A question about airport/airline security (domestic flight)

[ovidsen]

I'm flying later this week. It's the first time for me since the "liquid bomb" scare.

I got my ticket through Travelocity, which advises me to be at the airport THREE HOURS before departure. Whaaaa???

I'm used to showing up 1 or 1 1/2 hours early, but this is a stretch! Or is it?

Full disclosure: It's a 7am flight out of the Savannah GA airport, which is not big at all. One concourse, 10 or 12 gates. So we're not talking LAX or ORD here. I've never seen it really crowded.

So what's the deal? Should I really get there at 4am?? Thanks!:hi:

[Gormy Cuss]

1. I'd say no.

Three hours sounds like checkin time for an international flight. At your airport it's probably 90 minutes to 2 hours, tops. Check with the airport (google it, there's usually an info page.)

[ovidsen]

7. Google's a good idea

It IS my friend!! :pals:

Thanks for the tip!

[bettyellen]

2. i just got through newark just 1 hour 10 minutes before the flight

the security slowed me down, but i made it to the gate fine.
i'd say 1 1/ hours is plenty.
just have your liquids and carry on sorted, no contraband. :)

[ovidsen]

8. Savannah's definitely not Newark

Which actually isn't so terrible for a huge airport!

I'm checking a bag. I hate to do it but I have too much stuff. So my carryon won't have any liquids, to say nothing of contraband.

Thanks for passing on your experience!

[huskerlaw]

3. Travelocity just doesn't want

you to call and bitch at them if you show up an hour early and then miss your flight. They want to be able to point to the ticket and say "oooh no ya don't, we told you to be there 3 hours early!"

Really, 90 minutes should be plenty. If you're traveling with lots of people or lots of luggage, perhaps closer to 2 hours. The only time you should even consider 3 hours is if you're flying international. Otherwise, that's just crazy-speak.

[ovidsen]

5. Hadn't thought of Travelocity's "excuse proof" instructions!

That makes a lot of sense! Thanks!

[cobalt1999]

4. Small airport, no more than an hour.

Less if you aren't checking any bags.

[ovidsen]

6. That's a relief

The Savannah airport's boring enough. But 3 hours starting at 4am?? I'd go nuts.

It's a domestic flight, and I can handle an hour. Thanks friend!