For travel through Chengdu's airports, the recommended arrival time depends on your specific airport and flight type. At Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), it is generally advised to arrive at least 2.5 hours before a domestic flight and 3.5 hours before an international flight. For Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), you should aim to arrive at least 2 hours early for domestic departures and 3 hours early for international ones. It is important to note that domestic check-in counters at TFU typically close 45 minutes before departure, while GTC check-in closes 60 minutes prior. For international travelers, check-in closing times vary by airline but often fall between 40 to 60 minutes before takeoff. Given that TFU is located approximately 50km from the city center and is quite large, allowing extra time for transit—which can take 60 to 80 minutes by taxi or shuttle—and for navigating the terminal is highly recommended to ensure a stress-free departure.