EUPlf form

They should be able to clear you at the airport, 2 hours is fine, my experience is that since volumes are lower, covid means less time is needed, covid really has not added additional time, unless they are short staff.

It really depends what kind of airport you're flying out of. I fly out of a regional airport, so two hours is overkill. But if I am flying directly from a major airport like IAD or LAX to Europe, I want to be there 2 1/2- 3 hours before.

I wouldn't agree that Covid didn't add anything to check-in time. My experience has been that it has. Things should be getting better in that regard now, but then again, volume has risen too.

I’m also trying to manage last minute weather updates. It looks like it’s been pretty nice in Italy, but they’re expecting colder weather and rain most of next week, so I’m going to need heavier clothes. I’ve got a mini umbrella and a couple of those clear rain ponchos, and I’m taking a few long sleeved wool shirts and a slightly heavier jacket. I guess I’ll wear my hiking boots since they’re water proof, and pack a lighter weight shoe. I’m still determined to manage with just a backpack, but even with packing cubes, it’s getting tight…

From your previous post it looks like you are flying out of Dulles? Does your airline recommend being there 3 hours before an International flight? Many do. On Delta, at least, they will start boarding an international flight about 50-60 minutes before departure. When I flew out of my Regional airport to my international hub in September Covid did indeed slow things down and there were massive lines at both the check in desk and thru TSA. They might be better organized at Dulles...or not. I'd want 3 hours before an international flight but I am very risk averse. I'll do 2 hours before a domestic flight, which is the recommended time from Delta.

In looking at your itinerary from February, I'd probably not need or want hiking boots unless you've changed it significantly and are going to do a lot of rural activities. If you are just in cities you may not need the boots and you may or may not need waterproof footwear.

Good luck with the PLF. Come back after you board to let us know how things worked out!

Pam, yes, I’m flying out of Dulles and I’d rather get there too soon over risking not having enough time, so I’ll probably aim for 3 hours. I’m planning to wear my hiking boots because it’s calling for rain and they’re water proof. Otherwise, I’m in sneakers and that could get uncomfortable. I will still pack a pair of sneakers for the days it’s not rainy.

I noticed we can’t upload until 48 hours before what has been the issue with United app? We leave Thursday how does it want you to load? Is the issue the phone? Just wondering what to expect and if it’s easier to load from a PC.

I got an email yesterday from United telling me I could complete my documents, so I tried. I think I did everything right. They sent me an email saying it was submitted, then this morning I had one saying it wasn’t complete, so I tried again. Now it’s pending… I’m not particularly tech savvy, so I called my daughter and she walked me through making sure I uploaded, downloaded and whatever else. Now I wait.

Well, I got another email this morning telling me it was not accepted yet again. I edited it since I had both my Florence and my Rome stays included. I only used the first one this time. It's been taking them 24 hours to tell me it was not accepted, so now I guess I'll wait until tomorrow morning and see what happens. I fly out tomorrow evening. I messaged United yesterday about it and they were not helpful at all. It seemed the person responding was just quoting some of their standard lines they probably have written on a list somewhere. I've been trying to stay calm, but it's not working. I'll admit, this morning I'm wishing I had just decided to stay in the US for a vacation.

Is there anything else I can do to get this resolved? Thank you.

I know I'm probably driving everyone crazy by now, but wanted to update that I was able to get through to United and it turns out (and this is embarrassing to admit), I wasn't uploading or downloading or something correctly. As soon as she walked me through it, it was immediately approved. Now on to changing out a lot of my wardrobe since it's going to be cold and rainy instead of the sun they're having in Florence today.... :)

Oh, I'm glad it worked for you!

Honestly, I am so risk averse on missing a flight that I am always early. I wouldn't be able to NOT be a the airport 3 hours ahead! Now, when I flew out of the airport where I used to live and flew a small commuter jet, I KNEW not to get to the airport more than an hour ahead because they did not open the desk until then. If I was catching the 5A flight out I also knew no one would be "home" until 4A, lol!!

You'll be glad you are in Italy once you get there! Let us know how it works out!

So glad it worked have the best time! I’m bummed about the weather also but hoping it’s light rain and short bursts so we get some dry days/times. Be safe and have fun!