Departing LAX for domestic flight - how early should I be.

[MikeG]

TSA recommends getting there 2 hours early. Is that a good rule of thumb? Flight is departing 3pm on a Wednesday, so not sure if there are peak times.

I will be carrying cabin luggage only. No checked luggage. I have no status, and will be travelling with American Airlines. I do have Admirals Club membership, so not sure if its easier to check in in the lounge?

Mike

 

[robtemt]

It is hit and miss sometimes. I've been on UA flights where the screening line was out the door, over the pedestrian bridge, and down the stairs! Other times, I've waited in line just a few minutes. You can use the TSA App to check wait times though. My rule of thumb with LAX on domestic flights is to arrive VERY early, and then enjoy the time in the lounge if I get through in a reasonable amount of time. I like the live music in the AA Lounge sometimes.

 

[MikeG]

Thanks - that was my default decision.

Other airports I'll be using I assume are fairly easy compared to LAX. PHL,ORD,CLT, returning to Oz through DFW...

 

[Princess Fiona]

TSA recommends getting there 2 hours early. Is that a good rule of thumb? Flight is departing 3pm on a Wednesday, so not sure if there are peak times.

I will be carrying cabin luggage only. No checked luggage. I have no status, and will be travelling with American Airlines. I do have Admirals Club membership, so not sure if its easier to check in in the lounge?

Mike

Two hours is adequate time IME.
Download the AA app and check-in on your mobile.

 

[Hvr]

As robtemt noted it can be very hit and miss. Do be aware that there can often be different entrances to a terminal and if possible when you see a very busy TSA area go to the other one.

I'm for getting there early and enjoying the lounge rather than stressing about getting through the queue.

 

[Hvr]

Thanks - that was my default decision.

Other airports I'll be using I assume are fairly easy compared to LAX. PHL,ORD,CLT, returning to Oz through DFW...

The longest time I've ever spent in TSA queue was at ORD, nearly two hours. I'd been told it was going to be horrendous and was prepared by getting there very early.

 

[MikeG]

Thanks for that - Is there a good time to aim to get to ORD on a Sunday, as it'll be a mid afternoon flight, and at present I have the whole morning free. According to https://apps.tsa.dhs.gov/mytsa/wait_times_detail.aspx around midday is a good time

 

[VPS]

I spent well over an hour in the queue for a domestic flight last year - it was just chaos