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How early should I get
to the Airport?
What are the advantages of getting to the
Airport early?
What if I won't make it to the check-in
an hour before my flight time?
What should I do if I'm leaving my car at
the airport?
How can I save time and hassle at the airport?
Where can I find information about the airport's
terminal and parking lot layout?
What do I need to know before using curbside
check-in?
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How early should I get to the
Airport?
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Follow the instructions on your ticket.
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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.
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You might need even more time during peak
travel season and heightened security alerts.
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What are the advantages of getting
to the Airport early?
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Arriving early helps you to get the better
seats and make it though security to the gate check-in.
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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.
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You have time so you can relax and watch
others run through the airport.
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This could save you from getting bumped
on an overbooked flight.
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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.
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Arriving late may mean you are bumped whether
you like it or not.
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What if I won't make it to the
check-in an hour before my flight time?
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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.
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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.
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What should I do if I'm
leaving
my car at the airport?
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If you are leaving your car at the airport,
remove all the valuables from the car.
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Write your space and section number down
on your return airline ticket.
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Leave your parking stub hidden in your car
since it could be easy to lose on your trip.
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If you are parking under cover, look for
a space next to a support, it will reduce your chances for door
dings.
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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.
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How can I save time and hassle
at the airport?
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Look at the airport's layout in advance
to get an idea of where you are going.
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Use luggage with rollers and pack light.
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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.
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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.
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Where can I find information
about the airport's terminal and parking lot layout?
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Go To: US Airports & Foreign Airports
Links
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This page contains web links to many major
U.S. and foreign airports. Although, each airport's site is different
many contain airport terminal layouts and features, parking information,
flight delays and other items that could save you time and help
make your visit a safe one. This links page also lists many airport
codes that can be helpful when making Airline reservations so
you and your luggage will be heading to the right airport.
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What do I need to know before
using curbside check-in?
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Have your bags clearly labeled and remove
old claim tags to avoid confusion.
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You cannot use curbside check-in if you
have an international destination.
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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.
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Know your three-letter destination's
airport
code, see the link listed in the previous question for information.
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.
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Make sure the proper Airline information
is placed on your bags, skycaps will often check in bags for
several different Airlines.
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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.
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Don't tip a skycap until your bags are on
their way.
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Section: AT THE GATE
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