Most airports have a 2 hour check-in; right?

Question

You have to be there, on average, 2 hours ahead of time for the security & checking in. But, most airlines don't open until 6:00 AM. If I board at 6:00 AM, do I still need to be there at 4:00, or not?

It's just from GA to NY.

Answer 1

I fly a lot and I never get there 2 hours before. Check in at your house (or hotel) via the internet--then get there 1 hour before your flight.

Answer 2

The airline say 2 hours. So you should go 2 hours ahead. Most airports have skycaps etc there 24 hours and if your flight is 6am you can be there at 4 am. I know. Its boring as hell but you gotta do it cause you could get stuck in a line of travelers held over from the middle of the night like I did. SUCKS!

Answer 3

It depends on where you're going, and who you're flying with. If it's long haul, don't risk it. You have to print your boarding pass at the check-in desk and these flights are usually busier (bigger aircraft, less frequent flights, major destinations) therefore the lines are A LOT longer. If you're flying with AA, for example, it's advisable that you arrive about 1.5-2 hours before the flight, and the check-in is often closed well before 35 minutes prior to your departure. That said, if you're just flying on a short hop with, say, Ryanair or easyJet, the airlines usually tell you when check-in closes, so be there about 40 minutes before then. As well as this, if you aren't bringing any checked bags with easyJet, then you can print your boarding pass online and go straight to security when you get to the airport. In Ryanair's case, you HAVE to print your B/P online and there's a quick, automatic bag drop at the airport. They charge some 40 Euro if you don't do this! In the case of short haul, most check-in desks aren't even open 2 hours before departure, so don't bother waiting around. It might seem a good idea to take your sister's advice because she travels regularly, but there is no "set time" you must be there before the flight. It all depends on where you're going, and how far away the flight is headed, as well as WHO you're travelling with. If you're super confused, call your airline for more info, or visit their website, but as a rule of thumb, 40 minutes is typically sufficient for S/H. Enjoy the trip!

Answer 4

It depends on the airport. At larger airports, it's highly recommended to come 2 hours early so that you're not waiting on line out the door and can pass through security easily. However, in your case you may want to call up the airline. They'll probably say come at least an hour before your flight. I hope this helps.

Answer 5

I've only gotten there an hour ahead, and have been fine. Just make sure you have already been ticketed. I'm assuming you're flying on a domestic flight not an international flight? I must say I hate flying after Sept. 11th. The security is a real drag, but necessary, I guess.

Answer 6

Leaving that early, I usually find that an hour is fine. Usually the airport is too busy at that point. It is when you have a peak hour flight that you have to be there especially early. I would say a good hour would be plenty. But, you know your airport better, so consider what you think lines will be like as well.

Answer 7

If it's an international flight on a large jumbo, I would allow an hour and a half. If it's internal, less time, maybe an hour. They advise 2 hours to avoid everyone turning up with half an hour to go, and the flight would end up being late

Answer 8

Check with your airline. The time will depend on your airport of departure and destination.

Answer 9

if ur not there by 5 ur prolly screwed but 2 hours might be too excessive