Faced with the question of how early to get to the airport, most people fall into one of two camps: those who arrive hours in advance and those who prefer a last-minute dash to the gate. While anyone can appreciate the thrill of a gate sprint, it’s almost always better to be an early bird. Still, the specifics can vary depending on your destination, the airport’s size and layout, and whether you need special assistance. Here’s what travel experts suggest for a few common scenarios like domestic flights, international flights, and passing through airports outside the United States—plus, a few tips to make your journey from curb to gate as smooth as possible.

Getting to the airport early is especially important if you have a child navigating flying solo. Mercedes Zach, a travel expert at ASAP Tickets, says most airlines have unaccompanied minor services for children between 5 and 14 years of age.  These services usually need to be booked at least 48 hours in advance, and because you’ll have to fill out extra paperwork at check-in, it’s a good idea to arrive even earlier than what’s typically recommended. Continue reading here.