How long before and when does plane boarding start and end: a guide on how not to miss your flight and arrive on time

Sasha

Frantically packing things into a suitcase, breathlessly loading it into a taxi, and tracking every minute, you'll definitely start believing in miracles if you rush into the airport on time.

To avoid extra stress in life, read this material. In it, we explain in detail when plane boarding starts and ends, how to find out boarding times, and how to check in without losing luggage or nerves. Let's go!

How to find out boarding time

So, let's talk about the 'average temperature in the room.' Usually, boarding starts after check-in 40 minutes before departure and ends 20 minutes before. You can clarify the time on your boarding pass in the 'Boarding until/Boarding/Boarding time' field or on the airport display board. In large airports, such as Domodedovo, boarding time usually increases, while in smaller ones, it decreases.

When is it best to arrive at the airport

Generally, arrival time depends on two factors: how you will check in and where you are flying.

If you choose online check-in, you can arrive at the airport approximately an hour and a half before departure.

For those who will check in at the counter and are planning a flight within Russia, airlines advise arriving two and a half hours before departure. This is how much time you will need to pass all security checks.

For international flights, the time increases — you need to have three and a half hours in reserve to pass several types of control: border, customs, and immigration.

How to definitely not be late

Let's recall important nuances that will help you arrive at the airport on time:

Keep in mind that the departure time is always local. Yes, for those accustomed to living in one time zone, this can play a cruel trick when flying from a place with, for example, a three-hour difference.
It's better to use an electronic boarding pass. Airport staff can usually easily scan the barcode from a smartphone screen. But if this is not possible, the pass can usually be printed directly at the airport.
When planning a trip with a pet, allow extra time for checks of your four-legged or feathered friend.

What to do at the airport if you arrived early

You can also find entertainment at the airport if you arrived early:

browse shops. Yes, prices here will be higher, but nothing stops you from just looking at beautiful things and passing the time;
go to a cafe. This is especially relevant if you have a long flight ahead. Of course, as with other shops, prices here will be higher. But being full is a guarantee of a good mood during your trip;
buy gifts for friends at duty-free if you are flying an international flight. By the way, we recently shared options for profitable purchases in duty-free shops. Be sure to read it to buy truly useful gifts;
use the airport Wi-Fi. What if you need to work or want to watch a good movie.

Check-in procedure

Generally, the check-in procedure is designed to allow a passenger to board the aircraft. Only a boarding pass gives you the right to enter the cabin. Buying a ticket merely allows you to use the flight, and you can cancel this decision at any time.

So, for those who are flying for the first time, let's explain how to go through the check-in procedure step by step:

Check in for the flight.
Check the size and weight of luggage, then drop it off. A tag is attached to the luggage, by which it can be found on the carousel. You will have to pay extra for overweight luggage.
Pass passport and customs controls for those flying abroad.
Check hand luggage for prohibited items.

How to complete online check-in

Online check-in is perhaps one of the most convenient services for air travel. You won't have to spend time in line at the check-in counter, which saves about an hour. You can complete online check-in when purchasing tickets from us or on the website of the airline you are flying with. It usually opens approximately 24 hours before departure (but some carriers may do so even 72 hours in advance) and closes 45 minutes before departure. Often during online check-in, you are offered to choose your seat on the plane right away, to solve two issues at once and, of course, to grab a window seat.

Girl processing an e-ticket on her phone

Features of passenger boarding

The boarding pass usually indicates the gate number and boarding start time so you can orient yourself more quickly. It is advisable to approach the boarding gate 10–15 minutes beforehand and join the queue. Your boarding pass and passport will be checked (for international flights, a foreign passport and visa will also be required).

After that, everything simple begins: you proceed to the plane via a jet bridge or are driven to it by bus. On board, you can ask the flight attendants if you cannot find your seat.

What to do if you are late for your flight after check-in

If boarding has already closed and you are late for your flight, the outcome will depend on your ticket class. Unfortunately, being late with an economy class ticket usually means buying a new one. Business class passengers typically have more advantages: they may be able to exchange their ticket and be offered a flight on the next available service.

Summarizing

So, let's quickly go through the material and highlight the main points that will help you feel confident at the airport and travel from point A to point B without anxiety:

use online check-in in advance — it usually opens 24 hours before departure. This will significantly simplify your life, allow you to arrive later, and sometimes even book a comfortable seat on board;
arrive at the airport two and a half hours before if you are flying a domestic flight, and three and a half hours if you are traveling abroad;
keep in mind that the time on the boarding pass is local, meaning the time zone from which you are departing;
if you are running late for check-in, find a special counter for late passengers. You might be able to make it at the last minute;
if you missed your flight after check-in, it's best to immediately buy a new ticket for the next available flight;
don't forget that there might be traffic jams on the way to the airport. So always allow a little more time than you think you need.