How early to go to Airport?

[CheetoGuido]

Now that the holidays are over, do we still need to arrive at the airport earlier than usual? We are flying out of Hobby and their website says that the TSA is recommending to arrive 2 hours prior to departure. I was originally planning on giving myself around an hour and a half. We leave on 1/27 and have the first flight out that day on Southwest. Do you think it will take longer than normal to get thru security? I know they have beefed up and all, but I didn't want to get their that early if i didn't need to.
Thanks!

 

[jamstew]

I think 1-1/2 hours should be plenty. The SW web site says one hour, so you're splitting the difference with what TSA says

 

[bradisgoofy]

With the recent "incident" in Detroit, I would not arrive at the airport less then 2 hours early. We usually get to Detroit Metro 3 hours early, just to be safe.

 

[safetymom]

I would stick with 2 hours. That way if there is a delay you won't miss your flight or you won't be running through the airport.

I would much rather be sitting at the gate than worrying if I was going to miss my flight. Not a great way to start a vacation.

 

[n2mm]

I checked my airport info recently, flying SW, and it now says to arrive 2 hours early. Most airlines will have that function on their website. With the recent Christmas attempted attack, security is undergoing changes, so more delays are possible now. It's easier to get there and have extra time for a bite to eat, then stressing in the security line. We leave next week and will be getting their 2 hours early instead of the standard 90 minutes will generally allow--though flying out a major international airport vis a small home town airport may make a difference. (We fly out of Dulles and it's always mad crazy there.)

 

[jamstew]

I checked my airport info recently, flying SW, and it now says to arrive 2 hours early. Most airlines will have that function on their website.

I checked the SW web site last night before posting the one hour for Houston Hobby, and it's still saying one hour today. That's the only reason I said I thought 1.5 hours was okay.