Check in early for peak travel times

Ever arrive at the airport only to find huge lines at both check-in and security? If you’ve ever had to run at top speed from the metal detector to your departure gate, you know how stressful long, slow-moving lines can be when you’re in a hurry.

The only practical solution is to arrive early, particularly when you’re traveling at peak times. Most airlines recommend checking in 90 minutes early for domestic flights and two hours early for international flights. To be safe, consider arriving a half hour earlier during busy periods, and checking in online, particularly if you aren’t checking bags. The busiest times to fly are Mondays through Fridays from 7 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. You should also arrive early when traveling during a holiday weekend, over the summer, and around the holidays. As dull as it may be to kill time at the airport, it sure beats pleading with your fellow travelers to let you cut in the security line.

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