When you’re facing hours of sitting on a long-haul flight, taking a few minutes to stretch before boarding can make a big difference in how your body feels and functions during and after the journey. Remaining still for extended periods can lead to stiffness, swelling, and general discomfort, but it also carries a more serious risk known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition caused by blood clots that form in the legs due to poor circulation. Fortunately, small movements can go a long way toward preventing stiffness and promoting circulation. Here are five of the most helpful stretches health experts recommend you perform before, during, or after a flight.

Ankle Rotations

How to do it: Lift one foot slightly off the floor and begin rotating your ankle in slow, controlled circles, as if you’re drawing large circles with your toes. Do 10 rotations in each direction, then switch to the other foot. Repeat for two more sets and you’ll feel your lower legs start to wake up as blood flow increases. This simple move goes a long way toward preventing stiffness, swelling, and that “heavy leg” feeling that often comes from sitting too long. 

Knee-to-Chest Stretch

Sitting on the edge of your chair, bring one knee up toward your chest, using both hands to gently pull it in and hold for about 15 seconds before switching to the other leg. On the next round, you can also consider crossing your ankle over the opposite knee so your legs form a figure four. Keep your back straight and hinge forward slightly at the waist until you feel a comfortable stretch in your glutes and outer hips. This seated stretch releases tension in your hips, glutes, and lower back, which all tend to tighten up after hours in a cramped airplane seat.

Seated Torso Twist

For this stretch, sit tall and upright with both feet planted flat on the floor. Place your right hand on the outside of your left knee and gently twist your torso to look over your left shoulder, keeping your spine long. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds, then slowly unwind and repeat on the other side. This gentle twist eases tightness along your spine and helps stimulate circulation through your torso, improving overall flexibility and posture.

Neck Stretches

Sitting in an upright position, drop your right ear toward your right shoulder while extending your opposite hand to the side and hold for a few seconds, feeling the stretch through the side of your neck. Repeat two to five times, holding for 15 to 30 seconds each time. This stretch can feel especially good if you doze off in an awkward position or spend too much time looking down at a phone or screen. It helps release tension in your neck, shoulders, and upper back — areas that can carry a lot of stress during travel.

Forward Fold

Sit forward in your seat or stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Extend your arms in front of you, then slowly bend forward, rolling your spine down toward your toes and letting your head and shoulders hang heavy as you look at your feet. After 10 to 15 seconds, tuck your chin to your chest and slowly roll back up until you’re seated tall again. This full-back stretch helps decompress your spine, release built-up tension, and improve your posture after hours of sitting still.

When the temperature drops below freezing and the wind is more bitter than breezy, many people dream of escaping to a tropical island where the only ice is found in a cocktail glass. And while island vacations to hot spots such as St. Barts and the Seychelles can definitely drain your bank account, there are loads of sun- and sand-filled islands where you can find postcard-perfect beaches at prices that won’t give you sticker shock. Here are six affordable island destinations to consider for your next warm-weather getaway.

Puerto Rico

No passports, no currency conversions, and no international roaming charges — for U.S. citizens, Puerto Rico offers an especially easy and affordable getaway. Low-cost carriers like Frontier, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines offer plentiful service to the island, and there are plenty of budget hotels to choose from starting at around $125 per night. 

Bigger than Rhode Island and home to more than 3 million people, the former Spanish colony became a U.S. territory in 1898. San Juan, the capital, is an architecture lover’s dream, with an eclectic mix of styles — including 16th-century fortresses, dramatic churches, colorful Spanish-style homes, and serene courtyards. 

Puerto Rico has around 300 beaches that range from secluded to see-and-be-seen, and the island offers every water sport imaginable. Admission to the waterfalls and wildlife of El Yunque Rainforest — the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. national forest system — is free, and access to the exhibits at the visitor center is only $8 per person for adults and free for kids younger than 16.

The Dominican Republic

From Punta Cana to Puerto Plata, all-inclusive resorts are the name of the game in the Dominican Republic, one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations. With nearly 50 direct flights from U.S. airports and more than 100 all-inclusive resorts, the Dominican Republic has options that range from adults-only and expensive to family-friendly and frugal, with some all-inclusive stays coming in at under $100 per night.

The country shares the island of Hispaniola (the second-largest island in the Caribbean) with Haiti. Christopher Columbus arrived on the island in 1492, and “La Zona” in the capital of Santo Domingo (a colonial city that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) has buildings that were constructed not long after. In addition to cobblestoned streets and colonial architecture, the vibrant district offers live music, cafes, and great people-watching.

The Dominican Republic is blessed with a bounty of beautiful beaches, but there’s more to do than simply sunbathe. Spots like Cabarete are great for surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding, and adventurers will want to trek to the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua and swim in the crystalline pools below. And a whale-watching tour is a must from December through March, when thousands of humpback whales descend upon Samaná Bay. 

Camiguin, The Philippines 

Expansive beaches, world-class scuba and snorkeling, friendly locals, and fabulous hotels for less than $100 USD per night? You can find all this — and much more — on the Philippine island of Camiguin. This rugged paradise boasts more volcanoes than towns, leading to its nickname “Island Born of Fire.” Relatively untouched by mass tourism, Camiguin is served by ferries as well as direct hour-long flights from Cebu City (fares can be found for as low as $35 one way). 

Once you arrive, prices for guided tours (including island hopping) are remarkably reasonable. The island offers hot and cold springs, waterfalls, and an abundance of nature both on the surface and below the waves. Don’t miss the Sunken Cemetery and the Old Church Ruins, both caused by the 1871 eruption of Mount Vulcan.

Providencia Island, Colombia

You’ll need to brave 15 minutes on a tiny plane from nearby San Andrés Island or a three-hour catamaran (both around $100) to get here, but your reward will be empty swaths of golden sand, turquoise waters, and a wonderfully refreshing remoteness. Closer to Nicaragua than it is to mainland Colombia, Providencia Island doesn’t have huge resorts or luxury all-inclusives. However, it does have great snorkeling and diving at some of the country’s best coral reefs. You may even come across a chest of gold — legend has it that pirate Henry Morgan buried his treasure here in the 17th century.

The local Raizal culture on the island is more similar to the Caribbean than to South America. You’ll find Creole or English spoken more often than Spanish, and the traditional dances are performed more to soca, reggae, and calypso than to salsa. Rates for hotels and guesthouses start at around $50 a night, and the island’s duty-free status helps keep drinks and shopping affordable, too.

Sifnos, Greece

Move over, Mykonos — your sister island in the Cyclades is just as sweet but less crowded and much more affordable. Famed for food and pottery, the island of Sifnos boasts great beaches, stunning churches (don’t miss the fairy-tale Church of the Seven Martyrs), and an authentic, unpretentious vibe even at the fanciest places.

You’ll arrive by ferry to the port town of Kamares, which is a great spot for budget accommodations. The capital, Apollonia, built by Greeks in the sixth century BCE, has narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and undeniable charm. There is a bus system on the island, but staying in Apollonia is probably the best choice if you aren’t renting a car or scooter. Plus, you can’t go wrong with sparkling fresh seafood and locally produced wine at any one of the island’s rustic family-run tavernas.

Caye Caulker, Belize

A 45-minute boat ride for about $20 USD brings you from Belize City to Caye Caulker, a tiny island where the vibes are up-to-date but the prices are definitely a throwback to less inflationary times. Just 5 miles long and a few blocks wide, the former fishing settlement features aqua blue waters and soft beaches that make for a prime Caribbean getaway, at prices that offer pure Central American value. 

Snorkel for free off nearby reefs, like Iguana Reef near the edge of town, or explore on a rented bicycle — the only vehicles allowed are golf carts and government utility trucks. Hostels and guesthouses are plentiful and affordable, as are the island’s happy hours.

The Transportation Security Administration employs 65,000 people, 50,000 of whom are the security officers you see every time you catch a flight. But that isn’t all the TSA does. As part of its stated mission to “protect the nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce,” the agency — which was founded in the wake of the 9/11 attacks and is part of the Department of Homeland Security — has responsibilities that extend beyond the airport. Here are four things you may not know the TSA is responsible for.

Deploys Air Marshals

Perhaps most notably, the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) is part of the TSA. Though it’s a common misconception that there’s an air marshal on every flight, it’s estimated that there are about 3,000 air marshals serving nationwide. Given that there are more than 44,000 flights in the U.S. every day, the chances are low that your next flight will have an air marshal aboard, but because a crucial part of their job is blending in, there’s no way to know for sure. The program was founded in 1961 but used to be quite small; before 9/11, there were only 33 air marshals flying the friendly skies.

Helps Protect the Surface…

The “T” in TSA covers a lot more than just airplanes. The agency also protects what it calls surface transportation resources, which include freight rail, the highway system, passenger rail, and mass transit. The last of these encompasses more than buses, commuter rails, and light rails, totaling over 6,000 systems. In all, the TSA helps safeguard and implement security measures for over 4 million miles of roads, more than 611,000 bridges, and nearly 140,000 miles of railroad tracks. 

…and the Sea

Focusing mainly on passenger protection and port connectivity, the TSA also assists the Coast Guard with maritime security along approximately 12,000 miles of coastline and over 25,000 miles of navigable waterways. That includes producing and distributing training materials and conducting regulatory inspections aimed at ensuring everything is up to code. Interestingly, the agency also works to secure the nation’s 2.7 million miles of natural gas and oil pipelines, working with operators and government agencies on issues such as cybersecurity, incident response plans, and security preparedness.

Distributes Grants

The TSA disburses funds via five different programs — the Transit Security Grant, Freight Rail Security Grant, Intercity Passenger Rail Security Grant, Intercity Bus Security Grant, and Trucking Security Program — with the intention of bolstering security systems. (Some of it even goes to ferries.) A portion of that money is earmarked for the structural integrity of infrastructure like tunnels and bridges, which are themselves a vital part of the country’s transportation network.

Some destinations are so remarkable — and so popular — that last-minute planning simply won’t do. Whether it’s to witness a natural wonder, partake in a historic seasonal tradition, or even set sail to the end of the world, these experiences require early commitment. Booking early doesn’t just secure your spot — it also saves money and gives you the best choice of accommodations, tours, and flight itineraries. Below are seven unforgettable adventures experts recommend you plan at least a year in advance.

Trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail is a famous four-day hiking journey through the Andes mountains of Peru that culminates at the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. This bucket-list destination is relatively remote and protected by the Peruvian government, so reaching it requires serious planning. Only 500 permits are issued per day (200 for trekkers and 300 for guides and porters), and they’re usually snapped up within days of release each October for the following year. The trail itself is open year-round, except in February, but May and June are the most popular months.

Be warned that securing a guide and a spot on the trail may not include entry to Machu Picchu, as the site itself has limited daily tickets. There are four “circuit” routes to choose from, which the local government designed to protect the ruins from overcrowding. Booking all of these activities as early as possible ensures you’ll have your trail permit and site access for the same dates.

Japan’s Cherry Blossoms

Japan’s cherry blossom (sakura) season unfolds each spring with a brilliant display of pink flowers. Between March and April, depending on weather, trees bloom throughout the country, but the most popular viewing spots for visitors are in major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. This is Japan’s busiest tourism season — hotels, rail passes, and activities sell out months in advance, especially in these hot spots.

For a less-crowded experience, consider visiting smaller towns like Kinosaki, known for its stunning blossoms, hot springs, and charming ryokan (traditional inns). While you should still book well in advance, it may not be as crowded here compared to larger cities. 

Still, it’s easy to understand why tourists flock to places like Kyoto — there’s nothing quite like seeing the famous imperial palaces and gardens decorated with blossoms. But with popularity comes limited availability: The Fushimi Canal Boat Ride, one of the most picturesque ways to enjoy cherry blossoms in Kyoto, regularly sells out during peak bloom, but you can reserve your spot online ahead of time.

Antarctica Expedition

To visit one of the most remote places on the planet, it’s best to plan at least a year in advance. That’s because reaching Antarctica is an adventure in itself. Most travelers depart from the resort town of Ushuaia, Argentina, nicknamed the “End of the World” for its position at the southern tip of South America. From there, they embark on a cruise ship that crosses the Drake Passage, but because only a handful of licensed tour operators run these trips, spots are limited and fill up quickly.

Also of note: Antarctic voyages operate only during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer (November through March). Some cruise lines occasionally offer last-minute deals to fill empty cabins, but planning ahead helps secure your preferred itinerary, cabin type, and excursions. Seabourn, a luxury cruise line, is currently booking Antarctica expeditions as far out as 2028, offering excursions such as penguin viewing, ice walks, polar plunges, and zodiac boat cruises.

Great Migration African Safari

For many travelers, experiencing Africa’s great migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each year, more than 2 million animals, including wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, move through Tanzania’s Serengeti in the largest mammal migration on Earth. To see the animals in action, you’ll need to be near the migration routes, which vary depending on the time of year. Between May and July, for example, the place to be is the Western Corridor, and accommodations and tours book quickly.

The Four Seasons Lodge Serengeti, one of the most luxurious safari stays in the region, is located in the Central Serengeti, north of the Seronera River Valley, an area known for year-round wildlife viewing. However, availability is already limited for June through August 2026, which is considered peak season for the area. To streamline tourist itineraries, many lodges coordinate guided safaris directly for their guests, so securing your stay early helps lock in those coveted excursions, too.

Northern Lights in Lapland

From December through March, Lapland is Finland’s premier northern lights viewing region. Due to its popularity during this time, hotels here often book up more than a year in advance, but fortunately, Lapland offers a variety of accommodation options. In Rovaniemi, Apukka Resort lets visitors sleep under the stars in glass igloos and Aurora suites. Nearby, the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel boasts floor-to-ceiling windows in its forest tree houses for epic views of the sky and surrounding scenery.

Due to the remote nature of the region, spots are also limited for activities in Lapland. If you plan to visit, be sure to book tours such as reindeer safaris and snowmobile adventures well ahead of time. Even spa treatments and fine dining often have limited availability, which is why locking in your complete itinerary well before arrival will allow you to make the most of your Arctic getaway.

Faroe Islands in Summer

While these remote and wild islands in the North Atlantic Ocean are off most tourists’ radars (for now), capacity for visitors is still relatively limited. Peak season runs from June to August, and during this time, hotel rooms, car rentals, and ferry tickets between islands can sell out many months in advance. Some popular activities are also limited in availability, especially guided tours of Mykines, the westernmost of the archipelago’s 18 islands. It’s home to thousands of puffins, drawing many visitors to see the unique seabirds.

This also means that activities can be expensive, so booking in advance may help you snag an early-bird rate. You’ll be glad you did: From riding Icelandic horses through green Faroese valleys to exploring ancient cliffs and caves on a sea kayak, adventures in the Faroe Islands are unforgettable.

Amazon Jungle Adventure

The Amazon rainforest offers immersion in nature unlike anywhere else in the world, but getting to its remote lodges and small-boat river cruises requires plenty of planning. The dry season (June through August) is peak season for tourism, when popular stays, including luxury boutique hotels and eco-lodges, are often booked months in advance. Take, for instance, the highly rated Juma Amazon Lodge, located on Brazil’s Juma River, a remote, eco-friendly hideaway that has only 20 bungalows. Also in Brazil, the popular Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is a luxury boutique hotel that can accommodate only 20 guests at a time.

One of the best ways to tour the jungle is by boat. These tours are typically multiday excursions, which require early reservations. For example, G Adventures’ eight-day Amazon River cruise explores Peru’s Pacaya Samiria Reserve, a biodiverse area of Peru where pink dolphins, spider monkeys, and macaws thrive. But there’s no time to waste: Cruise dates for 2026 peak season are already limited. 

After a record-setting 2024, the 2025 holiday travel season is expected to be even busier, with flight bookings already up 2.2% this year. For air travel, that means crowded terminals, long security lines, and an influx of impatient passengers that can make even the most seasoned flyer feel less than merry. But with the right gear and a few clever hacks, you can handle the chaos like a pro. This holiday travel survival guide is packed with clever products and practical tips to help travelers stay calm, comfortable, and organized from takeoff to touchdown.

TSA and Flight Hacks

Whether you’re dealing with liquid rules or trying to figure out how to bypass lines, these are the best ways to reduce stress at TSA checkpoints.

• TSA-approved toiletry kit: Follow the 3-1-1 liquid rule for carry-ons by purchasing a toiletry kit with leakproof silicone bottles that you can refill with your favorite full-size toiletries. Unsure which toiletries to pack? There are also cost-effective, curated toiletry kits for men and women, ensuring you never forget the essentials.
• TSA PreCheck or CLEAR membership: If you don’t have a membership already, the holidays might be a good time to explore enrolling in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, which allow you to use designated lines that offer faster service than regular lines. While they do come at a cost, a less stressful experience may be worth it (and a TSA PreCheck membership is good for five years).
• Digital boarding pass holder or wallet app: Keep all your boarding passes in one place using your airline’s app or a virtual wallet on your phone. This is especially useful when traveling with small children — instead of rummaging around at the gate for your paper ticket before your board, simply pull out your phone and scan.
• Flight apps: You can always use your airline’s app, but a favorite among seasoned travelers is FlightAware, which provides real-time, historical, and predictive flight insights. Sometimes, FlightAware is even updated before the airline’s app. It’s free to download, and you can search by airport and flight time if you don’t know a flight number, which helps you easily keep track of friends and family.

Comfort Is Key

No one enjoys being cold, cramped, or restless on a flight. Bringing a few cozy essentials can help transform a stressful travel day into a surprisingly relaxing experience.

• Compression socks: These specialized socks keep blood flowing during long flights and help reduce cramping, swelling, and leg pain. Choose a classic neutral pair from a trusted brand like Dr. Scholl’s, or get in the holiday spirit with these fun patterns.
• Neck pillow: Whether you’re taking a cross-country red-eye or a quick morning hop across the state, a supportive neck pillow can make a big difference in comfort. Look for ones made of memory foam that offer chin support for better rest and less strain.
• Travel blanket: A packable travel blanket is a great way to make your experience a little more comfortable — and a lifesaver for chilly jetways and airplane cabins. For a more versatile option, consider a cashmere travel wrap, a stylish yet cozy accessory.
• Hydration helpers: With dry cabin air, flying can be dehydrating, so it’s important to keep up with your water intake. Passengers can take an empty water bottle through TSA and fill it post-security. If you’re worried about saving space, consider a collapsible travel water bottle. Bonus points if you bring TSA-friendly hydration packets to mix into your water for an added electrolyte boost.

Peace and Quiet, Please

With airports and flights busier than ever during the holiday season, things may be noisier than usual. Fortunately, you can pack a few small accessories to make your experience a little more peaceful.

• Noise-canceling headphones and earplugs: These can help cancel out noisy neighbors on flights and in the airport. The Bose QuietComfort headphones are top-rated among travelers for their comfortable over-ear design, Bluetooth connectivity, and 24-hour battery life. Bose also makes QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds with the same capabilities but an in-ear design. For travelers who prefer peaceful silence, the Loop Quiet 2 earplugs are  comfortable enough to sleep in and come with four different ear tip sizes.
• Sleep mask: Bright terminal lights and glaring cabin screens can be jarring during early or late travel days, but a sleep mask can help you relax wherever you are. Look for a mask with concave eye cups so the fabric doesn’t press against your face — no contact lens irritation or makeup smudging.
• Meditation and white noise apps: Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditations, white noise, sleep exercises, and mindfulness programs to help manage stress and anxiety wherever you are. You can download them on your phone or tablet and have access to them throughout your journey.

Keep Organized and Efficient

A tidy carry-on can make all the difference during a busy travel day. Keep everything in its place with these organization essentials.

• Packing cubes: To avoid rummaging around your carry-on bag, separate clothing, hats, and other travel must-haves in packing cubes. Opt for a set of compression cubes to create even more space in your luggage.
• Tech organizer: Traveling with tech keeps us more comfortable, especially when we can listen to our favorite music or catch up on a television show. But this requires charging cords and headphones, which can become a tangled mess in your carry-on bag. A small tech organizer can help you keep everything in a dedicated place.
• Unique bag tags: Many people travel with a neutral-colored bag, so a unique luggage tag is a good way to make your belongings stand out on the carousel. From neon monograms to holiday-themed characters like this charming snowman tag, tags are an inexpensive way to personalize your bag.

Dreaming of a permanent vacation? If you’re entering your golden years and contemplating a new chapter abroad (or know a loved one who is), there’s a myriad of criteria to take into consideration when choosing a foreign country to retire in. For guidance, we looked to the Global Retirement Index (GRI), developed by Natixis Investment Managers and CoreData Research to examine the factors driving retirement security. Their ratings on safety, affordability, and accessibility for American expats make the following seven countries ideal places to enjoy a quieter pace of life.

Portugal

Portugal has become an increasingly popular choice for American retirees due to its warm, sunny climate (comparable to Southern California), excellent health care, and easily obtainable retirement visa — commonly known as the Portugal D7 Visa or the Passive Income Visa. With low levels of violent crime, Portugal consistently ranks among the world’s safest and most peaceful countries, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index. From the golden beaches of the Algarve region to the bustling streets of Lisbon or Porto, there is much to do and see in this stunning European country, which offers the perfect blend of high quality of life, affordability, and natural beauty.

Italy

It’s easy to live la dolce vita (“the sweet life”) in Italy as a retiree. One of the most-loved destinations in Europe for Americans, the nation offers a diverse landscape ranging from the colorful fishing villages of the Italian Riviera to the rolling vineyards of Tuscany. Italy also has a lower crime rate than the United States, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index, and the mild climate, vibrant culture and nightlife, and high-quality health care offered to residents make retiring here very appealing. Retirees can also benefit from a special 7% flat tax regime on their foreign-sourced income and are eligible for a retirement visa, called the Elective Residency Visa, which allows non-EU citizens to reside in Italy without working if they can prove sufficient passive income. 

Greece

With hundreds of islands to choose from, retirees in Greece can live steps away from ancient ruins, dramatic cliffs, sandy coves, or hillsides dotted with olive trees. Greece’s Mediterranean climate consists of the occasional cool sea breeze combined with sunny days that rarely see sweltering temperatures. The country is currently under a Level 1 travel advisory administered by the U.S. Department of State (the lowest level), meaning it has a relatively low crime rate. The country also offers several incentives for retirees, such as a special tax program that can lead to lower taxes for foreign pensioners and a Golden Visa program, which grants a five-year residency permit in exchange for a real estate investment. 

Malaysia

With high-quality health care at a low cost, modern infrastructure, and impressive safety scores, it’s easy to see why more and more Americans are flocking to this Southeast Asian country to retire. Malaysia was named the safest country to visit in Asia in 2024, and retirees have figured out they can get a lot of bang for their buck here. Housing, food, and transportation are all affordable, plus English is widely spoken in major cities. Retirees must meet specific age and financial requirements to qualify for a retirement visa like Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), but for many, the effort is worth it. 

Malta

With its strong expat community and high safety rankings, the European island nation of Malta should be on your radar if you’re considering retirement abroad. Malta was ranked one of the top 20 countries in the world to retire in 2025, according to the GRI, beating Canada and the United States when it comes to life expectancy, affordable health care, and material well-being. Located between Sicily and the North African coast, the country has a pleasant Mediterranean climate and English as its official language, eliminating language barriers for expats. Malta also has a beneficial tax system for retirees: The Global Residence Programme offers a 15% flat tax on income remitted to Malta from abroad.

Costa Rica

Known for its peaceful culture, lush rainforest landscape, and sustainable initiatives, Costa Rica is ideal for those seeking a little more adventure in their golden years. A popular retirement haven for Americans due to high-quality health care offered at a low cost, this Central American nation is devoted to the pura vida (“pure life”) mantra, focused on appreciating life’s simple pleasures and prioritizing time spent in nature. The Costa Rica retirement visa, called the Pensionado Visa, allows retirees earning at least $1,000 per month to obtain temporary residency. 

Panama

The Central American nation of Panama also offers a retirement visa called a Pensionado Visa that comes with valuable perks. These include significant discounts on a wide variety of goods and services, such as airfare, bus tickets, train tickets, hotel stays, utility bills, medical and health care bills, and prescriptions. As another top-ranking nation in the GRI when it comes to safety scores, Panama is a politically stable country that uses the U.S. dollar as its currency. The major metropolis of Panama City also boasts impressively modern infrastructure, including the only metro system in Central America.

Catching a flight always comes with that one important question: How early should you actually get to the airport? No one wants to spend hours waiting around, but running through the terminal with your shoes half on and your bag bouncing behind you isn’t fun, either. The sweet spot of when to show up at the airport depends on a few factors — where you’re headed, how busy the airport is, and how you like to travel. Figuring it out ahead of time can save you stress, maybe a little sweat, and unnecessary time spent waiting around. Below, explore a few different airport scenarios, from catching a domestic or international flight to whether you have TSA PreCheck, are checking bags, or need any special assistance.

When To Get to the Airport for a Domestic Flight

Most U.S. airlines — including American, Delta, and United — recommend showing up at least two hours before your domestic flight. This may sound like a lot of time, but it’s important to consider factors such as parking, whether you need to take a shuttle to the terminal entrance, checking in, dropping off any checked bags, and passing through security.

During busy travel periods like holidays — or exceptional circumstances like the recent government shutdown — it’s smart to give yourself even more time, as airports can get crowded and lines can quickly grow long. Also be sure to keep an eye on the weather, since rain, snow, or other conditions can slow things down and lead to backlogs of travelers with delayed or canceled flights, resulting in longer lines at check-in and security.

When To Get to the Airport for an International Flight

For international flights, airlines, the TSA, and travel experts recommend arriving at least three hours before your scheduled departure time. That’s because there are more steps in the process — document checks, additional security procedures, and sometimes customs at airports with U.S. preclearance — all of which can take longer than a domestic flight. Adding an extra hour gives you a buffer if anything pushes you behind schedule. Boarding for international flights also tends to start earlier — usually around 50 to 60 minutes before departure, whereas domestic flights start around 30 minutes before. 

When To Arrive if You Have TSA PreCheck

If you’re one of the 20 million-plus people who have enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you should theoretically be able to shave off time in the security line and arrive at the airport closer to departure. According to the TSA website, most wait times for TSA PreCheck lanes are under 10 minutes, while standard screening lanes usually take 30 minutes or less. 

However, keep in mind that you could still encounter long waits in a PreCheck lane if the airport is busy or you’re traveling during peak periods. Because of this, you may wish to stick to the recommended two-hour arrival window for domestic flights or three hours for international trips. This also gives you a few precious extra minutes to grab a coffee, refill your water bottle, and freshen up before your flight.

When To Arrive if You Are Checking Bags

Traveling only with carry-on luggage offers two big advantages. First, you can check in online, obtain a mobile boarding pass, and skip the check-in counter entirely — no wrestling with glitchy self-check-in kiosks or waiting in a long queue of other passengers. Second, once you arrive at the airport, you can head straight to security, bypassing the whole baggage-drop process. And the best part? No waiting around at baggage claim (or worrying about lost luggage) when you land. 

Still, sometimes checking a bag is unavoidable, and if you’re planning on traveling with one, it’s crucial to know the baggage cutoff times. Check the website of the airline you’re traveling with and plan accordingly. For international flights on Southwest Airlines, for instance, your bag must be checked in at least 60 minutes prior to departure, or you won’t be able to board your flight. Remember: This means the time your bag is scanned and loaded on the check-in belt, not the time you join the line, so it’s a good idea to budget plenty of extra time for waiting in the baggage drop-off line.

When To Get to the Airport if You Need Special Assistance

In general, if you require special assistance, it’s a good idea to arrive at the airport about an hour earlier than the recommended times noted above. Depending on your needs, you can request help from a TSA Passenger Support Specialist (PSS), who can guide you through the security process. This service is available through TSA Cares, a program designed to assist travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special circumstances. To arrange support, contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before your flight by submitting an online form or by calling (855) 787-2227. 

To ensure everything goes smoothly with your travel day, it’s also a good idea to let your airline know beforehand if you need any assistance. For example, American Airlines recommends adding special assistance requests to your itinerary during the booking process or after you book by managing your itinerary online. The airline notes that you can also inform an employee at the airport when you arrive if, for example, you need a wheelchair, but it’s a good idea to give yourself an extra time buffer to allow the airline to accommodate such requests.