Airport departure question

Question

Hello, we are flying out of ORD on Feb 1 for a 5:00am flight to Grenada, with our first flight stopping in Miami. Our park n stay hotel shuttle does not start operating until 3:30am. It's an American airlines flight. Are we ok with the shuttle or should we arrange a taxi to arrive earlier. Thank you

Answer

For a 5:00am flight out of O'Hare International Airport (ORD) on February 1st, it is essential to give yourself ample time to check in, clear security, and arrive at your gate. American Airlines typically recommends arriving at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. Since your first leg stops in Miami, you'll want to plan accordingly, especially during early morning hours when the airport can be quieter but security lines still exist.

With your shuttle starting at 3:30am, you'll be cutting it close if you rely on it to get to the airport. Here's why:

O'Hare can be busy even at early hours, and security can take time to clear, especially for international flights. If you take the shuttle at 3:30am, you’ll have just 90 minutes before your 5:00am departure, which could be risky depending on how long the shuttle ride takes and how quickly you can get through security.
The typical shuttle ride from a park-and-stay hotel to O'Hare takes around 15-30 minutes, depending on traffic and the hotel's location. Factor in possible delays, and you might end up rushing through the airport.
American Airlines often advises passengers to be at the gate at least 45 minutes before departure for international flights. With a 5:00am flight, this would mean you should aim to be at security around 3:30am or earlier. This would leave very little time for check-in and unexpected delays.

Given these considerations, I would strongly recommend arranging for a taxi or ride-sharing service (like Uber or Lyft) to ensure you arrive earlier. Ideally, you should plan to be at the airport by 3:00am at the latest to give yourself plenty of time for check-in and security, especially if this is an international flight. If your shuttle service doesn't start operating until 3:30am, you may risk feeling rushed and possibly missing your flight.

In summary, while the shuttle might work if everything runs perfectly on time, a taxi or ride-share service is a safer option to ensure you arrive well in advance of your flight. Safe travels, and enjoy your trip to Grenada!

Airport departure question

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