security at smaller airports
 

I haven't travelled by air since September 11, and I know that security takes a long time at airports these days. I'm quite prepared to get to the airport a couple of hours early for my flight next week from Toronto to San Francisco, but the next day I travel from the Sacramento airport to Burbank, and I wonder if anyone can tell me how far in advance I ought to show up for my flight. Thanks for any help, suggestions, etc.

I flew out of Burbank at Christmas time and didn't have to wait at all, but I only had carry on. The curbside guys at Burbank are really quick and helpful, though, if you do need to check. I've checked baggage at Burbank pre-9-11 and they don't really mess around - have your ticket, ID, and description of the contents of your bag ready for them. And a couple of bucks too. They're pros.

Never mind, I see you're flying INTO Burbank. Sorry, it's bedtime.

Thanks anyway, though,Traveller! I will be checking bags rather than carrying them on with me; does this lengthen or shorten the security procedure?

I just flew out of Sacramento and security was very tight. Maybe I match a profile, but was patted down once at the xray machine and then again just before I boarded the flight. However, if you show up an hour or so before, you should be fine.

OK, Scott, thanks! I'll aim to be there an hour ahead of time.

Just flew in and out of Sacramento Friday. Friday you would have missed your flight if you arroiveed with only one hour to apare!When I returned Sat rthere was very little of a line at security.

Thanks, Gail. I wonder if it makes a difference whether it's a weekend or not. I'm flying on Saturday around noon; I guess I should play it safe and get there with plenty of time to spare.

Cindy: I don't know how the smaller airports are going to be,but on 1-18-02(Fri.) security are going to check ALL luggage & my understanding is that most airports are ill-prepared for this,so I would show up at the airport at least two hrs. ahead.

We learned the hard way that even if you are prepared you may be the "10%" that is randomly checked. That means they go through every piece of your luggage for that flight. We had several "families" in front of us (5-9 pieces of luggage) which made for about 45-55 minutes of extra time. Prior to this experience we had not worried.

Thanks, everybody. I suppose the only thing I can do is try to arrive very early, and hope for the best! I truly appreciate all the responses I've had to this post.

I would arrive at least 2 hours in advance.

The lines at my home airport (Lubbock) vary from 1-2 minutes to 20-30 depending on how many people are trying to fly. Our airport is mainly Southwest Airlines.