How long to arrive before flight?

[1997]

Hi, I'm flying from LBA to Amsterdam. I was planning on getting there 1 hour 20-30 minutes before the flight, however after reading terrible reviews about how slow and overcrowded LBA is, I'm anxious this won't be enough time. I'll be getting there at 4-5am though so don't want to go unnecessarily early! Do you I need more time?

 

[Aviador]

Firstly welcome to Forums4airports!

Despite the criticism about the airport on here and on other sites, it is still much better airport than many others. We all have high expectations of what we think LBA should be like.

Another point to note is we're out of the busy summer season so the airport won't be as busy as it will have been during the summer months. Your flight is at a decent time with respects to getting to the airport so again you shouldn't experience any problems there either.

I hope you have a pleasant experience, let us know how you get on!

 

[whoshotjimmi]

I can honestly say the departures experience has always been very good for me. Check in queues are almost non existent and security is very efficient. I am usually in the departure lounge less than 10 minutes after arriving at the airport, regardless of season or time of day. I once arrived for a flight to Heathrow about 40 minutes before the stated departure time. I got out of the car, walked though security, through the gate and straight onto my seat in the plane. I wouldn't recommend doing that - obviously - but the speed of the process is probably the quickest of the airports I have flown from in this country. I have always maintained that, even though the gates system is flawed and a little confusing, LBA departures is actually very good.

Arrivals on the other hand....

My advice, if you want things to feel as uncrowded and relaxed as possible, would be to take coffee and a muffin at the café next to Burger King as it always feels somewhat more peaceful in there and is a nice place to do a little people watching.

 

[a300boy]

You could also pay the small extra amount for fast track clearance through security if you are worried.

 

[White Heather]

1997, don't believe every negative comment you see. There are times when LBA is faster than average on getting through security and generally the waiting times are not too bad compared to other airports. Like all airports it has its good days and not so good days. I flew in June at a peak time and cleared security in 10 minutes. As for overcrowding, well that depends on the day and time and also the time of year but November is the quietest month of the year. If it were me though I would be checking in as advised by your airline.

 

[Seasider]

We arrived at Security at 11am on Monday (9th) and walked straight through, except that it took them 5 mins to realise I had left my phone in my pocket. :blush:

 

[GolfFox]

Hello 1997, I use the 06.10 KLM departure and have not experienced delays through bag drop/security on any occasion. If you check in on line, bag drop has never taken more than 5/6 minutes (of course it might take a little longer - or less - depending on queue) and at that time in the winter months security is usually quiet. I will be using this departure in December again and arriving at the airport around 4.45/5am.