How Soon To Arrive At Airport

[famsen]

This is my first time flying since I was 12 years old.
I will have a lot of questions and am finding a lot of great answers to my questions here.

I am wondering how far in advance of our flight are we supposed to be at the airport? We are leaving on a 8:40am flight on Southwest and I have no idea if there are specific rules for getting there at a certain time. I've heard people get there a couple of hours in advance, is this true?


Thanks!

 

[maxiesmom]

Two hours prior to your flight is a good arrival time. You never can tell how long the lines at check in or security will be. Plus that should give you enough time to get around any traffic snarls that may pop up. I would much rather be killing some time at the gate then stuck in the security line, hoping that my flight is not leaving without me.

 

[goofy4tink]

'If' I'm flying with just carryon luggage, and I'm at an airport I know very well, I sometimes will shorten my normal 2 hr arrival time to around 90 mins. But not much less. If I have bags to check or don't know the airport very well, I always arrive 2 hrs before flight departure.
MCO??? Always 2 hrs before, maybe even a bit earlier. Those security lines can get crazy!!! Much better to cool you heels at the gate than to obsess over being late.

 

[Best Aunt]

I think some airline websites tell you how early to get to the airports they serve.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

The security lines at MCO can be very long so I would be there 2 hours ahead of time.

 

[kaytieeldr]

If the airline website doesn't suggest a time, the airport website should. If not there either, try Googling "how far in advance should I get to Midway airport" or something similar.

 

[MinnieLee]

Going to WDW, you should allow yourself 2 hours before just in case there are long lines at check in or at security. If you are using ME on the return flight they will pick you up at your resort 3 hours before your flight. MCO does have long security lines and although they move pretty good, you still have to shuttle it over to your gate. If are flying SW, print your boarding passes 24 hours beore your flight time at home going down and at your resort or guest services at the parks for your return flight. You can also have someone at home check you in for your return flight and get your boarding pass at MCO.

 

[dburg30]

If you havent flown for a long time, and you are flying out of a busy airport like midway (guessing from your profile and airline) I would just get there 2 hours before. You will have to figure out where to go, what to do etc etc. The last thing you want to worry about is getting there too close to your flight. Also remember that SW will start boarding 20 mins before flight time, so you will start boarding around 820.

Now going back home from WDW if you are using DME, they will pick you up close to 3 hours before, if you are driving yourself around WDW, then still plan on getting to MCO about 2 hours before.


Stay relaxed and have fun!

 

[WendyLovesPeter]

this is OT but make sure you check the TSA rules for carry on - esp the 3 oz container rule and the quart size plastic bag rule.

the last few times I have flown I have seen MANY unknowing travelers lose toiletries, beauty and personal items because they were not aware of the regs

 

[famsen]

Thanks to everyone for the great advice!
I am trying to get myself well educated about the flying procedures.
It's been a loooong time since I have flown and I want to make sure everything is buttoned up before I go so I will have less stress.
I am already stressed aout enough about the being 30,000 feet in the air thing.