Most problems on the day of a flight come from small tasks left until the last minute: a forgotten check-in, a suitcase over the weight limit, a liquid that isn't allowed in the cabin, arriving at the airport too late. This guide walks you through what to do and when, from one week before your flight until you board.
Short answer: A week before, check your flight details and documents. The day before, check in online and weigh your bag. On the day, aim to be at the airport around 2–3 hours before an international flight and 1.5–2 hours before a domestic one. Pack liquids and electronics so they're ready for security, and keep valuables and medicines in your carry-on.
One week before your flight
- Confirm your flight details: Check the date, departure and arrival airports, terminal and flight number against your ticket. Remember that cities like London, Paris and Istanbul have more than one airport.
- Check your baggage allowance: Is checked baggage included? What are the size and weight limits for cabin bags? Basic fares sometimes include only a small bag that fits under the seat.
- Check your documents: Make sure your passport is valid for as long as your destination requires and that any visa you need is ready.
- Plan your journey to the airport: Look up public transport times, parking costs or how long a taxi takes. For early flights, check when the first train or bus runs.
- Review your connection: If you have a layover, find out whether you need to change terminals, re-check your bags or get a transit visa.
The day before
- Check in online: Airlines usually open online check-in 24 to 48 hours before departure. It saves time at the airport and gives you a better choice of seats.
- Keep your boarding pass in two places: Add it to your phone's wallet and take a screenshot. If you're worried about your battery, print a copy too.
- Weigh your bag: Weigh your checked bag at home. Paying for extra baggage at the airport is usually more expensive than buying it online in advance.
- Check your flight status: Look for schedule changes or cancellations, and turn on notifications in the airline's app.
- Charge everything: Phone, headphones and power bank should all be fully charged.
Getting your carry-on ready for security
What slows people down most at security is having to unpack items that break the rules. When you pack your carry-on:
- Liquids: At most airports, liquids in your carry-on must be in containers of 100 ml or less, all fitting in a clear, resealable bag of about one litre. Rules can differ by airport, so check the current guidance for your departure airport.
- Power banks and spare batteries: Lithium batteries and power banks can't go in checked baggage; they must travel in the cabin. Some airlines also restrict using power banks during the flight.
- Medicines: Carry your regular medicines in your carry-on, with a few extra days' supply. Liquid medicines and baby food are usually exempt from the liquid limit, but having a prescription or doctor's note makes things easier.
- Easy access: Put your laptop, tablet and liquids bag in an easy-to-reach pocket.
Also pack a change of clothes, basic toiletries and a charger in your carry-on. If your checked bag is delayed, you'll get through the first day comfortably. For the full packing process, see the Complete packing guide.
On the day: when should you get to the airport?
As a general guide, arrive 2–3 hours before an international flight and 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight. Go earlier if:
- You're checking in a bag
- You're travelling during a busy holiday period
- You're using an airport for the first time
- Passport control on your route is known to be slow
Always follow your airline's and airport's current advice. Remember that bag drop desks and boarding gates close a set time before departure; you'll find these times on your ticket or the airline's website.
Step by step at the airport
- 1. Bag drop: If you've checked in online, go straight to the bag drop desk.
- 2. Security: Be ready to remove your jacket, belt and metal items; put your liquids bag and electronics in a separate tray if asked.
- 3. Passport control: For international flights, keep your passport and any visa in your hand.
- 4. Boarding gate: Gate numbers can change at the last minute, so watch the screens and be at the gate before boarding time.
Tips for connecting flights
- If your connection is short, choosing a seat near the front saves time when you land.
- Ask at check-in whether your bag is tagged all the way to your final destination.
- If you booked separate tickets with different airlines, consider what happens if your first flight is delayed.
- You may need a transit visa in the connecting country even if you don't leave the airport.
Final pre-flight checklist
- Passport or ID card, and visa if needed
- Boarding pass (on your phone and as a backup)
- Phone, charging cable and a charged power bank
- Medicines and prescriptions
- Payment for the first day (a card and a little local cash)
- Plan for getting from the airport and your hotel address
- An eSIM or roaming plan for mobile data abroad
Never forget a thing with BudTrip
In BudTrip you can create separate checklists for each trip, such as carry-on and flight day, and tick items off as you go. Save your flight number, booking reference and hotel address in your travel notes so the information you need at the airport is one tap away.
Last updated: 6 October 2026
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