Not all appointments take place in an office. I wouldn’t dream of interrupting someone’s work schedule 20 minutes early, but that doesn’t mean I can’t arrive on site then and make calls in the parking deck. Likewise, Edith’s lyric doesn’t matter to someone meeting for lunch at a restaurant. My dining partner likely won’t know or care about my early arrival.
At people’s houses, I try to be no earlier than 5 minutes early, and I’m usually right smack on time. Business things, Doctor’s, dentists, etc., I try to be at least 10 minutes early.
If I’m performing, I can’t stand to be late or rushed. ‘Half-hour’ is the barest minimum to be backstage, and I’m usually there well before that. After all this time, it just about kills me not to be at the theatre for half-hour when I attend a play or a concert…
It all depends.
Job interview. 5 minutes early. gives them time to let the person I am meeting with know I am here.
Business appointment under 5 minutes.
Dr appointment, early to on time. Some times I get in early because the last appointment took less time than planed, means I have more time with the Doc or I get out earlier.
Family, depends. If getting there early will be a problem for the host then on time.
Relieving the watch before me 20 minutes early. Makes up for the day when I goof.
Usually 10 minutes except for my Doctor who is a punctuality Nazi. So I end about 20 minutes early for him just because I make sure to build in extra time for traffic. I’ve seen patients made to reschedule more than once for arriving 2 minutes late. Yikes.
In all honesty, 2:08. I suspect I’m infamous for this, and I am trying to change it.
Like most everyone else, it depends. But I really, really hate waiting on people, so I generally don’t want to be more than 5 minutes early. I also really, really hate being late, so not more than 5 minutes late.
Doctor’s appointments are different. I’m actually considering taking advantage of a new service my doctor provides, signing in over the phone, and getting a call when he’s within 15 minutes of being ready to see me. The normal wait is over an hour, and, if it’s a work-in like it usually is, I’ve arrived at 3 and not gotten in until 7. Luckily, this was when I was younger and didn’t look ridiculous playing with my Game Boy to keep my mind off of how late he was.
I’ve been trying to get doctors to be more realistic with their appointment times, but this seems to be a losing battle. The only reason I think I’ll be able to pull this off with my PCP is because he’s done with another disabled patient.
I try to be 5 minutes early; if I’m not sure of how long it will take me to get there, I’ll aim for “rather be half an hour early than five minutes late.” If it’s to go out with someone, or for a business meeting, I’ll ring the bell/approach the receptionist exactly on the hour.
1:30pm. If it’s an interview, and I’ve never been there before, I’ll probably arrive an hour early. I’m paranoid like that.
Same here. Job interviews are different, of course.
–Cliffy
No you’re not.
I have a friend who is really trying to change this and has been for 30 years. I just tell her an earlier time to be there or don’t invite her at all if time is critical.
As to the OP. I would like to be on the street, in the place I am going to about 30 minutes before the appointment. I always carry stuff to read and it never bothers me if I have to wait around.
Last week I had to go to a meeting/telephone conference in the city and even allowing to be there 30 minutes early I walked in about 5 minutes late, due to train delays. So next time I will leave one train earlier, just in case.
Like most others, it depends. Is it a really important appointment? Something I absolutely cannot miss? I’ll be in the area very early, usually having brought something to do (at least a book, but probably some work). I won’t walk in until 1:55 or so, but I’ll typically be around earlier, especially if I know transportation could be bad.
Is it really not important? I’ll be there a minute or two early.
I’m the opposite of my cousin, who doesn’t have a watch or other time-displaying device (no cell). He just shows up whenever and hopes for the best.
A couple of instances have been mentioned:
At someone’s house? I consider it pretty rude to show up even a minute before the stated time. Far too frequently hosts are doing last-minute preparations up until the moment the doorbell rings. So I’ll generally aim at 5-10 minutes late (unless dinner or something specific is set for the appointed time, in which case I try to arrive promptly.)
Golf - I think 30 minutes before tee time is just about right. Gives you plenty of time to pay, change your shoes or whatever, get your gear in order, stretch, take a few swings/putts, check in with the starter … Your group is basically “on the tee” as soon as the group ahead of you tees off - generally 8-10 minutes before your tee-time. For the 8-10 minute period before that your group is “on deck.” I think it is rude to your fellow golfers to have them standing on the tee wondering if you are going to show up. It is especially troubling at courses that require that all 4 check-in/pay at the same time. And a golfer rushing up at the last minute quite often brings a negative mood to an otherwise pleasant walk in the park. JMO.
I shoot for 5-10 early whenever possible. The time’s not wasted, I have a book with me.
I’m always way early. I HATE late people, and I allow much more time than necessary, usually. I’ll get there 30 minutes early, sit in the car and read for 15 minutes, then go in.
Joe