How early do we need to be at the airport before flights now?

[Sarah1]

We just flew out of ORD over Thanksgiving, and I flew in October as well. Both times, the security lines were really manageable, and curbside check-in was also very fast (if you don't already know this, though, the airlines are now charging $2/bag for curbside check-in, and this doesn't include a tip for the person).

So, I generally like to get there no more than a half hour beforehand. That generally allows you enough time to be leisurely throughout the entire process. I get stressed if I have to rush. But getting there 2 hours early is TOO much time. JMO.

[wagner36]

>have DH empty his pockets into a ziploc that you put in your purse
> or the diaper bag well before you get to the x-ray machine.


This is my BIGGEST pet peeve about my DH. I swear, I can get me and charlie, the car seat and the stroller, diaper bag and my purse, all through security with shoes and jackets off and on while he's still taking off his freaking belt and finding all of his change and having to go through 3 times because he forgets about his cell phone, etc. It drives me CRAZY! It's not rocket science honey, metal things make it buzz.

[Momof3Labs]

>We just flew out of ORD over Thanksgiving, and I flew in
>October as well. Both times, the security lines were really
>manageable, and curbside check-in was also very fast (if you
>don't already know this, though, the airlines are now charging
>$2/bag for curbside check-in, and this doesn't include a tip
>for the person).
>
>So, I generally like to get there no more than a half hour
>beforehand. That generally allows you enough time to be
>leisurely throughout the entire process. I get stressed if I
>have to rush. But getting there 2 hours early is TOO much
>time. JMO.

The airlines are charging for curbside check-in?? Which ones? We're flying United tomorrow night, so I guess that I'll find out, but Southwest (out of MDW and MCO) wasn't charging in September, nor was Independence (out of IAD) charging this weekend.

And are you sure that you meant to allow only a half hour? I'm a frequent flyer, and even traveling alone that would be cutting it awfully close! Not to mention that you'd miss the cut-off for checking bags (which is usually 30-45 minutes before departure time, depending on the airline). IMO, an hour is pretty much the minimum for a leisurely trip through the airport, but I'd allow more time with a baby in tow and if unfamiliar with O'Hare.

[Sarah1]

OOPS Lori! Did I say a half hour? Looks like I did. Oops. I meant an HOUR and a half, not a half hour. You must've thought that was funny--a half hour allowing one to be "leisurely"?? I think not :P

Yes, United is now charging for curbside check-in. When I flew out to Denver, I flew American on the last day of September, and they were not charging, although United was (I saw when we drove by Terminal 2). On my return flight, they were charging. So, I think this went into effect around the first of October. When we flew out for Thanksgiving, United was charging. Two bucks a bag.

The plus side of this is, the lines for curbside check-in are practically nonexistent now, I'm sure because of the charge.

[daniele_ut]

> And, with babe & seat in
>tow, you might get selected for that *oh-so-helpful* random
>screening and get delayed further.
>
>Bon Voyage and Good luck!
>
>Larissa

I have to wholeheartedly agree with this one, since we got selected for "random" screening both leaving SLC and returning from JFK for T-day. I had never heard that bringing a carseat on the plane would make you more likely to be selected, but I've heard it from 3 people since. It added 15 minutes at SLC and 30 minutes at JFK.

[Momof3Labs]

Very interesting. I feel bad for the guys who do curbside check-in, because I'm sure it's causing their tips to go way, way down (unless they actually get that money versus the airline - wanna take bets on that one??). And they have to put up with some pretty brutal weather out there!!

[kelly ann]

We still tipped them on top of the $2/bag...remember that Seinfeld episode when Elaine din't tip ;) The skycaps made it clear to us that the money goes to the company (even though I already knew this)...it stinks for them since they probably relied on tips as part of their income.

[ilovetivo]

American. Thanks!

[ilovetivo]

I haven't used the Gogo yet, but will let you know :) There's a thread on it, but I have to find it. I'll update my post when i do. Thanks!

ETA: http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboar...d=31347&page=2

[Sarah1]

We definitely tipped them too.