How early do I need to be at the airport

[mickeyinjune]

just flew from detroit Metro to DC(Baltimore MD) for school trip. we had boarding passes already and did not check any luggage(One day trip). it took the whole 11/2 hours to get thru secruity. Some of the things people were pulled to the side for was; gum wrappers in pockets, bigger metal buttons on jeans, metal in heal of shoes, (mostly dress shoes). there was 110 of us so we held up security for awhile, some people complained that they should have had a separate security check place for groups but they did not at either of the airports. we were on a charter plan(Champion Air) they mostly do trips to places like Vegas, Hawaii and sorts, they are located in the international erminal at Detroit and there was very few flights at 5:30am leaving when we did. They held our flight until everyone was on board. It left about 20min.late.

We are going to WDW June 14 throught NWA and I plan to get to the airport at least 11/2 hours early, giving our luggaage at curbside and prechecking in online.

 

[mom_rules]

I always think it's better to be safe than sorry and was glad that I got there 2 hrs +- ahead of time. At least I wasn't panicking as some others were.

 

[mslangen]

Hi,

Just returned from WDW and Orlando Int. Airport.
Transportation to the airport was by Mears bus. Was there one hour and fifty minutes before departure of my flight. First I had to find out the United check in. Mears dropp you of at a lower level and you need to go to the third floor. After that I asked if I needed to go left or right. It was left. Passed a few counters and saw United. Not a very long line and there were I think four booths. Within five minutes I checked in. Just needed to show my passport for the E-ticket and got my boarding passes. Had to go to just the opposite to ginve my bags. Why they can't do it at check in I don't know, but it was no problem I was able to drop off me allready checked bagage and had still one before boarding starts and one hour and 30 minutes before departure. I swa not very long lines, so I decide to do first some shopping. After that I finished security and tram ride in less then 15 minutes and was still an half hour before boarding starts in the gate area.

Think it just depends on the day and time and airline when you are there.
And for the person who advices to not go to the counter. My flight was domestic, but my connection in Washington was INternational, so then you have to go to the check in counter.

In our Airport (Amsterdam Schiphol Airport) there is no curbside check in and everyone who need to check bagage has to go to the check in booths. These booths are only there to check and take your bagage and to provide boarding passes. If you need a ticket change or anything else you have to go to another booth. Maybe this can shorten the lines in the USA if they do so.

Marcel.