Airports Warn Travelers Against Arriving Too Early Amid Security Delays

Overcrowding from passengers showing up hours before flights is exacerbating long lines at some airports

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:52pm

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Airports across the U.S. are warning travelers against arriving at the airport too early, even as security checkpoint wait times have ballooned to over two hours at some major hubs due to staffing shortages. Premature arrivals are creating bottlenecks and longer lines, especially during peak travel times. Airports like Ohio's John Glenn International are advising passengers to arrive just 90 minutes before departure to help keep the flow of travelers moving smoothly.

Why it matters

The airport chaos has turned the 'Airport Dad' trope into a reality, as travelers panicked by horror stories of missed flights are showing up hours before their scheduled departures. However, this is exacerbating the problem at some airports, leading to even longer lines and more missed flights. Airports are trying to strike a balance between advising early arrival and preventing overcrowding.

The details

Airports like John Glenn International in Columbus, Ohio are warning passengers against arriving too early, even creating charts showing the optimal 90-minute arrival time before departure. The airports say that premature arrivals, driven by fears of security delays, are actually creating longer lines and bottlenecks when the checkpoints first open. Airports are urging travelers to 'space out' their arrival times to keep the flow of passengers moving smoothly.

  • On Thursday, March 28, 2026, John Glenn International Airport in Columbus, Ohio issued a social media post warning against arriving too early for flights.
  • Over the past few weeks, U.S. airports have seen security checkpoint wait times balloon to over two hours at some major hubs like George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.

The players

John Glenn International Airport

An airport located in Columbus, Ohio that has been advising passengers against arriving too early for flights in order to prevent overcrowding and longer lines at security checkpoints.

Amber Campbell

A traveler who missed her morning flight at Baltimore-Washington International Airport despite arriving more than three hours early, due to the disorganization and lack of consideration for passengers with earlier flights versus those with later flights.

Arthur Tsebetzis

A traveler who described the security line at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta as 'an absolute nightmare' on Friday, with the line snaking through the main terminal and spilling outside.

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What’s next

Airports will continue to monitor passenger arrival patterns and adjust their guidance on optimal arrival times as needed to balance security wait times and passenger flow.

The takeaway

The airport chaos has highlighted the delicate balance airports must strike between advising early arrival to ensure passengers make their flights, and preventing overcrowding that can exacerbate long security lines. Travelers must be willing to adjust their habits and trust airport guidance on when to arrive, in order to keep the system running smoothly for everyone.