I have been discussing the benefits of checking in early at the airport with my family in one of my famous FlyerTalk Debates at home lol. My viewpoint is that if one arrives 4 hours before a flight you won't have long lines and any issues that need to be resolved such as shifting weight in bags, ticket issues etc can be dealt with in a relaxed matter.

On many occasions I have found the ticket counters to be filled with people as the time to boarding gets closer especially at 4:00 PM at SFO when lots of flights depart. I will checkin at 12:00 or at 2:00 for a 6:00 PM flight or at 5:00 PM for a later flight and then go to the lounge or go to a restaurant in the terminal.

My father's rationale is it makes no difference. I find it stressful to be behind a family with the kitchen sink when I only have one small 9x22/14 bag to be be checked.

I enjoy the WebCheckin/Fast Bag Drop and I wish more airlines used this service as it would eliminate those passengers who all they want to do is drop their bags can use the line. I find the checkin counters to be more stressful that going through TSA security.

Especially at international airports abroad you need 4 hours for security/ passport exit control etc.

This is where PriorityPass comes into play. Here one has an incentive to arrive early to enjoy the lounge and relax before the flight and arrive at the gate 60 minutes before departure. I have found that one can even board the flight 30 minutes before departure. If your in the lounge you could do the last minute boarding with the Business Class/First Class passengers when they board 15 minutes before the flight to use your laptop.

I wonder if anyone who is a coach passenger who has boarded with the last business class passengers as you are checked in and the boarding door is open you just follow the lounge attendant to the gate.

What are your viewpoints on my rationale? Thanks.