SANFORD AIRPORT....How early should we arrive to check bags etc.?

[bop28]

I know that Orlando international airport wants passengers to arrive 2 hours before their flights, to leave enough time to check bags and wait in security check lines. What about Orlando Sanford Airport? It is much smaller, and I assume, less crowded. How much time should I plan on being at this airport prior to departure? The flight we are considering taking is @ 8:15am with Allegiant air.

 

[magicmouse2]

We aim to arrive 1.5-2 hrs before flight from Sanford. We have to return the rental car.

 

[snowy76]

I would give it about an hour and a half. There are literally 12 gates in the whole airport so typically not a lot of traffic in the airport. One time it was only 20 minutes from the time we got dropped off my our car service and got to the gate! But better to be safe and enjoy some breakfast near the gate if you're early, then to miss the flight. Remember to also give yourself an hour's travel time to get to the airport.

 

[tms295psu]

Although its an old thread... I wanted to know if the recommended arrival time for Sanford airport is still about 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours before flight departure?

We have a flight home from Sanford in march... with a 6:50 am departure !!!! and just over an hours drive to the airport. Are we safe planning on arriving 1 1/2 before our flight departs?

Also our "checked bag" is really a standard rolling carry-on. Although it measure about an inch to large according to allegiant measurements. Can I take it to the gate to check it? I know I have to pay to check a bag? Just thought we could eliminate some time by checking in on line and heading right to our gate if we are cutting it close in time.

 

[stinkpickle]

We had an early flight out of Sanford last March. We arrived just under 2 hours before our flight. We had time to check our bags, go thru security, and have breakfast without feeling rushed. We probably could've arrived one hour before departure and been fine if we skipped breakfast. I would play it safe, though.

I don't have any advice on your luggage issue. Since they charge for both carry-on and checked (both expensive), and the price isn't too much different, I check everything and not worry about it.

 

[julezdisney]

Looking to bump this for a 2018 update on suggested arrival time for departure from SFB. My friend and her daughter are flying home from here 2 days earlier than my daughter and I (we're flying home from MCO). Is 1.5-2hrs still plenty of time for a 6:30am flight?

 

[ktate82]

Thanks for bumping this thread! We are flying into and out of SFB this weekend and are curious to know the answer to your question too. Also does anyone know if Alamo at SFB is like MCO with the no standard section?

 

[maxiesmom]

Looking to bump this for a 2018 update on suggested arrival time for departure from SFB. My friend and her daughter are flying home from here 2 days earlier than my daughter and I (we're flying home from MCO). Is 1.5-2hrs still plenty of time for a 6:30am flight?

Yes, plenty! My dad flew from SFB back home during our last Disney trip. 90 minutes should be more than enough time.

 

[julezdisney]

Yes, plenty! My dad flew from SFB back home during our last Disney trip. 90 minutes should be more than enough time.

Thank you!

 

[JBeaty0507]

We've never had a problem at Sanford. As mentioned above, there are like 12 gates.....which is why we love it. We tend to arrive about 1 hour to an 1.5 hours before a flight and have never missed a flight or even cut it close. We will be there the 1st of February!