How Early Should I Arrive at the Airport With My Pet?

Whether you’re flying with your pet yourself or meeting a PetCommute flight nanny for a handoff, timing is everything. One of the most common questions we get is:

“How early should I arrive at the

airport with my pet?”

Let’s walk through what works best, for both peace of mind and smooth travel.

How Early to Arrive at Airport With Pet

We recommend arriving at the airport about 1.5 hours before a domestic flight when traveling with your pet.

This gives you time to:

• Navigate traffic and airport drop-off

• Find pet relief or family restrooms if needed

• Get through security (which can take longer with pets)

• Handle any unexpected issues like carrier fit checks or paperwork

You don’t need to show up three hours early, but you also don’t want to cut it close.

When Your Pet Is Flying With a Flight Nanny

If your pet is flying with PetCommute, we’ll coordinate the exact timing. Our nannies typically:

• Arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before flight time

• Give your pet a final potty break before TSA

• Check carrier fit, paperwork, and supplies

• Communicate with both sender and recipient before and after handoff

We give you a 15–20 minute pickup window to ensure a calm transition and avoid rushing in crowded terminal areas.

Why 1.5 Hours Is Just Right

Airports can be unpredictable. But arriving about 90 minutes before takeoff strikes the perfect balance:

• Not too early (pets get restless)

• Not too late (you avoid rushing or missing check-in cutoffs)

• Just enough time for TSA screening, which may include:

  • Carrying your dog through the scanner

  • Requesting a private room for cats

  • Explaining items in your travel bag (wipes, food, meds, etc.)

We’ve found that this window works well for pets of all ages, especially when you follow feeding and potty recommendations earlier in the day.

For Early Flights or Busy Airports

If your pet is flying early (before 8:00 a.m.) or through a larger hub like LAX, ATL, or DFW:

• Add 15–30 minutes to your arrival time

• Check your terminal layout in advance (some pet relief areas are hard to find)

• Give yourself a margin in case of long TSA lines or gate changes

If you're not sure, ask us! Our team can advise based on the airport and time of day.

Final Thoughts

Getting your pet to the airport isn’t just about beating traffic, it’s about setting them up for a smooth, stress-free start to their journey.

Aim for 1.5 hours before the flight, and you’ll have time for check-in, comfort breaks, and a calm goodbye.