Does everyone get to the airport 2 hours early?

[Hopefully]

I travel frequently for work and always arrive at least 90 minutes ahead and I prefer to be there 2 hours early. As others have said, the wait is often unpredictable. The same airport can be a breeze on one trip and a nightmare on the next. Also I have found that the security routines vary from one airport to the next. At some, you have to drag checked luggage to be xrayed - at others you do not. At some gates you need a photo ID - at others you do not. Be prepared at the security check point - shoes off (Much easier than the unexpected alarm and the "personal inspection"), jackets off, laptops out (if you have one on vacation) and most of all a sense of humor and lots of patience. The rules and process are intended to benefit us all. Give yourself plenty of time, and it will be a breeze. Have a Wonderful Trip!

 

[beccasmom]

We always arrive at the airport two hours early as well. And we live only about 15 minutes away from the airport! We live in the Philadelphia suburbs. However, it has often been a smart decision because either the line for check-in or the line at Security has been extremely long. This past June, the line for check-in at USAirways was a nightmare. We were in line for 1.5 hours. Many families missed their flights. The e-ticket kiosks were malfunctioning; there were only two available. In comparison, going through Security was a breeze. In response to many complaints, the airline has recalled many ticket agents that had been furloughed, so hopefully it will be easier next time….this was an extreme case, at least in my experience. We used the e-ticket kiosks at Orlando on the return flight with no problems. When we reached Security, the line was lengthy, but it moved fairly well….this was at 7:00 am, so I imagine it only becomes busier as the day progresses.

I know it can be boring waiting at the airport if you get there early and everything goes smoothly and you end up sitting at the gate…..I just get nervous and find it easier emotionally to get the whole process over with so I can relax.