judilie

Someone at Continental just told me that I need to be at LAX 3 hours before departure time for our flight to Tel Aviv (via Newark). Does that sound right? I’ve already checked in online. I hate to have tons on extra time at the airport, but, or course, I don’t want to miss the flight.

qwovadis

2-3 hours B4 all international flights best rule of thumb

Some special security for TLV usually when I went last.

For me odds are you will have lots of time...

I always insuremytrip.com independently just in case

Saved my bacon during the Iceland volcano fiasco.

Happy Travels!

sandi

Most all airlines have been requiring 3/hr prior for checkin of International flights. So what was advised is usual.

Are you connecting/changing planes in EWR to onward TLV? If so and the segment LAX/EWR is a usual domestic trans-con, 2/hrs is sufficient. If it's only a stop in EWR and no plane change, it would go back to the 3/hrs (technically), but I'm sure 2.5/hrs is sufficient.

There's always extra security on flights to TLV, so even with pre-checkin online, might not make much difference other than the fact you have your boarding passes.

cary999

"I always insuremytrip.com independently just in case". I never insure my trips. If my luggage gets lost, does it really matter?

But I'm always sure that my health insurance covers me outside my country (USA). Some don't. And may also get policy for emergency medical evacuation. That's the important stuff, that's what could cost you $$$$$$$$. Not $200 for lost dirty clothes.

regards - tom

schmerl

The insurance is usually for trip cancellation...not lost luggage which is usually covered anyway. A trip to Israel is very expensive and I certainly had trip cancellation and medical coverage when traveling there.

AlexA

Judilie, in Newark, after all of the usual check in and security process, there is an additional security check (opening all carry on bags, being wanded etc)right at the gate for Continental flights to Israel. At that airport, you really could use the extra time. Does your flight from LAX continue on to TLV. meaning you don't have to change planes or get a connecting flight? If so then you will have that same additional security check, and that's why they ask for earlier check in.

sandi

Don't know how we got off on 'insurance' though Qwo is always including this in his replies... the question is check-in.

I believe you've received the answers... always extra security on flights to TLV, so allow yourself the time even if online checkin. This secondary security check is quite usual for flight to TLV from many airports around the world.

I wouldn't, however, rush for the secondary check-in as once you have there's little you can do (shop/eat/other) you can do but wait to board the plane.

citylady

Yes. 2 hours minimum. 3 hours is a reasonable estimate too. There are security checks for flights to Israel that you don't have for other countries.