SAVOY, Ill. (WCIA) — One Central Illinois airport wants to put the word out: start showing up earlier for your flight or you’ll be out of luck.

That’s why they’re reminding people who fly to get to the airport on time. A few people missed their flights the past couple of weeks because they weren’t there early enough either.

Tim Bannon, airport executive director, thinks it’s a good time to spread the awareness about the American Airlines policy. He said they request flyers are checked in 45 minutes before departure.

But, what people may not realize is your bags must be checked in before that deadline as well.

“We ask all of our travelers to get here a little bit earlier than you think you need to get here. An hour and a half is pretty normal for an airport our size. But the TSA does recommend 2 hours. So, getting here well in advance, making sure that you get checked in and get your bag checked in. If you are traveling with the bag and getting through the TSA and getting to your gate, that’s really important to make sure that you get on that flight,” Bannon said.

He said these policies are in place because sometimes the check in staff may also be helping with other phases of the departure which means they’ll have to leave the front desk.

Bannon said if you’re someone who doesn’t need to check a bag that’s great. You’ll have more flexibility than others but should still be ready to go before the gates close.