im leaving for france in a few days --is it really necessary to be at the airport 3 hours early--i can probably be there 2hours and 15 minutes early but 3 hours presents severe problems thanks for any help

Maybe it's NOT necessary, but you won't know until you get there and assess the line - and maybe find yourself still standing in it long after your plane's in the air.<BR><BR>Don't know when you're leaving, but Friday (this Friday, 1/18/02) is the date that new baggage inspection/scanning regulations take effect for all checked baggage and, since there are apparently only about a tenth the number of machines nationwide that are needed to meet the new regulations, delays are anticipated to -- maybe -- be extended if hand inspection of all luggage is required.<BR><BR>Maybe the delays won't be any worse than in the past; personally, I would prefer sitting in the gate area reading to standing on line wondering whether I will make my plane . . .

Probably not, but better safe than sorry. It largely depends upon the airline, airport and destination. <BR><BR>Especially on an international flight, if the airline advises being there 3 hours prior, I would be.<BR><BR>Be prepared to do some reading, have a meal/down a few drinks or do some shopping at the stores.<BR><BR>Bon voyage.

We missed our flight out of Charles DeGaulle because we were there 2 hours prior instead of 3. I would definitely take the advice of Barb and hcwssi---I wish I had.

I think that the answer to this question depends on the size and overall "busy-ness" of your origination airport - - as well as whether you are connecting through a US gateway on your trans-atlantic flight.<BR><BR>How fare are you from your airport? I would go there around the same time as your departure on the same day of the week, and see what the lines are like.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

I think id depends a lot on what airport you're flying out of and what time. If it's a really busy one the security lines can be very long; particularly at peak hours. In my experience; Denver is better than SFO which is better than O'Hare. Charles DeGaulle in the early morning was a breeze, Heathrow early morning was quick too. But if I were going mid-day I wouldn't count on a quick trip to the gate. Also, if your a premier member your airline may have short cuts. Check with your airport and your airline.

If you're leaving Friday or any of the few days immediately thereafter, I think you'd be wise to plan on three hours, due to the introduction of comprehensive baggage inspection scheduled to begin on Friday. There are bound to be delays and glitches as a result.

As someone said it depends on your airport. We were 3 hours early in Orlando for a Paris flight and were sitting in the departure lounge , checked in and thru security in 15 minutes, coming home via London , it took the whole 3 hours!