How Early Should You Get to the Airport?

What do airlines and airports actually recommend?

Most airlines publish a recommended arrival time on your booking confirmation or their website. These figures vary by airline, airport and route, so treat any general rule as a starting point rather than a guarantee. Check the specific guidance for your flight before you plan the journey.

Airports also publish their own advice, often on their website or departure screens. This can differ from the airline's recommendation, especially at large hubs where terminals are far apart. Where the two disagree, follow the stricter one and give yourself the extra room.

If you cannot find the guidance, contact the airline directly. Staff can confirm the check-in and bag drop cut-off for your particular flight. Write the times down and work backwards from there when you book transport.

• Check your booking confirmation for the airline's arrival advice
• Look at the airport website for terminal-specific guidance
• Ask the airline if the cut-off times are unclear

When do check-in and bag drop close?

Check-in and bag drop desks close at a set time before departure, and that time differs between airlines and airports. Once the desk closes, staff usually cannot accept further bags for that flight. Arriving at the desk with time to spare matters more than arriving at the terminal.

If you check in online and travel with cabin bags only, you may be able to go straight to security. That can remove one queue from your morning, though you still need to clear security and reach the gate before it closes. Confirm the airline's cabin bag rules, as sizes and weights vary.

Gate closing times are separate from check-in cut-offs and are often earlier than the departure time printed on your ticket. Check both figures when you plan your journey. Missing the gate is just as serious as missing the desk.

• Note the bag drop closing time, not just the departure time
• Check the gate closing time as well
• Confirm cabin bag size and weight with the airline

How long do security queues take?

Security queues change by time of day and season, so no fixed number covers every airport. Early morning departures and peak holiday periods often mean longer lines, while quieter midweek afternoons may move faster. Build in more time than you think you need on busy days.

Some airports publish live security waiting times on their websites or terminal screens. Check these before you leave your hotel or home, and adjust your plans if the queue looks long. It is a useful signal, not a promise.

Keep liquids and electronics accessible so you can move through the scanner without repacking. Wear shoes that are easy to remove if your airport asks for it. Small preparations at the queue save minutes that add up.

• Check live security times on the airport website
• Pack liquids and electronics where you can reach them
• Allow extra time during holidays and peak periods

Does online check-in save time?

Online check-in can save time, especially when you travel with cabin bags only. You skip the desk queue and head for security with your boarding pass already on your phone. Many airlines open online check-in a set number of hours before departure, so check the window.

Some airlines still require you to visit a desk to verify documents, even after online check-in. This applies to certain routes, passports or visas, and the rules differ by country. Read the airline's instructions carefully so you know which queue applies to you.

If you have hold bags, online check-in helps less because you still need the bag drop queue. Look for self-service bag drop machines where they exist. They can be quicker than a staffed desk, though availability varies by airport.

• Check when online check-in opens for your flight
• Confirm whether you still need a document check
• Use self-service bag drop if your airport offers it

When should you add extra time?

Allow extra time if you travel with children or need assistance. Young children move slowly through terminals, and buggies, snacks and toilet stops all take minutes. Special assistance services often need you to arrive earlier so staff can organise support.

Travelling with hold bags, unusual luggage or sports equipment adds time at the desk. Oversized items may need a separate counter, which can be in another part of the terminal. Check where to go before you arrive so you are not searching at the last minute.

First-time flyers and anyone unfamiliar with the airport should also build in buffer. Finding the right terminal, the right desk and the right gate takes longer than regular travellers expect. A little extra time removes most of the stress.

• Add time for children, buggies and toilet stops
• Check where oversized bag counters are located
• Allow buffer if you do not know the airport well

How do you plan backwards from departure?

Start with the departure time and subtract the airline's check-in cut-off. Then subtract your estimated security and walking time, and you have the latest moment to arrive at the terminal. Work back further to cover the journey to the airport, including traffic and transport delays.

Public transport and taxis both run into problems, so build a margin into the travel leg. If you take the train or the underground, check for planned engineering works on the day. If you drive, allow time for parking and the shuttle to the terminal.

Set a reminder to check your flight status before you leave. Airlines sometimes change terminals or gates, and a quick look can save a long walk. Keep your booking details handy in case you need to ask staff for help.

• Subtract cut-off, security and walking time from departure
• Check transport for delays or engineering works
• Look at your flight status before leaving

How does FindMyFlight fit into your planning?

FindMyFlight is free to use and never adds anything to a fare. Results are listed by price, low to high, whatever the commission, so you can compare options without wondering whether the order is influenced. You book and pay the airline or partner directly.

If you book through a partner link, FindMyFlight may earn a commission from the partner at no extra cost to you. This never changes the price or the order of results. It is worth knowing before you look before you book.

Price alerts are by email only, confirmed by the user, with a one-click unsubscribe. There are no SMS messages. Set one if you want to keep an eye on a route while you sort out your airport timing.

What should you check on the day?

Check your flight status, terminal and gate before you set off, as these can change. Airlines sometimes move departures between terminals, which adds a long walk or a train ride. Confirm the details on the airline's app or website.

Pack your passport, boarding pass and any required documents where you can reach them easily. Security staff may ask for them more than once. Keep them separate from your main bag so you are not searching at the scanner.

Arrive at the gate before the closing time printed on your boarding pass. Gate areas can be a long walk from security, and some airports use shuttle trains between concourses. Give yourself the walking time and you will board calmly.

• Check terminal and gate before leaving
• Keep documents accessible for security
• Reach the gate before its closing time

Questions and answers

Is two hours before a flight enough?

It depends on the airline, airport and whether you have hold bags. Check the airline's recommended arrival time and the bag drop cut-off, then add time for security. Two hours may suit a small airport with cabin bags only, but larger hubs often need more.

Can I arrive after check-in closes?

Usually not. Check-in and bag drop desks close at a set time before departure, and staff generally cannot accept bags after that. Contact your airline if you think you will be late, as options vary by carrier and route.

Does online check-in mean I can arrive later?

Sometimes, if you travel with cabin bags only and do not need a document check. You still need to clear security and reach the gate before it closes. Confirm with your airline whether any desk visit is still required.

How much extra time should families allow?

Allow more than the airline's minimum, because children move slowly and need toilet and snack stops. Special assistance services may also ask you to arrive earlier. Check the airline's family and assistance guidance for your specific flight.

Where can I find my airport's security waiting times?

Many airports publish live or typical security waiting times on their websites or terminal screens. Check before you leave and adjust your plans if queues look long. The figures are a guide, not a guarantee, so keep some buffer.