How Early Should I Arrive at MTJ?
Planning your arrival at Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ)? Here are our recommended arrival times to ensure you make your flight with time to spare.
Recommended Arrival Times at MTJ
Domestic Flights
International Flights
Holiday & Peak Travel Advisory
During Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break, and summer travel season, add 30-60 minutes to these recommendations. Airport crowds can be significantly higher during peak travel periods.
Best & Worst Times to Arrive at MTJ
Busiest Times (Arrive Extra Early)
- - Morning rush: 6 AM - 9 AM
- - Evening rush: 4 PM - 7 PM
- - Busiest day: Fridays
- - Holiday periods: Major holidays + surrounding days
Best Times (Shorter Lines)
- - Early morning: Before 6 AM
- - Mid-morning: 10 AM - 12 PM
- - Late evening: After 8 PM
- - Quietest day: Tuesdays
Why You Need 2.5 hours at MTJ
Here's how your time breaks down when arriving at Montrose Regional Airport:
Tips to Save Time at MTJ
Get TSA PreCheck or CLEAR
TSA PreCheck ($78/5 years) lets you keep shoes, belt, and laptop in bag. CLEAR ($189/year) provides biometric verification to skip ID check lines.
Check in online
Check in 24 hours before your flight and download your mobile boarding pass to skip the check-in counter entirely.
Pack TSA-friendly
Follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, wear slip-on shoes, and keep electronics accessible to speed through security.
Know your terminal
Check which terminal your airline uses before arriving. Some airports require extra time for inter-terminal transfers.
First Time Flying from MTJ?
If this is your first time flying from Montrose Regional Airport, here's what to expect when you arrive at the airport:
1 Arriving at the Airport
- - Follow signs to your airline's terminal
- - If driving, follow "Departures" signs to drop-off or parking
- - Allow extra time if using rideshare or public transit
2 Check-In Process
- - Use self-service kiosks or airline counter
- - Have your ID and booking confirmation ready
- - Drop checked bags at the bag drop counter
3 TSA Security Screening
- - Have boarding pass and ID ready
- - Remove laptops, liquids (3.4oz max), and shoes
- - Empty pockets and remove belts before screening
4 Finding Your Gate
- - Check departure screens for your gate number
- - Follow signs to your gate (gates can change!)
- - Be at the gate 30 min before boarding
Pro tip: Download your airline's app to get real-time gate updates and mobile boarding passes.
MTJ Airport Arrival FAQ
How early should I arrive at MTJ airport?
For domestic flights at Montrose Regional Airport, arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3.5 hours early. During holidays and peak travel times, add an extra 30-60 minutes.
How early should I get to MTJ for a domestic flight?
Arrive at least 2.5 hours before your domestic flight at MTJ. This allows time for parking/transit, check-in, TSA security (typically 15-30 minutes), and walking to your gate. If you have TSA PreCheck, you may be able to arrive 2 hours early during off-peak times.
How early should I arrive at MTJ for an international flight?
For international departures from Montrose Regional Airport, arrive 3.5 hours before your flight. International flights require additional time for document verification, potential customs pre-clearance, and longer check-in processes.
How long does it take to get through security at MTJ?
TSA security wait times at MTJ typically range from 10-30 minutes depending on the time and day. Peak travel times (early morning, late afternoon) tend to be busier. Consider TSA PreCheck for faster screening.
What is the best time to go through security at MTJ?
The best times to go through security at MTJ are typically early morning (before 6 AM), mid-morning (10 AM - 12 PM), and late evening (after 8 PM). Avoid Monday mornings and Friday afternoons when business travel peaks.
Should I arrive earlier at MTJ during holidays?
Yes, during holidays and peak travel periods at Montrose Regional Airport, add at least 30-60 minutes to the standard arrival times. For domestic flights, arrive 2.5-3 hours early. For international flights, arrive 3.5-4 hours early. Check-in lines, TSA, and terminals will be significantly busier during Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break, and summer travel season.