When to show up for check-in? 3 hours ahead?
 

Given all the recent security measures put into place, how much time should I allow for check in for an international flight?<BR>

It varies by airport -- GREATLY! If you say where you are flying out of, where you are going and what airline you are using, you'll get an answer that means something. From the regional airport I fly out of, 45 minutes early is plenty. Going home from CDG, I allow 2.5 hours and 3 wouldn't be out of the question.

First of all, you'd probably get more answers if you posted this on the European board.<BR>In response to you question, have you called the airline? I'd go by what they say, even if it means sitting and waiting for an hour after you've cleared security, etc. What's an hour in overall scheme of your overseas trip?

<BR><BR>There was a post like this just a few weeks ago. Do a search.<BR>Best idea - call the airline. <BR><BR>In my experience, things are moving quicker at airports than they were 6 months ago. One caveat to that, though - summer, being the busiest time of year, means a slowdown just in general.<BR><BR>Most airlines say 2 hours is needed for international flights. I have found this to be a bit much, but why push your luck.

I agree with Pete--2 hours may feel like a bit much but don't press your luck, sometimes it takes the full 2 hours. I am a travel agent in the US and before Sept.11 we always reccommend 2 hours for international flights. Otherwise if you show up without enough time it is possible for the airline to give your seat away!

I think it also depends on whether the international flight actually leaves from your city. I live in a small city where we have to connect through NYC, Atlanta, Charlotte, etc for international flights. So when I check in for Amsterdam or Paris in my home city, it's just like a domestic flight because I have to take the connecting domestic flight first!