Do you know if I can activate the e-sims and data plans a day before I go to NYC, so that everything will just work when we get off the plane at JFK?

Me, my wife & our 2 teenagers will be travelling to NY next month for 3 weeks. All 4 of us do have unlocked iPhone 14. I've done some research and seems T-Mobile e-sims are the way to go with the $50 plan that gives you unlimited data and calls? Do you know if I can activate the e-sims and data plans a day before I go to NYC, so that everything will just work when we get off the plane at JFK?