MHT experts/Southwest

[RebeccaB]

Flying out of MHT (Manchester, NH)earliest flight on SW...6:55am. We've only flown Southwest, and only out of MHT, so we are relatively familiar with the airport, and airline. Question is this, do we really have to be there 2 hours before the flight if all we use is carry ons? Last year we were so booooored waiting for our flight out. What do you think?

 

[RebeccaB]

OMG I just realized there's only 20 days til our trip!!!
Ahem...

 

[smacky1]

I would say an hour and 15 is more than enough. Definitely not 2 hours.

 

[HolliePoppins]

Here is what the MHT websit suggests.
How long before my flight should I arrive at the airport?
The airlines serving Manchester • Boston Regional Airport recommend that all passengers arrive at least one and one half hours prior to departure time during periods of peak activity at the airport (5:00 - 7:00 am and 2:30 - 6:00 pm). During "off-peak" periods, one hour will give you enough time to park, check-in and complete the security screening process.

We are flying out of there in 27 days for the 1st time.

 

[cel_disney]

I always try to be inside at the check in desk 1 hour before the flight...giving time to get boarding passes, go through security, get coffee, and get to our gate!

 

[wgeo]

FWIW - We flew out of MHT a lot a few years ago, and during that time I would sometimes travel by myself with my children - who were in the infant/toddler ages at the time. Even with all the extra hassles of strollers and lugging car seats to be gate checked, I never got there more than 1 1/2 hours early and never had a problem. We almost always took a 6:00 am flight out and were never rushed. Did I mention I love that airport? I've never had so many security people actually help me get my kids through security - awesome!

 

[PrincesCJM]

Probably not with MHT but I'm paranoid so I'd rather be there early and bored, then risk running late. DH and I flew out of there in July and we were there just over two hours a head of time. We drove there from Maine, about 1.5 hours, and I didn't want to risk being late because of traffic, accidents, etc.

It is a great, cute airport.

 

[Ro Z]

We always take SW from MHT. We leave about 2-2 1/2 hours before the flight. It is about a 40mile drive so we usually get there about 1-1 1/2 before take off. That early flight we would leave home about 5am. There shouldn't be much of a line anywhere that early (except maybe Dunks) We will never take a flight out of Logan again. MHT is GREAT!

 

[SilverMickey]

We always fly out of MHT and almost always fly Southwest. 1.5hrs is what we aim for.

My Aunt flew out about 3 weeks ago and thank god her flight was late because 1.5 hours didn't give her enough time. Her flight was early morning. The skycap said SWA has fewer flights out of MHT and that time of day has become very congested both curb side as well as inside check in. Hmmmm.

Have a great trip!

 

[PatsMom]

We generally fly SW out of MHT on the earliest flight of the day too. We aim for 1 1/2 hours prior to the flight and that works out good for us. Allows plenty of time for a hold up at security, and time to stand in line at Dunks and get a cup of coffee and a bagel.