how early is too early for departing flights?

[ThePicketts]

Hi all. I have no doubt this is one of those questions that have been asked a million times, but I can't find an answer So I'm trusting you, the real experts. I'm trying to plan when my departure flights should leave from Barcelona. Is a 11 am flight going to be difficult to catch?

[abdgeek]

Originally Posted by ThePicketts

Hi all. I have no doubt this is one of those questions that have been asked a million times, but I can't find an answer So I'm trusting you, the real experts. I'm trying to plan when my departure flights should leave from Barcelona. Is a 11 am flight going to be difficult to catch?

To save on your anxiety level, you may want to try to book your flight for after when DCL suggests. That being said, when I did the Med Cruise in 2011several people at my table had early flights(around 10:30am) from Barcelona. They were told to let guest services know before the last night of the cruise and were given instructions as to what to do. You don't put your luggage out the last night but hand carry it off the ship. You are the first people off the ship once it clears customs and you won't be the only one trying to make an early flight. You will need close to 3 hours to check-in and go through customs and security. If you have bought anything that qualifies for a VAT refund, you will get your refund at the airport. You have to do that before you go through security and the lines you have to stand in can take time. Don't listen to anyone who tells you you can mail it in. Good luck.

[ThePicketts]

Excellent information!

[hrhdhd]

Originally Posted by abdgeek

If you have bought anything that qualifies for a VAT refund, you will get your refund at the airport. You have to do that before you go through security and the lines you have to stand in can take time. Don't listen to anyone who tells you you can mail it in. Good luck.

To clarify, Barcelona would have to be your exit point from the EU for you to get your VAT refund there. If you're flying from Barcelona to, say, Amsterdam, to the US, then you get your forms stamped and your refund in Amsterdam. Be sure to keep the merchandise in your carry-on.

[jedijill]

I was one that had the 10:30 flight in 2010....I walked off the ship with my luggage at about 7:30AM and caught a taxi that was waiting at the pier. I ended up having about a 2 hour wait at the airport....Easy breezy! I've heard that the lines for taxis get bad especially with a larger party but as a solo (actually shared a taxi with someone I met onboard) we had no issues that early in the morning.

BTW, there are little to no services after you go through security. If you have time to kill, I would do it before you go through security...Once you are through, you are through. Many folks were looking for the box to drop their VAT forms and it was too late at that point.

HTH

Jill in CO

[ThePicketts]

Great information. Thanks!