The exact time you need to arrive to avoid July 4th airport mayhem
Holidaymakers setting off for a July 4th vacation should be prepared to face holiday chaos in several airports - but there's simple tricks to help avoid the mayhem.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen over three million travelers on Friday - breaking the record for the most people screened on a single day.
Various factors can impact the time it takes to arrive for a flight and check in time, which, if not considered, could cause passengers to miss their gate calls.
TSA announced earlier this week that many will travel for the holiday on June 28, which may not come as a surprise since Friday's are one of the busiest travel days in the summer.
Peak travel times differ depending on how large or busy an airport is.
Holidaymakers setting off for a Fourth of July vacation should be prepared to face holiday chaos in several airports
A traveler who is flying by themselves with carry-on items only would need to be at the airport at least 90 minutes before their flight
If you're traveling at peak time - plus 30 minutes
Peak times at airports could be different depending on the size and the holiday travel periods. TSA confirmed this week that June 28 would be the Fourth of July travel peak day
Travelers fly on their own with carry-on items only need to be at the airport at least 90 minutes before their flight, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Those traveling Friday through Sunday or in the early or late hours on Monday to Friday, they should add an extra 30 minutes to their 90 minute baseline.
If you're flying out of a major airport - add 20 minutes
Major US airports like John F Kennedy International Airport in New York and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in Texas will likely have a lot of travelers due to their large sizes.
If an airport is large, more travelers will be flying in and out, which in turn, could delay other passengers getting past security and walking to their gates.
Travelers may also need to factor in airport transportation from one terminal to another, depending on how many individuals are present for the Independence Day travel period.
This mayhem, along with the already chaotic airplane experience, will likely require travelers to consider adding 20 minutes to the baseline.
If an airport is large, like John F Kennedy International Airport, this would mean that more fliers could be there and it would take longer to walk to a gate or get past security
A traveler on an international flight is required to provide their passport and any other necessary travel documents
If you're flying internationally- add 30 minutes
Travelers who are flying on international flights may have a more complicated process.
A traveler on an international flight is required to provide their passport and any other necessary travel documents.
Some travelers may not have everything out right away, which can stall a check-in line during the holiday travel period.
International flights also have earlier deadlines and begin boarding more than half an hour before the aircraft departs.
If one's Independence Day plans involve spending it outside the US, it's best to add 30 minutes to the baseline.
If you have TSA PreCheck or Clear - subtract 20 minutes
According to a TSA spokesperson, 99 percent of individuals who have TSA PreCheck wait 10 minutes or less at security
Travelers who have TSA PreCheck or Clear can save 20 minutes off the 90-minute baseline.
According to a TSA spokesperson, 99 percent of individuals who have TSA PreCheck wait 10 minutes or less at security.
It will also go much faster since the traveler would not need to remove their shoes or take electronics out of their carry-on bags.
These services may differ depending on the airport and despite the time subtraction, the TSA PreCheck may be slower than usual because of the holiday travel.
If you have executive status or premium fare - minus 20 minutes
Most airports have exclusive lounges for rewards members where they can sit and wait for their flight
Frequent flyers who are reward members can have access to exclusive benefits depending on the airline.
Most airports have exclusive lounges for rewards members where they can sit and wait for their flight.
There could also be security lanes specifically for passengers who are rewards members, which mean smaller lines, even during a holiday travel period.
The exclusive areas will likely be more crowded due to the amount of travelers, but in most cases, a rewards member can subtract 20 minutes from the 90-minute baseline.
If you're parking or dropping off a rental car - add 20 minutes
Getting from the rental car area to a terminal can be tricky, depending on the size of the airport and the number of travelers traveling
Returning a rental car can be easy since there are cases where all one would need to do is drive to an area, get out of the car, and hand someone the keys.
However, getting from the rental car area to a terminal can be tricky, depending on the size of the airport and the number of travelers traveling.
Carrying or pulling luggage that needs to be checked may also slow down one's pace when walking to the terminal.
Everyone taking their own cars should also be prepared for crowded parking lots, especially during holiday travel periods.
The increase in travelers will likely make parking more difficult when first arriving at the airport.
Because parking and rental vehicles are chaotic, travelers should add 20 minutes to their 90-minute baseline.
If you're checking a bag - add 30- 45 minutes
Travelers can check in at a kiosk and download their luggage tags, but they will need to wait in line before doing so. They can then bring it up to employee once they check in
Travelers with suitcases that can't go under a set or in an overhead bin on an aircraft will need to check them.
When it comes to a holiday time period, this could take awhile to complete.
Travelers can check in at a kiosk and download their luggage tags, but they will need to wait in line before doing so.
Once they have the tags, they will likely need to wait in another long line if due to the large number of holiday travelers.
In order to make sure bag checking runs smoothly during the summer holiday, it's best to add an additional 30 to 45 minutes to the baseline.
If you're flying with a pet - add 30- 45 minutes
Before packing a canine or feline for a holiday trip, one must scan over the airline rules over animals and what is or isn't allowed on a flight
Passengers occasionally bring their dogs or cats on flights, but must get an airline's approval before doing so.
Before packing a canine or feline for a holiday trip, one must scan over the airline rules over animals, and what is or isn't allowed on a flight.
One will also have to pay a carry-on fee and may also have to provide information such as its health and birth certificates.
It's unclear how quick this process can be, but if traveling with an animal, it's best to add between 30 and 45 minutes to the baseline.
If you have your mobile boarding pass - subtract 20 minutes
Travelers who check in early and wish not to have a mobile boarding pass could print their ticket at home if the airline sends them their ticket via email
The good news for everyone who checks in for their flights early will receive a mobile boarding pass and be able to skip the wait at a kiosk.
There are some cases where the kiosk lines at airports are not too long, as checking in for a flight can be quick.
However, the Fourth of July mayhem will make a difference due to the amount of travelers, especially on its peak day.
Travelers who check in early and wish not to have a mobile boarding pass could print their ticket at home if the airline sends them their ticket via email.
But getting the check-in step early could help a travelers subtract 20 minutes from their baseline, especially if they're flying by themselves or with carry-on luggage only.
If you're traveling with kids - add 60 minutes
Small children may need to go through a separate metal detector, which could be difficult if there are two lines with holiday travelers
Travelling with children can be difficult depending on their ages and it could also take more time to get through a checkpoint.
Small children may also need to go through a separate metal detector, which could be difficult if there are two lines with holiday travelers.
Mom's who are still breastfeeding will also need to be prepared to have items like breast milk or formula be screened.
Just in case, it's best to be prepared for a possible meltdown, which could occur at any moment.
Based on the possible struggles that could erupt, it's best to add an hour to the 90-minute baseline.
If you need a wheelchair - add 90 minutes
The airports provide wheelchairs to travelers who are injured or have a disability that prevents them from walking comfortably
Anyone who has a disability or injury that makes it difficult to walk can ask the airport to provide a wheelchair.
The airports usually oblige, but it can take a long time to get the wheelchair or navigate around the airport.
It will be even harder during a holiday travel period due to the number of travelers who rush to the gate and aren't considerate to people using wheelchairs.
It's recommended that anyone who needs assistance at an airport adds another 90 minutes to their plans.
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