How early do you get to the airport?

[Uppsala9496]

My 10 year old wants us to be at the airport 3 hours early next week so we have time to enjoy the lounge.
No lounge access (such as me being stuck flying american), then I show up about an hour early.

And yes, TSA pre-check is nice. Only place where the lines are still somewhat long is MCO.

 

[snoopy7548]

I try to get there about two hours before my boarding time for domestic flights. I like sitting around in the airport looking at everyone since I don't travel very often. Sometimes there are some strange characters at the airport...

 

[eng2d2]

It really depends on airport and airlines

 

[zzuupp]

At a small airport, I get there 1 hour early. At a real airport, 2 hours as an absolute minimum

 

[Chaotic42]

Depends on the airport. The St. Louis airport isn't bad, so two hours is usually more than enough. I don't mind being the last person to board either, since it's less time on the plane, so that adds in a little more buffer.

 

[BurnItDwn]

If going to O'hare airport, at least 2-3 hours. Any other airport I've ever been to, around 1-2 hours

 

[Captante]

I work as a dispatcher for a local/NYC are limo company and we suggest at least an hour for domestic and 2 for international.

Passengers can insist on less and we will allow it but add a disclaimer saying not responsible for missed flight.

 

[Oyeve]

being I usually fly out on NYC, either JFK or Newark airports, I get there around 60 mins prior. I always have checkon luggage so not a hassle. I remember pre-911 days of getting to the airport 10 mins before a flight.

 

[ultimatebob]

There are some airports so small and uncrowded that 30 minutes is enough time.

I usually go for an hour with BDL, 90 minutes for JFK.