Why Should You Arrive Early For Your Flight?

As we enter another travel season, everyone starts gearing up for the inevitable line to check-in at the airport. Sure, we do what we can and check-in on-line these days. However we are still faced with lines to drop off our bags and the to get through security.


Now, I really can't fault the airlines or the TSA for lines during busy times. I understand, there are an infinite number of travelers trying to pass through a finite number of gates and check points. I get it, and I think for the most part they do a pretty good job. What I do object to are the late-comer that arrive with seconds to spare and we watch helplessly as airport personnel escort them to the front of the line.

I mean I read the advisory that prints out with my tickets, and I understand the need for security and will make sure to arrive 2-3 hours before my flight time. I will allow even more during a holiday or a prime time flight. So, I get annoyed and angry when I'm waiting on line and see these people showing up at the last minute and being allowed up front. Why reward these tardy people? It's just not fair and says to everyone else on line, "Suckers!"

Now, I can understand things happen that may make someone late and I offer a solution that I especially think would interest the cash-strapped airlines. Why not institute a late charge? That's right, you arrive late to the airport, we'll escort you to the front of the line... for an extra $50. In this way it helps on three fronts:

1. It encourages travelers to be on time. One will be less likely to miss the deadline if they know there is a cost involved.
2. Less congestion in the queues as more people will be arriving with time to spare. And there will be less animosity towards those being ushered to front for a fee. Just like people who pay for the upgrade to first class on a flight.
3. Another revenue stream for the airline. An optional fee, that nobody can complain about.

Of course there are those that may whine about this new fee. And of course, I would understand waiving the fee if someone is coming from a connecting flight that was late. Although, they should be going through a separate path. But, I say to those who would complain, if you don't like the fee, then show up on time!