How far in advance (prior to departure time) do airlines let you check bags?

I have a flight out of San Juan (PR) airport at something like 6PM. Is there any way I could walk up at noon and check my bags?

Or - alternatively - does anyone know if there are (big) lockers availible at the airport.

Thanks

I'm pretty sure there are no lockers at SJU. Since 9/11 lockers in airports are pretty much a thing of the past.

Whether or not you can check your bags at noon for a 6PM flight depends on which airline you fly. If you are on one of the majors (American, United, Delta, etc.) it shouldn't be a problem since their check-in counters open early and are staffed all day long. If you are flying on one of the smaller regional carriers that have a limited number of flights you may have to wait until their ticket counter opens which may be only an hour or two befoire your flight. If this is your situation you'd be wise to call your carrier directly for the answer.

We are flying United. Sounds like I should just call them.

I wouldn't necessarily tell them if I were planning to leave the airport after checking the bags.

Humm - you are probably right about that.

Where will you be before going to the airport at noon? If you are at a hotel, I would suggest checking them with the bell captain there rather than leaving them at the airport for that long. Bags left sitting around for several hours sometimes get left behind when it's time for them to be loaded onto the plane.

We are staying at a resort an hour outside of San Juan. So - unfortunately - leaving them at the hotel is not an options.

I think it is four hours. But I did a web search and it looks like there is a "left luggage" facility at SJU.

Looks like you might be right. Google is great.

This is the best site I cam up with on this

http://www.legendsofpr.com/airport_tips.htm

Thanks

I had a trip where I was flying with skis and would have a short time to get to the airport immediately before the flight.

I stopped by early in the day and had no problem checking them in. In fact the skis went on an earlier flight and I didn't have to wait for the luggage to come out from my actual flight.

Keith