How early do I need to arrive at PRG before my flight?
May 1, 2014, 8:23 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: DCA
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, UA Silver
Posts: 1,366
How early do I need to arrive at PRG before my flight?
I'll be flying in and out of Prague, and am wondering how close to my flight time I can arrive and be safe (flight will be heading to LHR). I used to always plan to arrive at airports about 2 hours before my flight time for international flights, but on a recent trip out of ORY, I found myself completely alone in the departure area for a good hour before anyone else showed up, which made me wish I had slept in a bit more. I'll be departing quite early on this trip as well - is PRG efficient (and consistent) enough that I can cut it closer?
May 2, 2014, 2:13 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Chicago, USA
Programs: TK Elite ...and blue, lots of blue...
Posts: 746
I've only been there a few times but had the impression that it runs smoothly. No long lines at security, no lines at check-in. Arriving 1 hour before your flight should be plenty.
May 2, 2014, 1:37 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 7,560
Are you checking baggage? Will you have checked in online? This will make a difference.
Others have mentioned security, but no one else has mentioned the other queue you'll be joining - the one to have your passport checked (as you are leaving Schengen). You need to allow some time for that as well.
Others have mentioned security, but no one else has mentioned the other queue you'll be joining - the one to have your passport checked (as you are leaving Schengen). You need to allow some time for that as well.
May 2, 2014, 4:53 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: BRI
Programs: UA Premier Gold, DL FO, DL MM, Marriott Gold, Hyatt platinum
Posts: 914
I'd stick with two hours when leaving PRG. As mentioned, there are times when lines grow long. You probably would rather miss a little sleep than miss your flight to LHR.
May 4, 2014, 3:37 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: DCA
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, UA Silver
Posts: 1,366
Thanks! I will be checking a bag, and will be checking-in on-line. I'll stick with the 2 hours to be safe- just wanted to make sure I wasn't being overly early. I appreciate the input.
May 4, 2014, 6:19 pm
#8
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 948
May 17, 2014, 7:42 pm
#11
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: MUC/RJK
Programs: SQ G, LH FTL, UA S, Marriott Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,442
If you have status with the alliance you're flying with, just go to the check-in desk and tell them to stick a "priority" sticker to your boarding pass. Then when heading to security, look at the rightmost "priority lane" passage, and use that. 1 hour before departure time will be more than enough then.
May 19, 2014, 7:46 am
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: DCA
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, UA Silver
Posts: 1,366
Hi all,
Just a follow-up for anyone who might have a similar question in the future. I got in rather late the night before my flight, so I opted for 90 minutes in advance rather than 2 hours. I didn't have status at the time so I couldn't use the priority lane, but early in the morning there were no lines at immigration despite a reasonable number of scheduled departures, and I did have time to twiddle my thumbs before boarding. The security for my flight was right at the gate entrance, so I assume they would ensure everyone gets through and onto the plane, no matter how long the line...
thanks for the replies!
Just a follow-up for anyone who might have a similar question in the future. I got in rather late the night before my flight, so I opted for 90 minutes in advance rather than 2 hours. I didn't have status at the time so I couldn't use the priority lane, but early in the morning there were no lines at immigration despite a reasonable number of scheduled departures, and I did have time to twiddle my thumbs before boarding. The security for my flight was right at the gate entrance, so I assume they would ensure everyone gets through and onto the plane, no matter how long the line...
thanks for the replies!