HOW early does husb. need to get to airport if he only has a carry-on?

[lildreamer316]

He's only going one-way and only for two days, so we're packing very light. Yes, I am already working on the 3oz things. Anything else I should know? He leaves tommorow evening.
Thanks.....

[taterguy]

1. You never know

It really depends on how long the lines are going through screening and how long it takes you to get your boarding pass. Would probably be best to check with the airport you're flying from. Of course one-way flights might merit extra scrutiny.

[NV Whino]

2. 2 hours

or he goes on standby. Doesn't matter how long ago he ordered tickets. I speak from experience, having gotten to the airport only one hour early.

[lildreamer316]

7. Thanks. n/t

[Maddy McCall]

3. Which airport?

An hour ahead of schedule is usually plenty of time at smaller airports, but sometimes, if the line is VERY LONG at security, you might need to get there earlier.

Totally depends on which airport.

[lildreamer316]

6. Charlotte.

Flight leaves around six; I'm thinking four or four thirty.

[taterguy]

11. Charlotte is a fine airport if you're early

There's a nice Mexican bar/restaurant where you can relax with food and beverages that aren't outrageously priced. I think it's called the Tequileria or something like that.

[lildreamer316]

12. Cool!

I will make sure he knows....gotta watch the drinkin' (hee hee!)

[taterguy]

14. Unless he's flying the plane I don't think that will be a problem :)

[eyesroll]

4. Check in online and all he has to do is go right to security.

You can go to your airline's Web site (usually up to a day or two in advance), print out a boarding pass, then use it to get through security.

If I did that in Milwaukee, I'd make sure I was at the door to the airport 45 minutes ahead of time. A busier airport might require a bit more time, and a small airport might require almost no time at all. (For instance, flying out of Tyler, Texas, I'd tell you 20 minutes was more than enough, as they have one runway, two gates and maybe 5 flights of 30 people all day.)

[lildreamer316]

9. Not sure we can do that..

since I just bought the tix today...and we live two hours away from the airport.
Maybe. I'll check before heading out tommorrow.
Thanks!

[AlCzervik]

5. 2 hours in my experience.

[lildreamer316]

8. Thanks..

that seems to be the concensus.
We'll get him there at four; I think it will be ok.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

10. Depends on the airport and the time of day.

If he's departing from a smaller airport or at an off-peak departure time, an hour should be enough, but the best information will probably be on the airport's website. You might also call the airline. An hour is usually enough for the airport I travel from if I have only a carry-on (they have a designated security line for passengers who have no checked luggage).

Be sure the plastic bag you use for liquids is specifically a one-quart bag. When going through security he should take off his overcoat or jacket, all the change out of his pockets and take off his watch and anything else with metal, and put those things in the tray along with the plastic bag of liquid stuff. Also, check all bags, pockets, containers, etc., to be sure there's nothing there that shouldn't be there (lighters, pocket knives, etc.).

It's kind of a pain in the ass, but if you have packed properly it usually goes pretty fast.

[lildreamer316]

13. Thanks for the review.

We'll run that down before he leaves.
Gotta watch the lighter thing; but he dosen't usually carry a pocketknife or wear a watch; so I think we're cool.
Yep; got the one quart ready right here.