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  1. #1
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    Default How early should I get the airport...

    ...for a domestic flight? No checked bags, I can print my boarding pass online.

    It's been a awhile since I have gone anywhere alone!
    Green Tea, mom to three

  2. #2
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    I say at the very minimum, be an hour early. But if you are departing from a busy international airport at a busy hour (early morning, in particular) give yourself two hours.

    I almost cut it too close at BWI on a Sunday morning and it was all because of a LONG security line.
    Christina
    DD 9/04
    DS 7/09

  3. #3
    TwoBees is offline Diamond level (5000+ posts)
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    That really depends on the airport, the terminal, and the time of day. Here, it can take over an hour to get through security during really busy times. Other times you walk through in 5 minutes. I would say 1.5 hours if you don't know about the crowds.
    Mom to a spirited, red-headed, former 28-weeker 10/2009 and a more mellow monkey 12/2013.

  4. #4
    wellyes's Avatar
    wellyes is offline Blue Diamond level (20,000+ posts)
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    90 minutes, remembering that boarding starts 30 minutes before the flight. So 90 minutes from takeoff, is what I mean.
    DD - 8
    DS - 5

  5. #5
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    Thanks everyone. It's not a super busy airport, and my flight is midday, so I think 90 minutes sounds about right.
    Green Tea, mom to three

  6. #6
    larig's Avatar
    larig is offline Diamond level (5000+ posts)
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    I think you can check wait times online before you go too. That might help.
    ETA: it's only mobile app form now.
    http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/mobile/index.shtm
    L, mommy to my one and only, super-sweet boy, G 6/08

    I'm pro-big bird, and I vote.

  7. #7
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    AnnieW625 is offline Black Diamond level (25,000+ posts)
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    Check the airport webpage and go by that. I would say an hour just in case you get stuck in security. As an example when we were in Hawai'i we were there two hours prior like they recommended and we didn't make it to the gate until they had already started boarding first class seats.
    Annie
    WOHM to two wonderful little girls born in April
    DD E, 17
    DD L, 13,
    baby 2, 4-2009 (our Tri-18 baby)

  8. #8
    mikala is offline Diamond level (5000+ posts)
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    Quote Originally Posted by TwoBees View Post
    That really depends on the airport, the terminal, and the time of day. Here, it can take over an hour to get through security during really busy times. Other times you walk through in 5 minutes. I would say 1.5 hours if you don't know about the crowds.
    Some airports are notorious for long security lines, especially at heavy traffic times. It seems like the newer procedures have slowed things down a bit. If you aren't sure I'd go early.

    Have fun on your solo trip!

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