It varies (Picture: Getty Images)
No one likes arriving at an airport too early. But then, no one likes rushing when it’s too late either.
To help you plan it all better, airlines all share the ideal times to arrive at the airport.
We’ve made it easier for you by putting the details from the major airlines here.
This is how early you actually need to arrive.
Obviously, take this with a pinch of salt and use your logic too – if there’s bad weather or your flight is overbooked, you may need to arrive earlier to get a decent seat or space in the overhead compartment for your carryon.
EasyJet
Those with hand luggage only can check in from two hours to 30 days before the flight, while checked luggage flyers should arrive no later than two hours before – standard.
At Gatwick, in person check ins start from two hours before for domestic flights, and three hours for European flights.
Ryanair
Win a seven-day cruise around the Mediterranean with Virgin Voyages
You could win a glorious trip to the Med for two with Virgin Voyages.
Our lucky winner will be sailing around the Mediterranean on a superyacht-inspired ship with five-star food whenever you want it, top-drawer entertainment on tap, exercise classes, pool, hot tubs, the works… all thrown in as part of the package.
With two packages to choose between, you can opt for French Daze And Ibiza Nights, where you get to mix stop-offs to the beautiful beaches of the south of France and Ibiza and sample some of the party island’s famous nightlife.
Sail away into the sunset on a luxurious cruise around the Mediterranean (Picture: Alberto Oviedo)
Or you can take it easier on the Irresistible Med cruise, which combines Provençal heritage, the intriguing island of Corsica and the famous countryside of Tuscany.
Ready to set sail? Click here and answer the question to be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize.
In the meantime, don’t forget to sign up to The Getaway, Metro’s fabulous weekly newsletter, to receive all the latest travel news, advice and inspiration straight to your inbox. Plus you can opt to receive even more fantastic offers and deals.
You have until midnight on August 11 2023 to enter. Good luck!
Bag drop and check in closes 40 minutes before a flight, so you’ll want to get there way before to beat the crowds.
For checking in online, do it at least two hours before the flight – otherwise there’s a nasty £50 charge to do it later.
They suggest arriving at your airport between two and two and a half hours before a flight.
British Airways
The advice is different depending on which airport you’re leaving from, but generally, arrive no earlier than two hours before for short-haul flights, and three hours before long-haul.
Check in closes 20 minutes before departure, which is cutting it pretty fine.
Make sure you’re at the gate no later than 15 minutes before take off.
(Picture: Getty Images)
Wizz Air
Be at the boarding get at least 30 minutes before, the airline warns.
Check in starts two hours and closes 40 minutes before take off, most of the time.
TUI
Depending on whether you’re on a short or long haul flight, check in desks open from three and a half to two and a half hours before.
If you arrive early, you’ll have to wait.
Those checking in bags shouldn’t leave it later than an hour before the flight leaves.
Virgin Atlantic
You should arrive at least two hours before the flight leaves, and check in usually only opens 24 hours before the flight.
Jet2
Check in desks close 40 minutes before take off, so don’t leave it late.
You can check in online from 28 days before, depending on the flight.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE : Man returns home 10 years after visiting every country in the world – without taking a single flight
No one likes arriving at an airport too early.