After completing the check-in process, the next step is passing through the airport's security check. Here, your luggage and body will be examined to ensure you're not carrying any prohibited items.
I've previously discussed the earliest and latest times to go through this check in. This time, I'm addressing a common question: what is the earliest time we can pass the security check?
The primary requirement for entering the security check area is to have a boarding pass. Before entering, officers or scanners will verify our boarding pass.
Since having a boarding pass is essential, the time we can enter the security check area is linked to the check-in time. You can't get a boarding pass without checking in.
Therefore, based on this connection, there are three earliest times to enter the security check area, which vary depending on the check-in method we use. These include:
For domestic flights, if you check in at the airport counter, you can enter the security check area 2 hours before your flight departs. The check-in counter for these flights typically opens 2 hours before the flight's scheduled departure.
This 2-hour timeframe is usually enough for domestic flights. The reason is that domestic flights often have fewer passengers compared to international ones. Also, the procedures that passengers need to complete for domestic flights are usually simpler than for international flights.
For international flights, the earliest you can go through security is 3 hours before departure. This timing aligns with when the check-in counters for international flights open.
Starting 3 hours early helps manage the larger number of passengers usually found on international flights, leading to longer queues.
Additionally, travelers on international flights have to go through an extra step - immigration. The immigration process can take a significant amount of time, so passengers need an earlier start for both check-in and security screening.
What happens if we check in online? Nowadays, many airlines offer online check-in. The time you can do this varies - it might be a day, 2 days, or even up to 7 days before your flight.
If you've checked in online and don’t have any luggage to check in, most airports will let you go through security at any time on your departure day.
For instance, if your flight is at 9pm, you can go through security in the morning as long as you have your boarding pass from online check-in.
But what if you need to check in luggage? Even with online check-in, you must wait for the airport's check-in counter to open, which is usually 2 or 3 hours before departure. This is because you can't drop off luggage until then.
A solution to this could be using an early baggage drop service, available at some major airports like Changi Airport. This service lets you drop off your luggage before the check-in counter opens.
So, these are the three earliest times you can go through security, depending on how you checked in. Plan your check-in time well to enjoy the airside area of the airport.
At some airports, the airside area offers more than just seats and shops. There are also special features like play areas for kids, theme parks, and even cinemas, like those found at Changi Airport.
Missing out on these facilities because of a late check-in or security check would be a shame. So, come to the airport early to make the most of these amenities.
