A viral TikTok video featuring a comedian has ignited a lively discussion among travelers about the best time to arrive at the airport.
In this captivating clip, the user declares, “I get to the airport six and a half hours early.”
As the comments flowed, TikTok users engaged in a spirited debate over their preferred arrival times before a flight.
“I’ve never felt so safe and understood,” expressed one amused commenter, resonating with the comedian’s sentiment.
“I come 40 min before the flight,” countered another traveler, highlighting the wide array of pre-flight philosophies.
“I’m late to everything EXCEPT the airport,” one participant quipped, a sentiment many frequent flyers might share.
“I’m a 2-3 hours early person,” another user noted, underscoring the joys of tranquil airport experiences.
“Three hours. Precheck. Lounge. Mimosas. Chill. Strolling onto the flight without a care is my style,” a woman chimed in, painting a picture of pre-travel leisure.
Another TikToker humorously remarked, “And I thought I was extreme showing up three hours early,” indicating that early arrivals come with a spectrum of interpretations.
“One time my parents were so early they put them on an earlier flight … like, a three hours earlier flight,” added another, showcasing the sometimes absurd lengths travelers go to.
Yet another user shared, “We turned up at the airport six hours before once; it was so boring,” reflecting on the often-unforgiving wait for those who arrive ahead of the crowd.
A spokesperson for the TSA noted, “During the holiday season, travelers should account for several factors. Traffic surrounding certain airports is heavy, and additional time might be necessary.” Such logistical hurdles highlight the reality of modern travel.
In 2023, AAA anticipated that 55.4 million people would take to the skies during Thanksgiving alone, with another 115.2 million set to travel for Christmas.
“Families often travel with small children, creating a need for extra time due to carry-ons and diaper bags,” the TSA spokesperson elaborated. They emphasized the patience required when navigating security with children and elderly travelers. The familiarity of the process can indeed vary widely, with newcomers sometimes finding themselves at a loss.
