FLL earliest baggage check in times ?

[Orangefan]

A few years ago while returning from a cruise, Delta wouldn't let us check our baggage until 4 hours before the flight. We had to sit and wait and not even get in line( which was going to be at least 1 1/2 hours standing in line before we even got to the desk ) to check your luggage until 4 hours before the flight. And we were not going to stand outside in the sun for hours for the outside check in. The last two times I flew Jet Blue and they just checked you in. This time I will be on US Air and wondered if they follow the no getting in line more than 4 hours ahead. Then you have a long wait going through security and no seat when you get to the gate area. I would appreciate if anyone could clarify the check in policy at FLL.

Sali

[megr1125]

4 hours usually..but if it is REALLY packed, might even be less than 4 hours...once, at FLL it was 2 hours, but in all the times i flew out of there, it's been 4...and that was usually with southwest or jet blue

[BobT172]

I never thought it was a set policy... I fly SWA most time out of FLL (also flown Useless Air) and it has varied between no limit vs two hours vs 4 hours.

 

I came to the conclusion that it is airline imposed as a way of "crowd control" to allow folks with earlier flight times to check and and have those with later times held back... just my thoughts...

[azcruiser64]

I had the same question in early February about Delta in FLL so I contacted them via E-mail on their website. They came back and confirmed the earliest you can check-in bags at FLL is 4 hours prior to the flight. Not sure about US Air so I suggest asking them either by E-mail or phone.

[ducklite]

US Air has the same four hour rule.

[Orangefan]

Thanks everybody ! The flight is at 11:55 am. I will probably do the walk off with my luggage. Then I don't need to search for the luggage and getting a taxi will be easier. I should be near the 4 hour window and will check my luggage and get through security ahead of the large crowds. In November, I did the walk off and things moved fast. Luckily having a seat at the gate was important since people were sitting on the floor also.

Sali

[ducklite]

You don't have to sit at your gate. You can sit anywhere in the terminal and show up at your gate at boarding time. I seldom go to my gate until about two minutes before scheduled boarding time--sometimes later if I'm only going for the day and my only bag is my briefcase that goes under the seat in front of me.