How early do YOU arrive at the airport?

[MinnieGirl33]

1 1/2 to 2 hrs PHL & MCO

 

[lovetoscrap]

I like to have 2 hours going and 3 or so at MCO--shopping and all!, We have an 8am flight tomorrow so that means arriving at the airport at 6am--that is really, really early for us! And since it is a 45 min. drive to the aiport we need to leave the house around 5:15 so I have to get up at 4:30. I am NOT a morning person! I would only do this for my MOUSE!!!

I am wondering if we can cut it a little closer and maybe plan to get there around 6:30 or a little later (flying out of ORF).. . . .but since most business travel is at that time of the morning am guessing that would be a bad idea. We will probably also be a difficult case for security because of the carryons and meds so I hope I hear the alarm in then morning!!!!!!

Time to get off the DIS and get finished packing! By my calculations, I should have been asleep about an hour ago!!!

 

[simzac]

We are early birds, so it is not uncommon for us to arrive 3-4 hours early. Plenty of time to get thru security, get something to eat, and relax before our flight.

 

[Laurabearz]

We allow 1 1/2 hours... give or take... Sometimes we cut it closer, but we too like to grab a bite to eat and look aroud the airport first.

 

[MPeter]

All depends on the airport and time of day the flight is departing. We usually fly out of Manchester NH which is a medium-sized airport and usually 60 mins to 90 mins suffice even during busy times.

No way I am arriving at 4am for a 6am departure. I've done that before and sometimes the airline desks aren't open yet and TSA doesn't even allow passengers into the gate area until later, at least in Manchester.

 

[dudspizza]

We are flying to MCO next month. We are going to try something totally different this trip. Normally we fly early am, so have to be there at the crack of dawn. This trip's departure isn't until early afternoon, so we are going to get to the airport SUPER early (like 4-5 hours) so that we can check our bags exactly at the 4 hour mark (and try for exit row seats since they are assigned only at the airport). Then we will take our car to the Mall of America (5 minutes away) for some fun. This is an adults only trip, so we may go to the Rainforest Cafe to get the theming going and have a drink or maybe go on some rides at the Park at MOA to get the juices flowing... we will then take our car to the park n ride by 12:30 and get to the airport about 1 hour before flight... still allowing plenty of time to get through security. We will already have checked bags and have our boarding passes.......

Should be fun!

Duds

 

[FlyingBelle]

We are flying to MCO next month. We are going to try something totally different this trip. Normally we fly early am, so have to be there at the crack of dawn. This trip's departure isn't until early afternoon, so we are going to get to the airport SUPER early (like 4-5 hours) so that we can check our bags exactly at the 4 hour mark (and try for exit row seats since they are assigned only at the airport). Then we will take our car to the Mall of America (5 minutes away) for some fun. This is an adults only trip, so we may go to the Rainforest Cafe to get the theming going and have a drink or maybe go on some rides at the Park at MOA to get the juices flowing... we will then take our car to the park n ride by 12:30 and get to the airport about 1 hour before flight... still allowing plenty of time to get through security. We will already have checked bags and have our boarding passes.......

Should be fun!

Duds

If you don't already... sounds like you're a perfect candidate as an airline employee!

 

[dudspizza]

If you don't already... sounds like you're a perfect candidate as an airline employee!

Thanks... I think. Just a lowly Elementary School Physical Education teacher here......

Duds

 

[texasthree]

When I fly out of a small airport like Corpus, I arrive 75 minutes early. A large airport like Detroit or Ohare, 90 minutes. I have only had one close call at the corpus airport. I arrives only 45 minutes before the flight (alarm clock error) and their was actually a security line (never before).

 

[dudspizza]

When I fly out of a small airport like Corpus, I arrive 75 minutes early. A large airport like Detroit or Ohare, 90 minutes. I have only had one close call at the corpus airport. I arrives only 45 minutes before the flight (alarm clock error) and their was actually a security line (never before).

I love Corpus Airport. Very clean, no lines at security and free WIFI! I was there for the USBC Bowling Championships last May. Enjoyed my stay at the Omni downtown.

Duds

 

[FlyingBelle]

so that we can check our bags exactly at the 4 hour mark

Can you check-in online? I'm assuming you're flying Northwest (MSP?) I know at united.com you can check-in up to 24 hours before the flight online.

It's been awhile since I was at the MOA - I hear there's a train that can take you from the airport to the mall? I used to take the bus for $1.25 - it was really convienent for a day trip and not wanting to rent a car.

 

[bavaria]

I don't think that duds is referring to check in, but rather checking his bags with the agent. Most airports/airlines will not allow you to check your bags more than 4 hours prior to departure time, regardless of when you can check in online etc.

 

[schlepsnort]

We plan on arriving at Ohare about 3 hours before our flight. We've also got 3 little ones with us so I think the whole process will take a little longer for us. Plus I want time to sit, eat something and relax before the flight down. I also enjoy people watching! And I know the boys will love watching the planes and all the activity going on outside the windows. Just more pre-trip excitement for them!