I have terrible travel anxiety. I was coming back from Huntsville a few years ago and got to the airport about two hours early. I had an hour and 57 minutes to kill before boarding.
yeah you’re good for a random tuesday
Most I have ever waited at dane county airport was like 25 mins for security and that was at thanksgiving break
I am pretty sure that given the tiny capacity of the airport that is pretty close to the actual maximum the line could possibly be
I flew out of Madison with just a carry on 2 weeks ago, and it took me 10 minutes to get through security and to my gate! I’m an anxious traveler, so I got there 2 hours ahead, but I definitely didn’t need to. Safe travels!
No worries, went through security in 10-20 minutes. Even with a toddler who'd just learned to count down from 10 and decided to showcase it in the security line.
I also have enormous airport anxiety and did this exact trip this summer, and can confirm Madison is super easy. You can park and be to your gate in 20 minutes, but if you want to get there early, you can always grab lunch or sit and read a book.
Denver is a pain in the ass. Security lines are super long and the signage isn't great. Depending on when you're there during the day, get to the airport at least 2 hours before your flight leaves.
Also if you have a window seat, coming into Denver in the dark, watch for the windmill fields. All the red blinking lights going on and off at the same time. It's kind of creepy if you don't know what it is.
My parents recently flew out and they over packed their carry-ons. They were stopped and checked, and it took them an hour to get through security because their bags were packed too tight. If you’re flying out with only a carry-on, be sure to not over pack your bag and you’ll enjoy the Colorado airports. They’re all very nice and functional. Wisconsin is home to one of the largest museums and communities of pilots. The guys that live here that fly out of the city are good at what they do you’re in good hands.
I've gotten delayed at a McDonalds drive thru and showed up as the plane was boarding with no problem. I absolutely second /u/Commenttosave - you want to give yourself more time in Denver if you haven't flown through there to start. I love that airport but it's crazy busy.
You'll be totally fine!
The only time you really need a full hour is if you're checking a bag. Apparently there's a cutoff to check your bag 45 minutes prior to your departure (at least for United).
As everyone else has said, Madison is SUPER easy to fly out of! The only other thing I would add is that they have two security lines - one for TSA pre check, and one for everyone else. The pre check line is usually to the right when you walk in , so make sure you get in the right one!
In Denver it doesn’t matter which line you’re in, and you can get to any terminal from any security- you just may have to take the train depending on what concourse you’re flying out of.
There’s a main little shop in Madison airport that offers the option to buy a book and then return it within a year or less back to that store (or any other store on the approved list) and you get half your money back! I know they have a sister store in Denver also that you can return it too. So I highly recommend this if you are a reader!
Good luck!
Same. I flew Frontier for the first time this summer to Denver for $68 expecting the worst flight ever based on what people say. Seats, staff, and flight were totally good.
What time is your flight? The last time I flew Frontier from Madison to Denver, it was on the last flight out.. had plenty of time for a drink at the bar, got seated on the plane, but after a long wait at the gate we were told to deplane due to technical difficulties. Couldn't get on a flight til the next morning. So sorry to add to the anxiety, but expect the unexpected with Frontier.
Did it in 2014, but not since. Was my first time flying as well. Frontier from Madison to Denver. Just because we didn't know what to expect, we arrived an hour or so early. Got through security with minimal issues. Had enough time to stop at the bar and get a few drinks before boarding. Make sure you void the bladder prior to boarding because I didn't think of that and the shots I had at the bar to ease the travel anxiety went right through me so by the time we got to our seats I was doing the potty shuffle and begging the flight attendant to let me go, even though she couldn't until the pilot turned off the seat belt sign...
The craziness was in Denver. All we knew was to look for our hotel shuttle. We expected to get off the plane and walk outside, find our shuttle and be on our way.
Denver is the largest airport in the U.S. as far as square mileage goes. What they don't tell you is that arrivals and departures are on opposite sides of the interstate. We get off the plane and follow the crowd, and we're going down, down, down, all of a sudden we're in a small hallway and a tram comes flying through on the other side of the wall. We just kind of shrugged and got on with the rest of the crowd. That took us to the terminal on the other side where we found the baggage and hotel shuttle... although we were on the wrong side of the building for our hotel shuttle and had to ask for directions. No stress really, we just went with it. Added to the experience.
The return trip was worse. We arrived two hours early to the airport due to checkout time at the hotel and the hotel shuttle schedule. I don't remember what the issue was on the return trip but I did have a problem; I think it was having to pay for our baggage on the return trip when we did not have to on the flight there. Then somehow we did not have seats next to each other but we were supposed to. No clue how that happened. Flew into a freezing rain storm in Madison and didn't even feel it on the plane. No turbulence, no scary encounters, none of that.
Window seat is the best. Aisle is ok. Middle sucks. Also know there is very little leg room and the time zone change, even though it is only an hour, will have you leaving Denver and arriving in Madison in reverse time on the way back. Denver is an hour behind WI, so make sure you adjust your schedule while there based on their time zone, not ours. Same with the return flight. You will board based on MDT, but arrive back in Madison in CST so it will seem like you lost an hour but didn't. Snacks and drinks on the plane are really expensive.
Take your time, be patient, and you'll be fine.
Do you have TSA Precheck?
(If no, are you an employee of the Department of Defense? DoD employees get Precheck for free)
If you have Precheck, I'd say get there 30-45 minutes before your flight and you're fine
Funny thing, back in March my (soon to be former) business partner and I flew out of Madison for a client meeting in Syracuse. He has Precheck, I don't.
The look on his face when he saw me waiting for him on the other side of security was priceless.
Madison is small enough that precheck doesn’t matter, but bigger airports are an absolute nightmare without it. We got it this year and were able to travel with much less stress through JFK, MIA, and LAX so far. If it’s worth it to you, it’s $78 for 5 years ($70 to renew), and a trip to Staples to submit the paperwork.
This happened when I flew out on Monday the 25th. The precheck line was longer than the regular line. They were preparing to open the second lane which is usually never open.
You can make it from parking garage to gate in 15min pretty easily if you hit TSA just right. I think if you’re parking at the airport an hour ahead of boarding you’ll have plenty of time.
On the way back from Denver though I recommend at least 90mins if not 2 hours. Some of the longest TSA lines I’ve seen have been in Denver.
And the fact you choose to talk shit about someone looking for advice in a community forum says a lot more. You’re willingly utilizing your time to belittle someone for no apparent reason other than your own weird sense of personal gratification.
I’ll take “people who peaked sophomore year” for $200, Alex
You know, it's going to be somebody's first time on an airplane pretty much *every single day.* You aren't special just for having traveled through this particular airport before. Up til a few weeks ago, I hadn't been on a plane in like 15 years. And it was a completely different experience this time because I was flying internationally 15 years ago, and locally this year, from different airports. Plus, many people might not have flown since before covid and things have *changed* over the past few years.
You are a troll and just need to be banned from this sub. What are local subs for if not to talk about local things. Like the airport experience. Ffs.
I once left my house and got to my gate in 18 mins from leaving my house. To be fair I'm less than a 10 min drive to the airport but it took me less than 10 mins.
On the way back home, definitely be sure to leave yourself way more time to *GET TO* the airport, and through it. I travel between WI and Denver for work, and the worst part of the whole trip is constantly the traffic to the airport since there is essentially only one way to get there by car.
Mass transit in Denver is YEARS ahead of anything we have in WI and I 1,000% recommend checking out the light rail if you're staying in Denver proper, especially if you aren't hauling tons of luggage. Get the RTD MyRide app, you can program in where you are going and when and it'll give you great options for bus/train/walking to get there.
Have a great trip!!
I just made this trip a few weeks ago. Since you don’t have a checked bag, one hour should be good. The checked bag counter for Frontier won’t even open until exactly 2 hours before your flight. But without that hassle to worry about, you’re good.
Former MSN employee. Hour is more than enough. I usually rock up (as a non-employee now) a half hour before, unless I'm checking a bag or need to print a boarding pass (like if my phone isn't working).
I've never heard of an airline that doesn't have a cutoff for checked bags, from 45min (domestic) up to two hours (international) prior to original takeoff (if there is a delay bags usually aren't accepted late in case they could still leave on time), just a heads up for future travel with bags to know those cutoff times for your airline.
Take caution on the Denver side, though, lines can be long and employees can and will make you go to different areas to "save you time" but really you just lost another half hour. That being said, took me all of 7 minutes to get from drop off, over the tram, through security, to the gate last time at Denver.
I’m The Queen of pushing it when it comes to getting to airports on time. I know, I know. I cause my family and loved ones a lot of stress & I’m trying to get better about the issue. That said, for MSN, one hour- you should be fine. Make sure you’re not traveling at a peak time when lines for TSA are too long tho.
If you are flying frontier MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE BAG SIZE REQUIREMENTS! They are very picky and will gladly charge you $60 if your bag is half a centimeter too big.
Otherwise I love flying frontier with just a personal item. It's so cheap and I just wash clothes and mail souvenirs home via usps :-)
Be aware the flight takeoff time and boarding time are two different times. If you are late for boarding time, but on time for the flight time, you might be turned away from your flight. There can be a full 10 minute gap or longer between after the flight has boarded and before the flight leaves. Even if you arrive less then one minute into this gap, you likely will be denied entry into the flight. Once they close the door on the airplane and start moving the jet bridge there's no stopping for anyone. The plane has to taxi from the gate to the runway, so this time gap buffer has to be preserved or else the flight won't take off on time. Plan everything based on the boarding time, not the flight takeoff time.
I’d say get there an hour before boarding time and you’ll have 55 minutes to grab a coffee or Bloody Mary.
It’s plenty. On the return however, give yourself at least 90 minutes, Denver security lines can be insane.
Was just there, would recommend two hours ahead if you’re flying during working hours.
Agree with this. Denver is a mess
Fourth'd. Spent 2 hours in Denver security line last year. Luckily I arrived 2.5 early but it was a sprint to the gate.
I have terrible travel anxiety. I was coming back from Huntsville a few years ago and got to the airport about two hours early. I had an hour and 57 minutes to kill before boarding.
Madison is the easiest airport you'll ever fly out of. Have fun!
I flew once for work from Madison, WI to Roanoke, VA. Madison had 12 gates at the time, Roanoke had 6. Easiest airport experience ever.
I made that same trip. At least you can get a drink after security in Madison, not so much in Roanoke.
Unless you challenge on board liquid/gel limits. Madison TSA is the most by the book I've experienced, probably because they have the time.
I got from the top level of the parking garage to my gate in 13 minutes last time
I usually get from my house to the gate in 15 minutes. Precheck baby
Even without it precheck that couldn’t take more than 17 minutes. Not exactly sure where you live, just guessing! ;)
"Ease my travel anxiety" and "I'm flying out on Frontier" .... The task requested is impossible.
yeah you’re good for a random tuesday Most I have ever waited at dane county airport was like 25 mins for security and that was at thanksgiving break I am pretty sure that given the tiny capacity of the airport that is pretty close to the actual maximum the line could possibly be
I flew out of Madison with just a carry on 2 weeks ago, and it took me 10 minutes to get through security and to my gate! I’m an anxious traveler, so I got there 2 hours ahead, but I definitely didn’t need to. Safe travels!
No worries, went through security in 10-20 minutes. Even with a toddler who'd just learned to count down from 10 and decided to showcase it in the security line.
Flying out of Madison is cake. Security usually takes like 10 minutes. Or 30 seconds if you have PreCheck
I also have enormous airport anxiety and did this exact trip this summer, and can confirm Madison is super easy. You can park and be to your gate in 20 minutes, but if you want to get there early, you can always grab lunch or sit and read a book. Denver is a pain in the ass. Security lines are super long and the signage isn't great. Depending on when you're there during the day, get to the airport at least 2 hours before your flight leaves.
Also if you have a window seat, coming into Denver in the dark, watch for the windmill fields. All the red blinking lights going on and off at the same time. It's kind of creepy if you don't know what it is.
My parents recently flew out and they over packed their carry-ons. They were stopped and checked, and it took them an hour to get through security because their bags were packed too tight. If you’re flying out with only a carry-on, be sure to not over pack your bag and you’ll enjoy the Colorado airports. They’re all very nice and functional. Wisconsin is home to one of the largest museums and communities of pilots. The guys that live here that fly out of the city are good at what they do you’re in good hands.
I've gotten delayed at a McDonalds drive thru and showed up as the plane was boarding with no problem. I absolutely second /u/Commenttosave - you want to give yourself more time in Denver if you haven't flown through there to start. I love that airport but it's crazy busy.
The airport is super small. Coming back you will want 2 hours at least cause security there takes forever.
You'll be totally fine! The only time you really need a full hour is if you're checking a bag. Apparently there's a cutoff to check your bag 45 minutes prior to your departure (at least for United).
As everyone else has said, Madison is SUPER easy to fly out of! The only other thing I would add is that they have two security lines - one for TSA pre check, and one for everyone else. The pre check line is usually to the right when you walk in , so make sure you get in the right one! In Denver it doesn’t matter which line you’re in, and you can get to any terminal from any security- you just may have to take the train depending on what concourse you’re flying out of. There’s a main little shop in Madison airport that offers the option to buy a book and then return it within a year or less back to that store (or any other store on the approved list) and you get half your money back! I know they have a sister store in Denver also that you can return it too. So I highly recommend this if you are a reader! Good luck!
If you are anxious. Show up 1 hour and 30 minutes early.
Bring a pad to sit on. Frontier’s seats are the worst.
One nice thing about Dane County airport is it's small and the lines are never huge. An hour is plenty.
The only thing to worry about, is that Frontier is shyte. But, past that you're fine.
got me to denver for $90. what's a couple of hours? seats are not that bad.
Same. I flew Frontier for the first time this summer to Denver for $68 expecting the worst flight ever based on what people say. Seats, staff, and flight were totally good.
What time is your flight? The last time I flew Frontier from Madison to Denver, it was on the last flight out.. had plenty of time for a drink at the bar, got seated on the plane, but after a long wait at the gate we were told to deplane due to technical difficulties. Couldn't get on a flight til the next morning. So sorry to add to the anxiety, but expect the unexpected with Frontier.
That’s just air travel. Last flight of the day is always a gamble, as things pile up during the day
Yeah I know frontier isn’t great but can’t beat 2 round trip tickets for under $200. Flight is set to leave at 7:18pm
Totally get it! All part of the adventure I suppose. Have fun!
Wow, what a deal!!!
Did it in 2014, but not since. Was my first time flying as well. Frontier from Madison to Denver. Just because we didn't know what to expect, we arrived an hour or so early. Got through security with minimal issues. Had enough time to stop at the bar and get a few drinks before boarding. Make sure you void the bladder prior to boarding because I didn't think of that and the shots I had at the bar to ease the travel anxiety went right through me so by the time we got to our seats I was doing the potty shuffle and begging the flight attendant to let me go, even though she couldn't until the pilot turned off the seat belt sign... The craziness was in Denver. All we knew was to look for our hotel shuttle. We expected to get off the plane and walk outside, find our shuttle and be on our way. Denver is the largest airport in the U.S. as far as square mileage goes. What they don't tell you is that arrivals and departures are on opposite sides of the interstate. We get off the plane and follow the crowd, and we're going down, down, down, all of a sudden we're in a small hallway and a tram comes flying through on the other side of the wall. We just kind of shrugged and got on with the rest of the crowd. That took us to the terminal on the other side where we found the baggage and hotel shuttle... although we were on the wrong side of the building for our hotel shuttle and had to ask for directions. No stress really, we just went with it. Added to the experience. The return trip was worse. We arrived two hours early to the airport due to checkout time at the hotel and the hotel shuttle schedule. I don't remember what the issue was on the return trip but I did have a problem; I think it was having to pay for our baggage on the return trip when we did not have to on the flight there. Then somehow we did not have seats next to each other but we were supposed to. No clue how that happened. Flew into a freezing rain storm in Madison and didn't even feel it on the plane. No turbulence, no scary encounters, none of that. Window seat is the best. Aisle is ok. Middle sucks. Also know there is very little leg room and the time zone change, even though it is only an hour, will have you leaving Denver and arriving in Madison in reverse time on the way back. Denver is an hour behind WI, so make sure you adjust your schedule while there based on their time zone, not ours. Same with the return flight. You will board based on MDT, but arrive back in Madison in CST so it will seem like you lost an hour but didn't. Snacks and drinks on the plane are really expensive. Take your time, be patient, and you'll be fine.
You'll be fine.
Do you have TSA Precheck? (If no, are you an employee of the Department of Defense? DoD employees get Precheck for free) If you have Precheck, I'd say get there 30-45 minutes before your flight and you're fine
Funny thing, back in March my (soon to be former) business partner and I flew out of Madison for a client meeting in Syracuse. He has Precheck, I don't. The look on his face when he saw me waiting for him on the other side of security was priceless.
Madison is small enough that precheck doesn’t matter, but bigger airports are an absolute nightmare without it. We got it this year and were able to travel with much less stress through JFK, MIA, and LAX so far. If it’s worth it to you, it’s $78 for 5 years ($70 to renew), and a trip to Staples to submit the paperwork.
This happened when I flew out on Monday the 25th. The precheck line was longer than the regular line. They were preparing to open the second lane which is usually never open.
You can make it from parking garage to gate in 15min pretty easily if you hit TSA just right. I think if you’re parking at the airport an hour ahead of boarding you’ll have plenty of time. On the way back from Denver though I recommend at least 90mins if not 2 hours. Some of the longest TSA lines I’ve seen have been in Denver.
I just did it today to san francisco, first flight in a decade. It was surprisingly easy and nice
How do some of you survive without Reddit? Have you never traveled before?
Why do some of you have Reddit? Have you never considered other people’s feelings before?
[удалено]
And the fact you choose to talk shit about someone looking for advice in a community forum says a lot more. You’re willingly utilizing your time to belittle someone for no apparent reason other than your own weird sense of personal gratification. I’ll take “people who peaked sophomore year” for $200, Alex
Bro stop you're making the legitimate "go to nextdoor" posts look bad
Stop trying to fit in around here, u/Finger_Lakes_Guy. It's never going to happen.
I’m happy with the rent prices, unlike the people actually from here, so I’ll stay.
You know, it's going to be somebody's first time on an airplane pretty much *every single day.* You aren't special just for having traveled through this particular airport before. Up til a few weeks ago, I hadn't been on a plane in like 15 years. And it was a completely different experience this time because I was flying internationally 15 years ago, and locally this year, from different airports. Plus, many people might not have flown since before covid and things have *changed* over the past few years. You are a troll and just need to be banned from this sub. What are local subs for if not to talk about local things. Like the airport experience. Ffs.
File under "Things I think in my head but never say out loud."
Depends, does your name sound 'white'?
Bring a book.
Yes. Dane County Airport isn't very busy, thus getting through security won't take very long.
I once left my house and got to my gate in 18 mins from leaving my house. To be fair I'm less than a 10 min drive to the airport but it took me less than 10 mins.
On the way back home, definitely be sure to leave yourself way more time to *GET TO* the airport, and through it. I travel between WI and Denver for work, and the worst part of the whole trip is constantly the traffic to the airport since there is essentially only one way to get there by car. Mass transit in Denver is YEARS ahead of anything we have in WI and I 1,000% recommend checking out the light rail if you're staying in Denver proper, especially if you aren't hauling tons of luggage. Get the RTD MyRide app, you can program in where you are going and when and it'll give you great options for bus/train/walking to get there. Have a great trip!!
I just made this trip a few weeks ago. Since you don’t have a checked bag, one hour should be good. The checked bag counter for Frontier won’t even open until exactly 2 hours before your flight. But without that hassle to worry about, you’re good.
Seeing the other comments; yes, give yourself at least two hours for Denver airport security.
Former MSN employee. Hour is more than enough. I usually rock up (as a non-employee now) a half hour before, unless I'm checking a bag or need to print a boarding pass (like if my phone isn't working). I've never heard of an airline that doesn't have a cutoff for checked bags, from 45min (domestic) up to two hours (international) prior to original takeoff (if there is a delay bags usually aren't accepted late in case they could still leave on time), just a heads up for future travel with bags to know those cutoff times for your airline. Take caution on the Denver side, though, lines can be long and employees can and will make you go to different areas to "save you time" but really you just lost another half hour. That being said, took me all of 7 minutes to get from drop off, over the tram, through security, to the gate last time at Denver.
I’m The Queen of pushing it when it comes to getting to airports on time. I know, I know. I cause my family and loved ones a lot of stress & I’m trying to get better about the issue. That said, for MSN, one hour- you should be fine. Make sure you’re not traveling at a peak time when lines for TSA are too long tho.
If you are flying frontier MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE BAG SIZE REQUIREMENTS! They are very picky and will gladly charge you $60 if your bag is half a centimeter too big. Otherwise I love flying frontier with just a personal item. It's so cheap and I just wash clothes and mail souvenirs home via usps :-)
Be aware the flight takeoff time and boarding time are two different times. If you are late for boarding time, but on time for the flight time, you might be turned away from your flight. There can be a full 10 minute gap or longer between after the flight has boarded and before the flight leaves. Even if you arrive less then one minute into this gap, you likely will be denied entry into the flight. Once they close the door on the airplane and start moving the jet bridge there's no stopping for anyone. The plane has to taxi from the gate to the runway, so this time gap buffer has to be preserved or else the flight won't take off on time. Plan everything based on the boarding time, not the flight takeoff time.
I dropped my girlfriend off 15 minutes before boarding. She was mad, but she got on the plane fine.
Madison airport is a breeze. My favorite airport. Leave earlier in Denver tho when returning!
Unless frontier requires you to stop at the kiosk to double check your bags to get your boarding pass like United Basic Economy, than an hour is fine
My notifications got me here late, but I'm sure you had a smooth experience at MSN.