When considering what time to arrive at the airport, the first step is to consult the advice of both your airline and the airport you are departing from. If there is any difference in the advice, then go for the one telling you to get there earliest! If you plan on getting through security and having a bite to eat airside, then remember the restaurants can be busier than on the high street, so factor in a possible wait for a table.
Before you go, check our guide to Common Travel Mistakes.
What time should you arrive at the airport – factors to consider: ¶
Journey to the airport¶
Always allow plenty of extra time for your journey to the airport when you have a flight to catch. Consider potential traffic, unforeseen delays, and ensure you have ample time to make it to the terminal stress-free.
- Plan your route and check live traffic or rail updates before you leave.
- If you’re using public transport, consider earlier trains or buses in case of cancellations.
- Build in at least a 30–60-minute buffer beyond your expected journey time, particularly during peak travel seasons.
Pro Tip: If you’re flying early in the morning, consider booking an airport hotel the night before.
Parking¶
If you are planning on driving to the airport, choose and book your parking in advance for the best deals. There are often different types of parking available depending on the length of your trip. Most airports offer:
- Short Stay: Closest to the terminal; best for weekend breaks or drop-offs.
- Mid Stay: Slightly further, with a short shuttle bus ride.
- Long Stay: Cheapest, but transfer times can be 10–20 minutes.
Consider how long it could take you to find a parking space, walk to the nearest shuttle bus stop and wait for the shuttle bus to arrive and the transfer time to the terminal building.
Alternatively, many airports have a meet and greet service that you can book in advance. You let them know what time you will arrive and usually park in a designated meet and greet car park close to the terminal building, then hand your keys to the meet and greet reception. While great in theory, it can occasionally take longer to queue and hand over keys than it would have taken to park and get the shuttle bus.
Destination ¶
Your destination determines how early you should arrive:
- Domestic flights (UK only): 1.5–2 hours before departure.
- Short-haul European flights: 2–2.5 hours before departure.
Long-haul international flights: 3 hours or more before departure.
Remember: these are arrival at the airport times, not arrival at the gate. You still need to factor in check-in, security, and walking to your departure gate.
Baggage¶
Most airlines require you to check in online and print your boarding pass before your departure.
If you have already checked in online and are flying hand luggage only, you do not need to queue for bag drop and can head straight to security.
If you need to drop off hold luggage:
- Allow extra time, especially at peak hours or during school holidays.
- Some airlines offer “twilight bag drop” - drop bags the evening before an early flight to save time the next morning.
Airport security queues and checks can cause long delays. Even if you are travelling hand luggage only or have taken advantage of the day before bag drop, you still need to allow plenty of time to clear security and travel to your allocated boarding gate.
Boarding gates close promptly at the time stated on your boarding pass. Aim to arrive at the boarding gate well before boarding closes, as there is often a queue to board. Boarding gates close promptly, and if you are not there on time, the plane will leave without you.
Airport Assistance¶
If you require airport assistance, this usually needs to be arranged in advance directly with your airline. Usually, if you are using airport assistance, you will need to allow longer to get through airport security and to the boarding gate.
Security¶
Understandably, security at airports is strict to ensure the safety of passengers. This can lead to long queues. Also, if you get stopped at security, it can hold you up for a long time, too.
Tips to make it smoother:
- Prepare liquids and electronics before reaching the scanner.
- Wear easy-to-remove shoes and avoid heavy jewellery.
- Consider fast-track security for a smaller queue (especially in peak season).
Fast-track security is available to purchase at an additional cost. This usually ensures a smaller security queue, which could be worth purchasing if travelling in peak season.
If you have certain medical conditions, then it is worth noting that many airports internationally recognise the Access Card. An access card is a universal access registration scheme to support you in communicating your access and queueing requirements. This is helpful to use if you have some minor access or queueing needs that have not qualified for airport assistance.
You still should allow plenty of time for security, then use the extra time to relax airside before your boarding gate is displayed on the board.
What happens if I miss my flight? ¶
If you miss your flight, airlines are not required to help. Some airlines do have policies in place to help passengers, and some offer rescue fares. You should check what the airline you plan to travel with offers.
If you have purchased travel insurance, you should check your policy wording to see whether your missed departure is covered.
Gold, Platinum and Cruise policies from Good To Go travel insurance include cover for missed international departures from the UK. This provides expenses for necessary travel and accommodation up to the amount stated in the policy to reach your booked destination if you miss your flight due to specific circumstances, such as public transport delays on your way to the airport, a car breakdown or accident.
Good To Go travel insurance has no age limits on its single and annual multi-trip policies and can cover all types of existing medical conditions.
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