The official line is 45 to 60 minutes before departure. That sounds simple, right? Wrong. That’s like saying “just bring a light jacket” for a trip to the Arctic.
If you rock up exactly 45 minutes early, you’re playing Russian roulette with your holiday. Security can be a breeze—or a total circus. I once saw a woman’s entire suitcase unpacked because she forgot a fondue fork in her carry-on.
Pro tip: aim for 90 minutes if you’re cool, and two hours if you’re bringing luggage, anxiety, or a fondue set.
