Arrival at airport before flight?

[Cathmark]

We are flying out of MCO on Saturday November 24th. Since this is the Saturday after Thanksgivings the airport will be very busy. How many hours before our flight should we arrive at the airport? Appreciate any suggestions.

 

[snesguy]

I have only been to MCO a couple of times but the last time I flew out early Sunday morning and had to wait 25-30 minutes to get through security before 6 AM and this was a slow time of year. There were a lot of people there and not enough TSA agents.

I assume you are checking luggage. You didn't say what time of day your flight is leaving or what terminal or airline. That could make a difference.

I would shoot to be in line at the check-in counter 2 hours before the flight to check the bags. That should be enough time.

 

[Disflyer]

we typically fly back home the Sat after Thanksgiving, Sat really isn't all that bad early on in the day. MOst people don't travel home until Sunday so I think it would be safe to say you shouldn't have to vary your normal routine too much.

Good luck!

 

[goofy4tink]

I would think that as long as you're there, actually at the airport, 2 hrs prior to flight departure, you should be okay. If you're using DME, you'll most likely be picked up 3 hrs prior to departure, which 'should' get you to MCO 2.5 hrs ahead of time...which will be perfect.
Depending on the airline you are traveling on, you can most likely check your bags at your resort, at least 3 hrs prior to your flight. What airline are you flying, and what time is your flight??

 

[Missytara]

Ditto; I fly out of BWI the Saturday after Thanksgiving, to MCO just about every year.

My favorite flight leaves at 7 am and I have been at the airport by 5 am and had the place to myself, but I was glad I was there. The only issue I really thought I would have would be getting parking, since most people arrive back late Saturday night into Sunday, but I have never encountered that either.

 

[Cathmark]

We are flying on Southwest Airlines leaving at 11:10 A.M. We will already have our boarding passes and will check our luggage at curbside. Thanks again for your help. Looking forward to 9 fun days at Disney World.