[BuzzLightyear]

Just curious as how how soon before your flight do you arrive at the airport.

Are they still recommending 2-hours prior to departure? Or have things setteled down a bit.

Thanks!!

[dznygrl]

Hey Buzz

I think the airlines are still recommending 2 hours prior to your flight, but the last few times I have flown (which were over a year ago!) I found an hour and a half to be more than ample.

I would alter the time depending on the time of year you're flying; obviously, if you are flying during a busy holiday or school break time, 2 hours might be smart. But if it's at a slower time of the year, I think 1-1/2 hours is more than enough!

[queensmama]

I think that it really has alot to do with your airport. At my rinkydink airport here I woudl say only 1 hour, but in orlando I say 2 hours.

[JiminyCricket]

I used an hour and a half also and gave us plenty of time...but then again I think it depends on the location of the airport and how busy it is for your time of departure.

When we came home from Orlando the security lines at MCO were very long and barely made (10 min.) it to our departure flight (11:10 am.) and we arrived two hours in advance.

[roxie]

I agree it depends on where you are! I flew out of Providence last week - I arrived at 7 for my 8 am flight and they even bumped me up to an earlier flight! Left at 7:30!!
I'm a worrier though. I would arrive 2 hours early - especially if you have kids with you.

[karliebug]

I think 2 hours is still the general norm.

[Pooh Fan]

I have to agree with everyone else here. When we fly out of our little airport an hour is more than enough and with the kids we don't like to be there any longer than we have to, but when we fly out of MCO, we get there 1 1/2 -2 hours early depending on the time of year we are there. If we go during summer or holidays then 2 hours is neccessary, but when we went in February last year, 1 1/2 hours was more than enough time.

[chiasgirl]

We always plan to arrive at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours early at the airport. I figure there are too many things like traffic, parking, check-in lines, security lines etc that I can't control. I would rather have an extra30 minutes to kill at the airport than be stressed the whole time - not a great way to start or end a vacation. Also, we have noticed that TSA can take an incredible amount of time to screen bags and are often falling behind so we like to give our bags time to make our flight as well!

[inluvwithdisney]

I was just listening to reccommondations on the phone when I was checking something about our flight.

It said for international flights allow to 2 hours, and for flights within the continental US allow 1 1/2 hours.

[Dana]

It honestly depends what time of day you are flying. When I take the first flight out, I only need to arrive an hour - an hour and a half before take-off at Philly's airport. It's not as crowded. If your flight is around 10am- noon, I would head there 2 hours before. Two hours is definately a norm time and the safest way to go. You will have plenty of time to check in, find you gate etc. Anything more than that is a bit long and not necessary.



OMG....sorry to highjack...just saw a disney commercial...it's going to be a good day.

[karliebug]

Also, some discount airlines, Like Southwest, don't assign seats so the earlier you check in the better to get a good seat.

[jodilt]

I am always there at least 2 hours early. I don't want to chance being late. In Dallas the security lines are usually very short and check in at the Delta kiosks is very quick. However my last two trips home from Orlando, the lines have been very, very long. The last trip I think I was in the security line for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour!

[inluvwithdisney]

Originally Posted by jodilt

I am always there at least 2 hours early. I don't want to chance being late. In Dallas the security lines are usually very short and check in at the Delta kiosks is very quick. However my last two trips home from Orlando, the lines have been very, very long. The last trip I think I was in the security line for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour!

I guess the lines at the airport are better than having lines at WDW, right?

Truly tho we always end up at the airport waaaay early because we are so excited!

[dznygrl]

Originally Posted by karliebug

Also, some discount airlines, Like Southwest, don't assign seats so the earlier you check in the better to get a good seat.

Good point karliebug! With Southwest & similar airlines, you will appreciate getting there early! (ESPECIALLY if you are traveling with children.)

[angielovesjohn]

Some airlines, most of the majors will let you preboard in certain situations, like having to install a seat for kids, disabilities, things of that nature. Always as the gate agent if you can preboard!

Angie