Traveling is one of the best ways to relieve ourselves from the stresses of daily life. It allows us to explore new cultures, meet new people, and see things that we would never be able to see otherwise. Traveling can also be a great way to learn new things about ourselves and grow as individuals. However, among the challenges when it comes to traveling is figuring out how to make the most of our time.
One question that often comes up for travellers is how early they should arrive at the airports of Crete. You don’t want to miss your flight, but you also don’t want to arrive too early and have to wait around for hours. So, how can you strike the perfect balance?
In this guide, we will provide a detailed guide on how to figure out when you should arrive at the Heraklion Airport or Chania Airport to make your travel experience as smooth as possible.
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There's a huge reason why people prefer to arrive hours before their flight and that's because anything could happen that causes a significant delay. Several factors need to be taken into consideration when trying to determine how early you should arrive at the airport and these are:
The first factor to take into consideration is airport security. In recent years, airport security has become increasingly stricter and this has led to longer wait times for travellers. If you are traveling during a busy time, such as the holidays, it is advised that you arrive even earlier to account for the possibility of long lines at security.
Compared to domestic flights, international flights usually require more time for check-in and security. This is because there are additional steps that need to be taken, such as immigration, passport control, and customs. You can usually expect to wait longer at these checkpoints, so it is recommended that you arrive even earlier if your flight is international.
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If you want to check a bag, you'll most likely have to wait in a lengthy line before finding availability. These lineups can be longer on busy days or days when the weather is bad.
If you check-in in person, you should expect to wait twenty minutes for domestic flights and thirty minutes for international flights. Giving yourself a lot of additional time also gives you some wriggle room in case your ticket or passport is lost or stolen.
Also, note that many airlines will not accept luggage 45 minutes to an hour before departure. However, with an online service that allows you to check in on your mobile device, you can save time on your flight check-in time.
Of course, the time of year also has an impact on how early you should arrive at the airport. During the summer or holidays, for example, airports tend to be busier and flights are often more full. As such, you'll want to arrive earlier to account for any potential delays.
On the other hand, if you're traveling during a slower time of year, such as the winter, you may not need to arrive as early. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry and give yourself plenty of time in case something comes up.
Picking the best transportation option to the airport is also a crucial part of making sure you arrive on time. If you are driving, make sure to factor in traffic and leave earlier than you think you need to.
If you are taking public transportation, such as a bus or train, be aware of any potential delays that could impact your trip. When in Crete, you can book a private transfer in Crete to pick you up from your accommodation and drop you off at the airport. This way, you don't have to worry about anything and can relax on your way to the airport.
For a domestic trip (flight to Athens or other islands), we advise arriving two hours early, and for an international flight, three hours early. While this may appear to be a huge amount of time, it will allow you plenty of time to check your luggage and get through security. In addition, arriving early will also give you time to find your gate and grab something to eat before your flight.
