How early do I need to get to the airport

How early do I need to get to the airport?

I have to rush to the airport after a business meeting and I know they always suggest something crazy like "be at the airport 3 hours before your flight is scheduled to leave" but I dont have 3 hours. Is 1 hour enough time to get through security, checking your luggage, and getting to the gate? Be honest. I'm departing from MSY (new orleans louisiana) going to ORD (chicago).

Air Travel - 7 Answers

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :

1 :

No. It really depends on which airline your flying too. Care to tell me? I always shoot for 2 hours, but 1 1/2 will work (with a little luck and short lines) the plane always boards about 45 minutes before it takes off.

2 :

To be honest, 1 hour is not enough. For me even on not so busy days, it wouldn't take me only an hour. I would say, be there around 2 hours before, just in case.

3 :

its better to be too early then get see your plane leave without you you don't know how long the security lines will be at the airport you might breeze though then you might stuck in the secuirty line for over a hour!

4 :

Make sure that you check in online during the day sometime before your flight. Then, if you get to the airport only 1 hour before your flight.... you could possibly make it. It depends upon the size of your airport (MSY) and the crowd. If you're running late, the TSA or airline staff will often help you jump the line. I don't advise it, however. People get mighty pissy when you cut the line. I have arrived 1 hour before my domestic flight departing from SFO, after checking in online, and made it to my flight without a problem. No line cutting, either. It can be done... but be prepared to really hustle through the airport.

5 :

Yes.. 1 hour is fine. On holidays and at really busy airports you might want a little extra time. If you not an experienced air traveler, you may want to shoot for 90 mins though. I have arrive at airports 1 hour before many times, and never had a problem before.

6 :

One hour should be fine. MSY is not a super busy airport. The earlier you arrive the better because you never know how long the line in security will be.

7 :

I say PLAN to be there 2 hours before. I can't count how how many times I have missed a flight because I got caught in traffic or just missed the time mark for boarding. Seriously, just get there early and relax. Grab a book, get a bite to eat, play on your computer, or listen to some music. Better to be safe than sorry.