Originally Posted by
Steve M
Yes. The 2-hour check-in advice applies to the first flight taken on the international itinerary, even if it's a domestic connection to the int'l gateway. It's at this first check-in where they'll tag your checked bag to the final destination and more importantly where they'll scan your passport and check any other required travel documents (which it sounds like doesn't apply to you), so that's where they want the extra time if necessary.
That's in theory. In practice, the cut-off time is just like for a domestic flight. I've always treated first segments as domestic flights and haven't had problems. So, depending on how busy your airport is, you should schedule accordingly.