Real Story: The 45-Minute Miracle
"I arrived at LAX just 45 minutes before an international flight. I thought I was done for. But the AirOnPrice agent on the phone guided me through TSA PreCheck enrollment on the spot and called the gate to hold the door. I literally ran through the terminal and made it with 2 minutes to spare. Never again will I cut it that close — but knowing who to call saved my ,000 vacation."
— Amanda K., San Diego CA | Flight: Saved
The Definitive Airport Arrival Guide (2025)
Worst Airports for TSA Wait Times
- Atlanta (ATL) — up to 45 min
- Chicago O'Hare (ORD) — up to 40 min
- Los Angeles (LAX) — up to 50 min
- Miami (MIA) — up to 35 min
- Denver (DEN) — up to 40 min
- JFK (New York) — up to 55 min
Speed Hacks: How to Get Through Faster
TSA PreCheck (/5 years)
Skip the lines, keep shoes on. Average wait: 5 minutes.
Clear (/year)
Biometric screening. Skip to front of PreCheck line.
Mobile Boarding Pass
Skip check-in counter entirely. Go straight to TSA.
?? Last Updated: December 2025
The Quick Answer
Domestic
2 Hours
International
3 Hours
When to Arrive Earlier
- Holiday weekends: Add 30-60 extra minutes
- Large airports (LAX, JFK, ORD): Add 30 minutes
- Checking bags: Add 15-20 minutes
- No TSA PreCheck: Add 20-30 minutes
- Early morning flights: Lines are shorter, can arrive later
Airline Check-In Cutoff Times
| Airline | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | 45 min | 60 min |
| American | 45 min | 60 min |
| United | 45 min | 60 min |
| Southwest | 45 min | N/A |
Running Late?
Call 1 (844) 656-7300 while on your way. We can check you in by phone and have your boarding pass ready!