Earliest Bag Check in EWR?
 

I'm travelling on Sunday EWR-HAM (leaves 5:40PM), and, since I live a good hour and a half from EWR and am turning in a rental car, I thought I would get there in the morning, return the car, check my bags, get my ticket, and head out to NYC for Japan Day festivities with just my carryons. How early can I check my bags in? Would I be stuck with noone at the Continental int'l desk if I get there around 8:30 or 9AM?

You are able to check in up to 24hrs in advance on line. Just go to the Continental Bag Drop area in the morning and just add a bag. HAM is a international city you are able to check in on line. Your bags are going thru the CTX machine to be scanned and will sit in the Future Center till dispatched. Enjoy your day in NYC.

Actually I've had CO tell me even when I checked in online that they will not check in bags more than 4 hours in advance, although the rules might have changed. However, EWR had a luggage storage place in the baggage claim area where you can store bags. I am not sure if they still do this, but I've certainly used it in the last few years, it is like they have at European train stations. I suggest you check with the airport webpage and find out if this luggage storage option is still there.

I don't think that still exists. You may want to try leaving your bags with the Marriott Hotel (or some other hotel) at the airport. Tip the bellhop a couple of dollars and I'm sure they will store bags for you.

I've been held to the 4 hour rule in EWR. The luggage storage area seems to have gone from most airports after 9/11, don't recall the the EWR still being there. I would try the Marriot, as suggested by xyzzy.