At just over 2,500 feet, it's the highest point on the TMT. In spring, look for red currant blooming here. From Tom's Crossing, the West Tiger #2 Trail heads steeply uphill providing another way to reach that summit. Continue down the TMT on many switchbacks and, in about 0.3 mile, note the junction with the K3 Trail.
I rarely show up more than 1.5 ahead of time. Another idea: technically, the ticket counters usually open 24 hrs before your flight, and sometimes this is the only way to easily get special seats like exit rows.
The airlines usually expect you to arrive 90 minutes prior to a domestic and 2 hours prior to an international flight. If you're really tight on time tho, don't worry, because they usually call your name many times before departing. As much as it stinks, you should be there probably about an hour to two hours early.