How do eTickets work, and do I really have to be at the airport two hours early for a domestic flight?

Question

I'm flying from Philadelphia to Boston on Sunday. I ordered through CheapTickets and was sent a confirmation e-mail and everything else I was supposed to get, but instead of paper tickets, Delta uses eTickets. I have NO idea how these work, other than I have to print out the confirmation e-mails and itineraries and bring a photo ID with me to the airport. I also know I can check-in online 24 hours prior and print boarding passes. Can anyone tell me if there's anything else I need to bring?

On a weekend, do I *really* have to be at Philly International Airport two hours early? My flight leaves at 12:45 PM and I was hoping to get there around 11 AM. I won't have any checked baggage, only a carry-on.

One more question.. what about security wait times at Logan? Should I be there the recommended two hours early for my flight back to Philadelphia on Tuesday? I've never flown by myself before (and have only ever flown once before this), so I'm pretty clueless about it. Thanks :)

Answer 1

well i would get online and check the airports website...alot of airports now are extremely slow with security checks due to all the new regulations....you may zip right through and end up waiting forever, or you may be one of those lucky passengers who gets picked for the random searches and then you'll be glad you had the extra time....

The etickets are simple, you just print them out and go to the desk with ID, the airline will print out your boarding pass (which you will need to get through security) and check your luggage.  Remember to check the regulations for carryon items, you can only have 3oz containers of liquids and they have to be in a airline approved size ziplock bag...and pack lite cause they now charge you if you go over the lb limit for your bag....and put a little bit of antibiotic ointment in your nostriles the day you fly, the flight attendants to it to keep from getting sick and to keep from having you nose dry out...I just travelled overseas and it worked for me!!!

good luck, dont stress too much...

Answer 2

I think everyone has pretty much answered the other questions....

use this site:http://waittime.tsa.dhs.gov/index.html

depending on what gate you depart from the wait time to get through security on a Sunday between 11am and 12pm is anywhere from 1minute and 12 minutes.  

also since you are just taking a carry one make sure you follow all the rules for liquids and toothpaste

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

for more help you can use this site

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm

Answer 3

If you do the on-line check in and print your boarding pass the only other thing you will need is a photo ID like a drivers license or passport.

Yes you should be at the airport 2 hours early because going through Security can be real slow.  It is not the baggage check that slows things down because you can curbside check a bag, but Security.  Sometimes it moves along and sometimes it just drags.  Also wear shoes that come on and off easy because you will need to remove them for the Security check.

Answer 4

All you really need is your boarding pass and photo id.  I would also suggest carrying your confirmation email and/or itinerary (even though it is not absolutely required).  

I would take the 2 hour window pretty seriously -- security lines have been known to back up for that long or longer.  However, 11 am for a 12:45 flight should be good enough, provided you check in online and are not checking a bag.

Answer 5

Since you are doing online check in, printing boarding passes at home and aren't checking bags you should be ok as long as you are at the gate 15 min prior to departure. I fly a lot and never arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights. To be on the safe side though, I would recommend getting to the airport at least 45 min to 1 hour before departure. Security checkpoints can be long and time consuming, and many flights board before the specified boarding time. Your photo ID is all you will need.

Answer 6

For an E-ticket, you can usually do one of two things:

a) check in online and print your boarding pass out at home.  Bring this in with an ID and you're good to go.

b) check-in online or at an airport kiosk.  Either way, you can print your boarding pass out from an airport kiosk  (or stand in line for an agent).  I think you'll need a credit card to do this in addition to your ID.

I don't think you need to get to their airport 2 hours early but I don't have much experience with Philly.