Originally Posted by
bostonoski
Last I looked int'l was 2 hrs and has been for many years. If it changed recently I sure hadn't noticed. (In fact double-checking the AA website, it still is.) Whether it's still also a 'rule' at LHR I dunno, I never chance it any more, and online check-in probably makes it moot. (That said I still think it was odd, and they didn't make me pay to travel standby on the next flight.)
There are 2 statements on the
AA page:
For international flights, we recommend you arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to departure to allow sufficient time to complete all necessary international requirements.
and
For flights originating outside the U.S., you must check in 60 minutes before departure
At least AA are up front about this - for some airlines it is difficult to find the cut off times.
I never arrive 2 hours ahead at LHR. I sometimes leave it to about 75 min to check on the self-service whether a better seat has opened up.