How early is too early for flight home?

[cutlertyfly]

We're going on the seven day Eastern Caribbean cruise in November. What time will we arrive at port that Saturday? Is noon too early for a return flight home? If so, what would be the optimum time to fly out?

 

[prymsu]

I would not book anything much earlier than 11:30 a.m. personally. Some folks have been able to catch earlier flights, but you can not control the time that you will be allowed to depart from the ship...noon would be just fine for you...

 

[BeanoC]

I am assuming you are flying out of MCO? (Orlando)

You shouldn't book a flight before noon, 11:30 at the earliest.
The Magic begins debarkation around 8:00 AM, and you have about an hour's drive to the airport. If everything goes smoothly, you can be to the airport by around 9:30 or so, but it's smart to give yourself a little 'cushion', in case you get delayed, in customs for example.

Our return flight this year leaves at 11:50. Last year we returned at 2:45, and it seemed like we sat in that airport forever!!

Aim for as close to noon as you can get and you should be in good shape!


'Beano'

 

[DisneyCruiseluvr]

We were advised, by our travel agent and a DCL rep., not to book a flight home earlier than noon. They cannot guarantee you will make it to the airport on time for an earlier flight.

One time, when we arrived at the airport and were very anxious to get to the ship, we had to wait over an hour before getting on a DCL bus. It was because the ship wasn't ready to receive guests at its usual boarding time. The Magic had helped another vessel at sea that morning and was late getting in because of it. Hopefully no one missed their flights home that day. Things like this can happen and that's why we need to allow ourselves some "cushion" time to get to the airport.

 

[tezb]

Book for afternoon or evening...especially since now you have to check in at the airport at least 2 hrs in advance. Our last cruise the Magic didn't return til 9:30 or so and we didn't get off the ship til after 10am.! We were glad we didn't book a flight for that day..our flight was the next day since we live on the WEst Coast. Since then, I heard the ship has been delayed other times too...due to an ill passenger and the ship having to wait for the airlift.