How early do we REALLY need to get to SNA? (2024)

With less than 7 days to go until we leave (6 days, 20 hours to be exact!) and I am now entering the second to last stage of travel panic! the last stage always happens 24 hours before we leave when I realize that I have to pack!

So, today's question is this: The last 3 trips we have used a shuttle service but they always make us get to the airport 3 hours before our flight! We have only a few hours in DL that last morning and I want to maximize our time. So, if we are taking a cab to the airport and we have a 2:50pm flight to Canada, what time do we really need to leave DL to get to SNA in time for our flight? This is the first time that we are not flying to Seattle then to Canada so does that make a big difference in how early we need to get there?

If we leave at noon, will we be WAY early again? 1:00 too late? Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks for any insight, I will try to keep the crazy to myself after this question!

I was gonna say noon, but then I always get to the airport way early, in case of problems with traffic, security, etc. So yes, noon would probably again get you there way early. 1pm would probably work, but with an emphasis on probably. You'll have no margin for problems. I'd split the difference and say 12:30.

-Bob

1.5 hours is PLENTY of time for SNA...2 at MOST if you want to settle in and get a bite to eat before departure.

Here is the TSA wait time web site...you can look and see wait times are on the same day/times that you will be flying.

http://apps.tsa.dhs.gov/mytsa/wait_times_home.aspx

I travel almost weekly and usually do an hour...but that could be pushing it for most!

From DL to SNA I would budget 30 min with possible traffic. You can tell the shuttle when YOU want to leave...they usually book a stupid about of time ahead of your flight so you can't go back on them if you miss your flight due to delays at airport.

Rubygoose said:

They tell you 2 hrs for international, but you go through customs when you get off the plane (in Vancouver or Victoria or wherever you're going.) SNA is a very easy airport to find your gate etc. I'd allow about 30 minuts to get to the airport and no less than 45 to an hour to be there before your flight. So, 1:00 would be a good time to leave DL.

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Thanks for all the advice everyone!

Ruby, we are flying through YVR this time, I wish there was a direct SNA-YYJ flight, it would make life SO much easier!

Off-topic, are you also on KIV?

Aladora said:

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

Ruby, we are flying through YVR this time, I wish there was a direct SNA-YYJ flight, it would make life SO much easier!

Off-topic, are you also on KIV?

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Nope, but I lurk around on there once in a while.

We've flown from Vic to Seattle to Sna on Alaska Air, Vancouver to Sna on Westjet, and on our most recent trip we booked with Air Canada but it was operated by United and flew Victoria to San Francisco to Sna. Then we used points to fly home on Alaska via Seattle. So, we've flown almost every possible way we could to get on and off this rock! Looking into taking the Coho over and driving to Seattle, spending a few days there, then flying to SNA for our next trip (whenever that will be!? Gotta save the nickles.) DH and I used to take the clipper to Seattle to travel from their, but I won't take my kids on th eclipper. Way too crowded and borring!

I personally get to ANY airport 2 hours ahead for a domestic flight and DH (the one flying internationally right now) wants to be walking in 3 hours ahead for an international flight. For any airport, even SNA.

I would rather be bored out of my skull while sitting at the gate rather than running with pants falling off b/c I couldn't put my belt back on because there was a nasty accident on the way and I was already going to be cutting it shorter than I should have. There are stores, there's a starbucks, I believe they have internet there... Plenty to do, so I say to get there 3 hours ahead for your international flight.

I personally think leaving at 1:00 is pushing it. I too would rather have extra time at the airport than biting my nails with a potential situation.
I just flew out of SNA and the security lines were long and slow. There were people leaving the lines to go to other sections of the terminal to go through security so they could make their flights.

Off topic: SNA is the the nicest airport I've even flown in/out of! What stuck with me is how quiet it is! It's like one big library

just one thing to consider as well ... I was told once that if you are checking luggage (for a domestic), they will not do that within 1 hour of departure. I would think the same or a similar rule applies to INTL travel.

have a great trip!!!

Delilah1310 said:

just one thing to consider as well ... I was told once that if you are checking luggage (for a domestic), they will not do that within 1 hour of departure.

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There is no "standard" rule...varies from airport to airport and airline to airline. Southwest for example at SNA is 30 min from departure time, but 1 hour at Las Vegas.