11:40am flight from VCE - what time should I be at the airport?

Gela- I flew out of Venice last week. If you are on the 11:30-ish Delta flight to JFK be aware that they close the check-in process at 10:30! (There is also an US Airways flight around the same time, do not know their policy for closing the check-in desk.) I took the 8:29 Alilaguna from San Zaccharia to the airport, arriving at 9:45. It takes about 15-20 minutes to disembark and walk to the terminal with luggage. Once you get in line you will go thru a very short security screening and then see the ticket agent. Last hurdles are airport security and passport control. SO don't miss the boat and don't dawdle between the dock and the check-in desk!

Yes, 2-2.5 hours is plenty of time. Make sure you have a solid plan on getting to the airport.

Alilaguna has early boats - shouldn't be a problem:

http://www.alilaguna.com/?funzione=1&contesto=1&valore=8&modo=6

Cathie - thank you very much for this information!

I am taking that same Delta flight to JFK in December. I was thinking I would take the 7:45am Alilaguna boat (red line) from Zattere (very close to my hotel) arriving at 9:05. Given your information, I should get to the airport by 9:30am which would give me over 2 hours for the process. Does this sound reasonable?

I was so impressed with my recent trip on how efficient planes/trains/boats were. I am so looking forward to a repeat trip to Italy.

Ciao and Grazie!

Gela

OH OH! Our flight leaves at 6:40 AM Venice time.. is there anything open at 4:00? Any suggestions for a hotel the night before?? Is it possible to spend the night in Marco Polo airport??

Kate- I think the Alilaguna leaves as early as 4AM for the airport, check their sked and find the stop closest to your hotel.

Gela- Yes, taking the 7:45AM Alilaguna for your Delta flight will get you there in plenty of time. I did OK taking the 8:30 Alilaguna but felt I could have messed up if I didnt check in the second I got to the airport!

There is also an express Alilaguna called the Linea Oro (gold line) which is 25E and shaves about 15 minutes off the ride.

This is a very scenic, unforgettable ride to Marco Polo. I think I shed a few tears as we were leaving, wah.

Cathie - I think the reason why I want to take the Alilaguna instead of boat/bus/shuttle is for that reason - the long magical boatride savoring every last minute in Venice. It's the main reason I'm returning this year, having just returned earlier this month!

Thanks everyone.. that's what we'll do.. Spending the last days in Polciengo ( hour and a half North of Venice..and too far for our daughter to drive us in that early as we need to be at Marco Polo by 4 at the latest...) any suggestions for a hotel for that last night where the Alilaguna Linea Oro will pick us up? We sure do appreciate all the suggestions.. This is our first trip and a vacation of a lifetime for us!!

Kate- Check the Alilaguna schedules very carefully! The Gold Line appears not run that early in the AM! The 4AM departure on a slower line will get you to the airport about 5:20AM, that could possibly be too late for a 6:40AM flight.

You could reserve a water taxi ahead of tine to pick you up at your hotel, it will be pricey (80E or so?)

These early AM flights from Venice are very inconvenient for people who want to spend their last night there!

I dont know what the alternatives are, It seems like there could be hotels right at the airport but I didnt see them.

I met a couple that had the early flight from VCE and they said they were going to stay at the "Holiday Inn Express" by the airport. That might be your option. (Sounds like it would be reasonable in cost?)

The Alilaguna boat runs as early as 4:00am on certain "lines" (red/blue). The ride itself is long on these 2 lines (about 70 minutes), but it sure beats paying a very high price for private taxi when it will just be me traveling.

Thanks to all that have put my mind at ease.

I thought I would bump this post back to the top as there have been recent inquiries regarding transporation to or from VCE.