how far in advance to arrive at airport?

[ryansmom]

It has been years since I last flew. How far in advance do you suggest we get to the airport? Also when using a town car service do you tell them how far in advance you'd like to be picked up or do they have a general procedure they follow?
Thanks

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

You are supposed to be in the airport two hours before your flight. However, for the most part that is way too much time. It depends on several things. Will you have your boarding passes before you get to the airport? This is a great time saver since you then can skip the airline booth. If you have to get on the line for your airline it will take some time (maybe a long time). At many airports you can check your baggage in (unless you only have carry-ons) at the curbside check in. This saves a lot of time also.
IF you have your boarding pass, no luggage to check (or use the curbside) your only stop will be at security. I would say you would need only about an hour or slightly more for these conditions.
As for your towncar, they have a rule of thumb that they use and will recommend a pick-up time. You are free to ask for a different time. They normally pick you up about 2 hours before your flight.

 

[safetymom]

It depends on what day of the week, time of day, what season you are flying. If you are flying at peak times I would allow at least 1 1/2 hours.

I also recommend the curbside check in. The lines are usually shorter too. Then you can go through security.

If you are checked in and ready to go and the security lines don't look too long you can always grab something to eat or drink in the food court.

If you aren't hungry then you can head out to the gate. I would rather have extra time than be rushing to get to the gate. There is a sign in the security line giving you an estimate of time to get through the line.

 

[ripleysmom]

When we were leaving Orlando at the end of President's week we missed our plane because we were not there 2 1/2 - 3 hours before. People that arrived 2 hours before were closed out of their flights.

When you get to the airport at Orlando check with your airline to find out when you need to be at the airport for your return flight.

 

[safetymom]

Wow they must really have been overbooked. They want you at the gate 15-30 mins in advance of flight time. They close the doors at 5 mins before departure.

You can check with the airlines website for suggested times at each airport.