How long ahead to be at airport?

[leahjade]

We are using Southwest?

 

[Procrastinate]

We arrived a little over an hour before our 8:40 flight. This was a huge mistake. The line for baggage check-in was outrageous. We checked outside and there was virtually no line for curb-side, so did that instead. I believe the recommended time is about two hours before.

 

[pamjb]

It is based on the airport that you are leaving from

http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/suggested_arrival.html

 

[andymattmom]

Honestly I would go with 2 hours as recommended. I looked at the SW link and was amazed that it said 1 hour at some airports! You have to wait to check bags...there could be a HUGE line or NO line....depends on the time of day you leave. You have to get through security...once again there could be a HUGE line or NO line. There are too many "what ifs". The people in front of you could have issues and have to have tickets reissued, the security line could take forever because there are trainees, etc. If you are traveling with children it can add time. There could have been weather delays and the ticket agents could be busy trying to rebook people on other flights. They won't hold the plane for you ...get there 2 hours ahead. It is better to have TOO MUCH time than NOT ENOUGH! There are too many "what ifs" and too many overbooked and clueless travelers that can slow things way down!!!

 

[skelooch]

If you are referring to returning home from WDW, I would suggest checking in at for your flight at your resort if staying on property. Then I would make sure to be at the airport a min of 1 1/2 to 2 hrs before the flight. This allows for returning the rental car and getting through security. The security lines can be very long at MCO sometimes (it once took me 40 min to get through security).
It's nice to have a little extra time to get a bite to eat near the gate, use the restroom and relax before boarding.

If your talking about your home airport consider parking and a shuttle to the terminal, baggage check-in and security if it is a busy airport.