How much time to get to the airport?

[weregoingtodw]

Last year, we headed to the airport three hours early. It seemed like we cooled our heels FOREVER. This year, our flight is at 2:30 pm on a Saturday in May. Should we anticipate larger crowds?

We're staying on-site and will have to return a rental car (National - no shuttle needed). We don't check luggage, only use carryons. I hate to waste time that could be spent elsewhere...

 

[localdriver]

Last year, we headed to the airport three hours early. It seemed like we cooled our heels FOREVER. This year, our flight is at 2:30 pm on a Saturday in May. Should we anticipate larger crowds?

We're staying on-site and will have to return a rental car (National - no shuttle needed). We don't check luggage, only use carryons. I hate to waste time that could be spent elsewhere...

General advice from MCO/OIA is that you check in 2 hrs prior to your flight time for domestic flights. It is a 25 to 30 min drive to the airport, so you can gauge it from there. What does your airline say?

Security can get backed up at times.

 

[Jamesbyr]

Ditto. Plan to be there 2 hours before your flight. Last year we were shocked at the length of the security lines at 6:30 AM!

 

[JoeCathyAngelina]

Last week we got to the airpport at 2 for a 4 o'clock flight.
It was a short line and still took us an hour to get through the Orlando Mickey Mouse security system.

 

[safetymom]

I agree with the other suggestions. Also what time are you due to return the rental car? There are extra charges if you return it late.