How early to airport

[Lewisc]

Generally, 60 minutes is fine if...

......2 hours should be given if you have several (or all) of the issues listed above.

Also. Some airports REQUIRE you to be checked in for your flight 60 minutes prior to your flight or they will not let you on the flight. I found this out the hard way when a client of mine tried to check in 55 minutes prior and was told that the Portland, OR Airport requires 60 minutes due to lines at security. They were denied boarding, all later flights were sold out, and Delta refused to give them a refund (it's the airport's policy, not the airlines, so Delta said tough luck).

American airlines goes with your 60 minute rule EXCEPT FOR THE FOLLOWING AIRPORTS:

Due to lengthy TSA security checkpoint waiting times, earlier arrivals are recommended at the following airports:


Anchorage, AK (ANC)
Atlanta, GA (ATL)
Ft. Lauderdale, FL (FLL)
Las Vegas, NV (LAS)
Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
Miami, FL (MIA) Orange County/Santa Ana, CA (SNA)
Orlando, FL (MCO)
Philadelphia, PA (PHL)
Pittsburgh, PA (PIT)
San Jose, CA (SJC)

At peak times MCO has long waits to get through security. Far longer than airports like JFK, LGA and even ORD.

 

[Disneyjosh229]

I agree.

I fly all the time, and 1 hour is always more than adequate. There have been times where I have checked in online, printed my boarding passes beforehand and arrived at the airport 30-45 minutes before a flight, and still had plenty of time to spare. I have flown out of busy airports like LGA and JFK and never needed more than an hour.

2 hours is way overkill, imo.

I find it hard to beleve that in 30 mins, you....

1. Entered the Terminal
2. Checked Your Bags (At Minimum a 15 min wait)
3. Waited in Line For TSA (At least a 5 min line)
4. Cleared TSA Checkpoint (Various Times)
5. Proceeded to Gate (Various Times)
6. Were able to make it on to the aircraft before boarding ends 15 mins prior to scheduled departure.

if you do the math, it would be HIGHLY doubtfull that you would make your flight!

 

[UNCCLaw]

It depends. I have more problems at smaller airports, especially first thing in the morning and late in the afternoon (particularly on Fridays). LGA is usually pretty simple because it has multiple terminals and (usually) adequate staff.

Smaller airports are difficult to predict. For example, I flew out of Raleigh this morning. From the time I left my car to the time I finished in security was 45 minutes. I fly out of LGA tomorrow early afternoon and I will guess (I take this flight often) it will take less than 15 minutes to fully get through check in and security.

The only other variable is summer. I notice a lot more "school" groups taking trips. If you end up behind them, the check-in/security time may be longer.