How early to show up for my flight?

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ann.inspain

For flights to or originating from airports outside of the U.S., arrive at least 3 hours before departure time. During peak travel periods (such as the holidays), allow yourself extra time for check-in. For flights to or originating from airports outside of the U.S., it is recommended that you be checked in and boarded (or are in the process of boarding) at least 60 minutes prior to departure. Airlines reserve the right to deny boarding if you are not in the boarding area within this timeframe.
http://www.hotwire.com/customer-care/airline-tickets-faq/check-in-faq.jsp
Have a great holiday
Anna

Paul McDonald

For flights within the US I like to "leave" for the airport about 2 hours early, getting me there at the ticket counter about an hour and a half early.

International flights at places like O'Hare and DFW recomment getting to the gate 2 hours early. It's good advice.

I've seen the stress and rush that occurs when people get to the airport too late. I've never seen anyone stressed by getting there too early. For me, it's good to be early and relaxed and not rushed. I can get a snack, read a book, make some calls, or just about anything.

One other tip: If you have a small group, add an additional hour. If you have a large group, add an additional two hours.

Just Jess

You should arrive about 2-2.5 hours prior to your flight time.

SEA is a 'morning airport' meaning most of their departures are in the morning, their busiest time. The airport isn't too busy at night, so you should be able to get through security without too much of a wait. International flights depart through the north terminal, so you'll have to take the tram out there. At night only the central check point and (I think) the north check point are open.

Dan K

The airlines will all tell you to come 2 hours prior to departure for Int'l flights. Often that means checking in in about fifteen minutes and then spending over an hour twiddling your thumbs. Depending on the airline, the line to check in your bags can vary dramatically (that's where the 2 hour overcompensation comes in). If you can find out how long you should expect to take to check in, that would be extremely helpful in determining when to show up. The truth is, however, if you want to just go later (show up 1 hour prior), airlines will generally check you in ahead of other people if you are in danger of missing the flight, and security will pass you through to the front of the line. It seems unfair, but the airlines just want to make money, and that requires that you are in your seat when the plane takes off.

mills

check-in time at the airport for international flights is ateast 2-3 hours before the flight.

Jess

Domestic flights require you check-in and hour and a half prior to flight departure. Most airlines will tell you 2 hours prior for international flights. It depends also on who you are flying with. For the best answer, contact the carrier you are flying with.

NDN

Just arrive 2 hours early and make sure before you leave that the flight wasn't delayed.

SaTa D

Two hours before (AT LEAST!!!!!) is the rule for every international flight on any airport in the world. It all depends on how you want to spend your time at the airport. If you want to rush to your flight and have no time before it departs, you should be at the airport two hours before. If you want to have plenty of time before boarding your flight, 3 hours will suffice. By rule, most airlines have to have their check in counters open at least four hours before the flight leaves on international flights. It also depends what airline you are flying. British Airways tends to be very fast in check-in and boarding, so you'll have more time before your flight even if you're not that early. American, United and Delta tend to be very very slow on checking you in, so you should be earlier if you fly any of these airlines.

dfgkasdjflma

Its recommended to be there 2 hours in advance

chr_met

Try to be on the safe side ..................... 2 hours prior to departure

robertman30s

well....they'll even check the color of your socks so....dress not too complicated and get there two hours before your ETD (estimated time of departure) have a good trip.

vizionthis

I think the rule of thumb is 2 hours.

im always flying internationally from nyc...and since the attacks 2 summers ago in london, there is a lot more security..i recommend 4 hours before your flight leaves. My mom once checked in 2 hours before her flight departure and they refused to let her in ...and security nowadays is ridiculous...if you have any sharp items that might beep on the metal detector then i recommend putting them in your suitcase
but be there 4 hours since its international!!!!!!!

*australian*gal*

2 hours is good

Eduardo G. E.

2 or 3 hours earlier (i live in Panama and here we have to be at the airport 3 hours earlier)... you'll have plenty of time but its better yto be early... if theres any problem you may fix it in that time....

Kelly-Alpha-â„¢

I would call the airport, they usually say at least one hour beforehand, but lately with the weather, I would make sure that I am there at least two hours.
That gives you time to get checked in, find your loading gate, and watch in case they cancel the flight.

mareeclara

Yes 2hrs is a good plan....even up to 2 1/2hrs espeically as its your first time and if you are a time freak like me!.....I love checking in and then having the time to wander around the airport etc and being thankful I am there and not trying to get to the airport!

1.5 to 2 hours

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