Ewr--reduce processing time?
May 4, 2009 | 2:00 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,297
Ewr--reduce processing time?
7:30A flight from EWR to Canada. Website suggests arriving at EWR 2.5-3 hours before flight. I'll have checked luggage. I'll probably stay at an airport hotel the night before. I'll have luggage to check.
1) I'm assuming OLCI won't work. The system won't even let me add my passport number when I bring up my reservation. Does it make sense, or is it even possible, to go to the airport the night before and get a BP?
2) In other words is there a different line to check baggage for passengers who already have a BP?
2) Can a skycap issue a BP for an international flight and check luggage? Is the line for a skycap likely to be shorter, quicker moving, then the line inside the terminal?
A poster in a recent thread cut it too close and lost the first few days of his vacation. I don't want to get to EWR at 4:30a and then have 2+ hours to kill on the other side of security but if that's how much time a non-elite flier has to allow that's what I'll do.
The situation is bad enough for Continental to suggest allowing 2.5-3 hours. I don't understand why Continental can't offer enough kioshes and staff to handle projected traffic.
1) I'm assuming OLCI won't work. The system won't even let me add my passport number when I bring up my reservation. Does it make sense, or is it even possible, to go to the airport the night before and get a BP?
2) In other words is there a different line to check baggage for passengers who already have a BP?
2) Can a skycap issue a BP for an international flight and check luggage? Is the line for a skycap likely to be shorter, quicker moving, then the line inside the terminal?
A poster in a recent thread cut it too close and lost the first few days of his vacation. I don't want to get to EWR at 4:30a and then have 2+ hours to kill on the other side of security but if that's how much time a non-elite flier has to allow that's what I'll do.
The situation is bad enough for Continental to suggest allowing 2.5-3 hours. I don't understand why Continental can't offer enough kioshes and staff to handle projected traffic.
May 5, 2009 | 8:36 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: CO Gold; SPG Gold***; AvisFirst;
Posts: 3,970
If you're elite, you should be able to get there 1 1/2 hours ahead of the flight. I believe the baggage has to be checked by the 1 hour mark, and the elite check-in moves reasonably fast.
Since you're staying over the night before, you *might* be able to go to the airport and get the passport into the system. IIRC, once swiped, you can do olci.
All that will do however is let you use the bag drop line and pick priority seats (if you're not already able to as an elite). You'd still need to have the luggage checked by the 1 hour mark.
Since you're staying over the night before, you *might* be able to go to the airport and get the passport into the system. IIRC, once swiped, you can do olci.
All that will do however is let you use the bag drop line and pick priority seats (if you're not already able to as an elite). You'd still need to have the luggage checked by the 1 hour mark.
May 5, 2009 | 8:57 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,297
I'm not elite, sorry I didn't word my OP better.
I already have my seat assignment and I'm not looking to change.
I guess my question is if the line for the bag drop is significantly faster then the line to get a BP and check bags.
I'll take the time to try to get my passport information added and/or go the airport the night before if it's going to save a significant amount of time the next morning. I won't if all I'm doing is reducing a 1 hour wait to a 45 minute wait.
I already have my seat assignment and I'm not looking to change.
I guess my question is if the line for the bag drop is significantly faster then the line to get a BP and check bags.
I'll take the time to try to get my passport information added and/or go the airport the night before if it's going to save a significant amount of time the next morning. I won't if all I'm doing is reducing a 1 hour wait to a 45 minute wait.