Arriving at the Airport

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How early should I get to the airport?

Follow the instructions on your ticket.
You should plan on arriving early on both ends of your flight, at least one-hour before departure on domestic and two hours before departure on international flights.
You might need even more time during peak travel season and heightened security alerts.

What are the advantages of getting to the airport early?

Arriving early helps you to get the better seats and make it though security to the gate check-in.
Airlines also have minimum time requirements to get your luggage on your flight. Getting there early will mean your luggage will make it on the same flight as you.
You have time so you can relax and watch others run through the airport.
This could save you from getting bumped on an overbooked flight.
Getting to the airport early means you can volunteer to be bumped if you like the Airline's deal and aren't in a big hurry. The Airlines offer premiums, such as free travel vouchers, to those who volunteer to be bumped.
Arriving late may mean you are bumped whether you like it or not.

What if I won't make it to the check-in an hour before my flight time?

If you are planning on cutting it close, you had better check the Airline's minimum check-in times. Airlines often require a minimum check-in time before the flight leaves.
Airlines also require a minimum check-in time for your luggage to make it on the same flight. These check-in minimums not only vary by Airline, but the same Airline's minimum can also vary from airport to airport.

What should I do if I'm leaving my car at the airport?

If you are leaving your car at the airport, remove all the valuables from the car.
Write your space and section number down on your return airline ticket.
Leave your parking stub hidden in your car since it could be easy to lose on your trip.
If you are parking under cover, look for a space next to a support, it will reduce your chances for door dings.
You might also put some window cleaner and paper towels in your trunk since all that parking lot and Airline exhaust seems to end up on your windows.

How can I save time and hassle at the airport?

Look at the airport's layout in advance to get an idea of where you are going.
Use luggage with rollers and pack light.
Consider using curbside service to check in your bags, it can save you time. If you use the service before you park your car or return your rental car, it will also save you a lot of carrying.
Be aware that curbside check-in can make it easier for you to become separated from your baggage, so you'll want to follow the guidelines below.

What do I need to know before using curbside check-in?

Have your bags clearly labeled and remove old claim tags to avoid confusion.
You cannot use curbside check-in if you have an international destination.
Before you check your bags, you'll want to ask if the flight is delayed or cancelled. You might not want to give up your bags yet.
Find out your three-letter destination's airport code. Airport codes aren't always obvious choices; Orlando International Airport is MCO for McCoy Field. This way you can verify that the correct tag is placed on your bag.
Make sure the proper Airline information is placed on your bags, skycaps will often check in bags for several different Airlines.
Watch your bags go down the conveyer belt, don't take the word of a busy skycap that they'll get right to it. Criminals watch for skycaps that are too busy to guard your bags.
Don't tip a skycap until your bags are on their way.