In a few weeks we're traveling to Curacao on AA.

Our itinerary is LGA/MIA-MIA/CUR .

Our first flight curently (AA 1647) departs at 6AM and AA insists that since it's an "international" itinerary we must check-in two hours in advance, in other words, 4 AM! Why, I don't know since the security checkpoints don't open until 5 AM. We're going in First on the LGA/MIA legs (BC - MIA/CUR) so check in should be a breeze. But I can see us waiting from 4:01 AM or thereabouts almost an hour to get to get through security.

How much can we safely "cheat" on that ridiculous 4 AM demand?

Second question is in regard to TSA locks. I'm interested in anyone's comments/experience. Reports I've read are split w/half reporting no problems and the other half claiming they were snipped despite their TSA logo.

Anyone have experience w/them, particularly in MIA (where, on the return we have to retrieve our bags and go through security after going through a security check in CUR)?

PS - Of course, we will carry-on the most important and irreplaceable items.

Thanks - do appreciate any input/advice/heads-up.