what time do you arrive?

What time do you arrive at the airport for an international flight? According to jet Blue, we have to have our luggage checked an hour ahead. We booked a 4:30am car to get us there two hours ahead (7am flight). I have a feeling we are going to be just sitting there for an hour after we check in. is this way too much time? When i fly domestic and bring carry on, I get there no more than an hour ahead of time - usually 45 minutes ahead is plenty.

Message edited 4/25/2012 9:41:59 AM.

Re: what time do you arrive?

The timing you have is fine. Is it really that bad if you are waiting around for a little bit? Use the restroom, get something to nibble on.

Wouldn't you rather get there early than be standing on a line that has been delayed for an unknown reason and your flight has left without you?

Re: what time do you arrive?

I think the timing you have is good. You'll probably have some time to wait around, but I usually grab breakfast...then get a sandwich & drink for the plane.

I flew Jet Blue a few times in the past few weeks out of jfk...one day I went right through security...a few days later it was so crowded and took 3 times as long. Better to be there a little earlier!

Re: what time do you arrive?

Re: what time do you arrive?

Honestly, keep the two hours. We stood on line foreverrrrrrr just trying to get through security. And returning as well, we raced through customs because we were SO late. We JUST got to the gate when they were calling the last rows to board.

Re: what time do you arrive?

yeah I'll keep the time to play it safe. i know there is another Jetblue flight 2 hours later, but that may be full, I have no idea. So best to just be early I suppose. :)

Re: what time do you arrive?

Re: what time do you arrive?

Your timing is fine.

I always look at it this way- once you check in and your bags are on the plane, the plane won't really take off without you. Well it will, but it will be delayed. From what I understand, a plane can't take off with bags from a passenger whose bags are on it and the passenger isn't. Some rule or something. If you aren't there, and your bags are, then they need to get them off, which causes delays.

I learned this when I was late getting through security and they were calling my name .

Also IIRC, JFK's busy time is at night. You should be fine.

Message edited 4/25/2012 6:53:47 PM.

Re: what time do you arrive?

I would say it depends on a lot of things. Leaving when you are, you should be OK.

I disagree that the busy time is at night. I've been on a lot of 7AM flights in the past handful of months and security especially at jetblue was packed.
LGA at that time was better.

They do have a way when you check in to get to the head of the line for 7-$10. if you're in a rush that is definately an option.

when you say you have to have bags checked by 7AM that means that you hand them off, not through security. So even if you were

Re: what time do you arrive?

I'm so anxious that I even arrive for domestic flights two hours early! You never know what the lines will be like to check in and for security. I would rather have extra time, buy some breakfast as well as food for the plane, use the bathroom, and sit and relax while waiting for my flight to board. I have a whole system for filling up the time before the flight.