You should plan to arrive at the airport about 3 hours before an international flight. Details to guide your timing:

• Check-in and baggage drop: Many airlines require you to check in well in advance, often up to 60 minutes or more before departure for international trips.
• Security and immigration: International travel usually involves longer security queues and passport control, so adding a generous buffer helps avoid stress.
• Large or unfamiliar airports and peak travel times: In these cases, you may want to allow even more time (tack on 30–60 extra minutes).
• Airline-specific rules: Always verify your airline’s official guidance for arrival times, especially for international departures.

Practical tips:

• If you have lounge access or special assistance, arrive a bit earlier to account for possible delays in the return-to-gate process.
• If you’re traveling with family, heavy luggage, or multiple checked bags, extra time is prudent.
• If you know you’ll be using expedited security programs and the airport is small or rarely crowded, you might shave a little time off, but 2–3 hours remains a safe default for international flights.

Bottom line: for most international trips, plan to be at the airport three hours before departure, and adjust up or down by about 30–60 minutes depending on your airport size, time of day, and airline requirements.