How early to arrive at LIH airport

Question

We are traveling with carry-on luggage only. No suitcases to check in.

We will do online check in so can proceed directly to security and gate.

How early should we arrive at the airport - this is on Sunday evening, Oct 12

Thanks

Answer

For travelers using only carry-on luggage and having completed online check-in, the process at Lihue Airport (LIH) can be relatively quick. However, it's always wise to allow some buffer time, especially for evening flights on a Sunday, when passenger volume can be higher due to weekend travel returning to the mainland.

General guidelines for LIH airport:

Domestic flights: Arrive about 90 minutes before departure. Since you have no checked luggage and have done online check-in, this allows enough time for security and any unexpected delays.
Security: TSA lines can vary, but evenings on Sundays may be busier as flights return from other islands or the mainland. Plan for 20–40 minutes in line, depending on airport traffic.
Gate access: Boarding usually starts 30–45 minutes before departure. Arriving early ensures you have time to get through security, use restrooms, grab a snack, or handle any last-minute issues.

Additional tips:

Check the airport and airline websites for any live updates on security wait times or gate changes.
Have your ID and boarding pass ready to streamline the security process.
If you prefer a stress-free experience, arriving 2 hours early will give you plenty of time without feeling rushed.

In summary, for your situation—carry-on only, online check-in—arriving 90–120 minutes before your flight should be sufficient, with 2 hours being the safer choice if you want to avoid any last-minute stress.

How early to arrive at LIH airport

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