass through customs without feeling rushed. This 2.5-hour buffer should account for any potential delays or longer-than-expected queues.
Factors to Consider
- Airport Size: Calgary International Airport is a major hub, but it's not as large as some other airports. This can work in your favor for an early morning flight, as the crowds tend to be more manageable.
- Travel Party Size: If you're traveling with a large group or have young children, it might be wise to add an extra 30 minutes to your arrival time to account for any potential delays in getting everyone checked in and ready.
- TSA PreCheck or NEXUS: If you or anyone in your travel party is enrolled in TSA PreCheck or NEXUS, the security screening process should be faster, potentially allowing you to arrive a bit later.
Bottom Line
While the 3-hour guideline is a good rule of thumb for most international flights, early morning departures often provide a bit more leeway. Aiming to arrive at the Calgary airport by 3:30 am for your 6:00 am flight to LA should give you plenty of time to navigate through security and customs without unnecessary waiting at the gate.
Of course, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to making your flight. If you have any doubts or concerns, arriving a bit earlier can provide peace of mind and ensure a stress-free start to your journey.
Sites
Debbie
We are flying from Calgary to LA with our flight leaving at 6:00am. What time should we plan to be at the airport in order to get through security and customs by then? Normally we try to get there 3 hours prior for a US flight, but with the flight this early in the morning I was wondering if that is necessary?