How early should I arrive at an airport for a Southwest flight?
I will be attending UCSD for college, and I'm going to book my flight from San Diego to San Francisco. I only have 2 hours and 15 mins in between my last final exam to when the plane takes off. I need to know how early I should arrive at the airport so that I can plan the time I need to spend on the road to get to the SD airport. Your answers are greatly appreciated! Thanks
Air Travel - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
2-3hrs. 1:45 the earliest
2 :
Two hours before the flight is what is recommended for a domestic flight. If you check in online, you could get away with arriving later, but at least an hour or more before your flight to be safe. http://www.southwest.com/flight/retrieveCheckinDoc.html
3 :
2 hours sometime the lines for southwest take a hour just to get TO secuirty-not THOUGH just to get up tp Security... you better book a later flight
4 :
You should arrive at least 2 hours before your flight departs because you never know how long the line in security will be. Also if you don't check-in online, you will have to wait to check-in at the kiosk and drop off any checked luggage. Also you do not know how traffic will be that day. Also know that gates can close 20-30 minutes before the flight departs so you really have less than 2 hours. I suggest you either think about rescheduling your flight or study really hard so you can finish your exam early and get to the airport as fast as you can.
5 :
It really depends on the time of the year (holidays and such) and time of the day. I personally usually get there about hour and a half before hand with no problem (usually with 45 minutes to sit around and wait for boarding), even on a day that was really busy at the airport. But definitely leave cushion time especially if this is going to be your first flight. It'll make you less nervous! Also, finals are 3 months off. You have PLENTY of time to book your flight. P.S. Don't forget about UCSD's free holiday airport shuttle! Idk when your final is, but check out their schedule when it becomes available! (see link below)
