I agree with the 3.5 - 4 hours ahead. Last year, the lines were crazy - we got there 2 hours before and barely got through on time for our flight. We booked Club MoBay and didn't even have a minute to use it. This year, we depart at 3 - I plan to be AT the airport around 11:30. I agree with Livininthe603 - as much as I want to spend the extra hour on the beach - if I haven't done it - it's not gonna get done in the hour before I leave. I hate leaving...but I hate making a stressful rush through the airport more. Besides - there's always our next trip!