Neewbie Foriegn Traveller

jos22

Never had the time or inclination to travel abroad. Then I retired and a friend is now planning to get married in Dublin. Decided to fly because (a) never tried it (b) cheap flights (c) easy to get to/from airport (both ends).

When I check the airport web site and the airline website they say to be at the airport 2 to 2.5hours before departure. The opinions on this of you regular travellers would be appreciated.

Post-It-Note_3

The check in opens exactly 2 hours before the planes departure time so you need to be there for that! most check ins close 40 mins before plane departs. Just make sure you leave enough time for unexpected traffic etc!

Enjoy your trip and hope you dont catch the bug for travelling like me! its an expensive habbit!

jos22

Thanks Post-It-Note but does that mean I can get to check in (say) 1 hour before flight time & that I don't have to be there 2 hours doing nothing.

OH has already got the bug & is planning the next short break. Fortunately for my bank balance we have two dogs and both of us would certainly not leave them for any great length of time. On the other hand we have noted the availabilty of inexpensive long winter breaks in warmer parts.

Once again thanks for the help

mr_fishbulb

Are you going on easyjet/ryan air/another low cost airline?

They are very strick about their policy. If you miss the flight, you lose the ticket and have to buy another one. Allow plenty of time.

And enjoy Dublin - visit the Guinness factory

jos22

Aer Lingus - no tickets just confirmation email, that's all they require.

Must have tried every booze drink available but never managed to get the habit, for some reason the smell always put me off before I got to the taste. Didn't stop me trying hard though.

mr_fishbulb

jos22 wrote:

Thanks Post-It-Note but does that mean I can get to check in (say) 1 hour before flight time & that I don't have to be there 2 hours doing nothing.

Yes you can do that. IF you don't get held up getting to the airport and IF there is no queue at all to the check in desk.

You are likely to get held up, and there is likely to be a big queue for the check in

Killing an extra hour at the airport is nothing compared to being told you can't get on the flight becuase you arrived too late.

diddydi

Just remember you also have to go through immigration and this can take a long time and you'd end up running to the departure gate. Why not get to the airport well on time, be 1st in the queue to get best seats (preferably those with extra leg room), have a leisurely coffee or something a bit stronger and browse all those lovely shops. :j

weejenny

The only thing I would add is that it depends on the airport. A small one like Coventry or Bournemouth you need only be there an hour before. However the London airports are a different matter and I would go with diddydi's advice.

Nile

Hello jos22


I have had the good fortune to travel abroad regularly but I still prefer to arrive at the airport early.

As others have suggested, by arriving early you won't have to dash to the check in desk and find that all the best seats have gone.

As you are a newbie traveller, I would suggest that you should arrive as early as possible so that you can make your way around the airport terminal in a calm and relaxed manner.

Enjoy your holiday.

Regards

Nile

jos22

Thank you all for your advice, glad Diddydi did not mention actually spending money in the shops - just browsing!
At least now the OH is reassured that should we be delayed travelling to the airport we shall not be refused a flight because we arrive 1hr 45mins before instead of 2hrs.

Once again thanks all.