I fly to Barcelona next week and am flying home on Friday 31 July. My flight leaves Barcelona to Philadelphia at 10:45 AM.
What time should I be at the airport? Common advice is 3 hours prior to departure on an international flight. I really don't want to be at the airport at 6am. I will be taking a taxi so what is the best time to arrive for check in? Is El Pray extremely crowded and busy like CDG was last September?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23297 posts
If it is a direct flight to Philly (not connecting somewhere else in Europe), then you might shave it till 2 and half but no less.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
It's a good efficient airport, especially the new terminal. Three hour check-in is accepted these days for long intercontinental flights. My maths makes that 7.45am at the airport, not 6am. My usual flight to Singapore departs at a similar time and I have never been delayed in processing. Get there by 8am and you will be fine. Allow minimum of 30mins for taxi from the centre.
Posted by
270 posts
We just flew back to US (Boston) from Barcelona. Our flight from BCN to MAD left at 10:15. The longest line was at the Iberia check-in. We probably spent 45 minutes in line there. After that, security was quick. I think we got to the airport at 7:30 a.m. and we probably had 45 mins of waiting time at the gate after all was said and done. Enough time to get a bite to eat and a coffee.