Continental questions

[ls1222]

We fly out Fri from Cle to Orlando on Continental. What has been your experiences w/ this airline? Also, do you think that 2 hrs is early enought to get the the airport? The flights are full. I just want to make sure that I keep my seat assignments. Am I allowed to gate check 2 strollers? The one is brand new and I would hate to check it w/ the luggage. Thanks.

 

[ncligs]

ls1222,

We are Continental One Pass members, this airline is run pretty good and usually(weather permitting) on-time. We usually arrive 1 1/2 hrs early for our flights and still have plenty of time to spare.
Cleveland airport is not one of the cleaner airports, for being a hub of Continental.
We always just carry our luggage on(carry-ons). Can't answer the stroller question.

 

[mayflower]

We just flew from Manchester, NH to Orlando via Cleveland on Continental. While I can't tell you anything specifically about check in there, I do know that 1 1/2 hours was more than enough time in both Manchester and Orlando. We had e tickets that we purchased through expedia and check in was a breeze. I saw lots of people checking strollers at the gate in Cleveland. I have to say that this recent flight was the best I've ever had. All flights were on time and we even arrived 1/2 hour early to Manchester on our way home!

 

[nuthut]

Continental is a super airline. 1 1/2 hours should be plenty of time before your flight.

 

[julfre]

I fly from Cleveland several times a year-usually on Continental. The only time I have ever needed close to 2 hours is 8am Saturday flights. Cleveland is a hub and they will have a bunch of flights first thing Sat morning. The rest of the times I've flown- afternoons and Sunday morning- I've gotten through check-in and security in less than 45 minutes. So 2 hours is very safe and 1 1/2 should be enough.

I always get there 2 hours early-just because I am paranoid about flat tires on the way to the airport(this happened once 15 years ago and it still worries me), traffic acidents causing backups and any number of other potential delays.

 

[TapCat]

Our experience post 9/11 has been that if you're flying out of an airline's hub, you may need the full two hours because of the volume of people. However, we've breezed through other airports where our carrier (Continental) was only operating a couple of flights.
Don't know if others have had the same experience, but if you have two small children, you'll be glad to have the extra time to handle all of the things that invariably need to be handled! Good luck.

 

[betterlatethannever]

I've seen the Contenintal security have a wait of 45 minutes or so (rarely but it happens).

However, it should be easier to go through security in Cleveland after next month. They are relocating the three security checkpoints from the entrance to each terminal to the entrance to the main concourse. The result is you will be able to use ANY of the three security spots to get to ANY gate.

You would think that they are doing it to help the traveling public. But, the reason they are doing it is due to the compoaints from the merchants in the main concourse. Their sales were down big time. People were waiting to purchase items after they went through security.

Oh well. Whatever the reason, it will especially help out the Continental/Northwest passengers going to Terminal C.

 

[ls1222]

Thank you for your replies. But, I do have one more question!! My parents will be taking our family to the airport, how far can they go w/ us? Last time we flew they were able to go to the gate w/ us and watch our plane. Thanks again.

 

[ncligs]

ls1222,

Non- ticketed people are not allowed past the security check points since 9/11.

 

[ls1222]

ncligs-Do you know if we can go through security and get our boarding passes then go back and meet w/ my parents until it is time to board? Thank you for your help.

 

[Luv2Roam]

From my experience you can go back and forth, but you will go through all the necessary security measures each time.
I just booked flights for January last night with Northwest.
I was surprised that the rep said to be there 1 hour and 15 minues before the flight leaves. That was much better than 2 hours! I have been hitting at 1.5 hours early and have had PLENTY of time.

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by ls1222
ncligs-Do you know if we can go through security and get our boarding passes then go back and meet w/ my parents until it is time to board? Thank you for your help.

You can go back, but you will have to pass through security again. And there could be a longer line.

 

[ls1222]

Thank you. My mom loves the airport and always enjoys being able to stay w/ us and watch the plane take off. But I can understand it has to be this way for our safety.