When leaving Rome for international travel, how far in advance of the flight time is it necessary to arrive at the airport? I am planning on a 2-hour window. Does anyone know if this will allow enough time for check-in process?

Your airline knows. Check the website or just ask them.

Whatever the airline publishes is a worst-case approximation that will take care of everyone. At some times of the day, 20 minutes is enough (depending on scheduled departure loads and staffing levels at the airline and TSA); at others, 2 hours isn't too much.

You can probably get an idea of what you'll be up against by going to the airport exactly one week before your trip, and see what's going on.

And use e-ticketing. There's an express line that cuts the wait to check in by many (<u>many</u minutes.

Robespierre, the OP was asking specifically about Rome and international travel. Depending on the carrier and the destination, two hours may actually be less than the minimum.

Flyboy, you're absolutely right. And whatever the carrier tells you is a worst-case approximation, as I said. I know they <i>say</i> it's a minimum, but that's typical institutional cattle-herding.

Hi verona,

The last time, we were checked in within 15 min of arrival at FCO.

However, this was a very rare case. I suggest 2 - 2 1/2 hr. You can always wander through the shops.

Thanks everyone - I will plan to have the limo pick us up 3 hours before flight time so hopefully we will get to the airport 2 hours ahead.

..verona..I am neurotic. Most companies suggest you arrive up to 3 hours before..even neurotic me thinks this is a bit much HOWEVER, if i take highway transit (as opposed to subway or train) I always use max est for ground time. I plan to arrive 2 hours before but I allow a generous estimate to travel from home (hotel) to airport..I cut things a bit closer with train ect as I find you dont have to factor in the &quot;traffic wildcard&quot;...learned my lesson the hard way..not nice to wave at the plan you should be on!!