What time should I get to the airport?

We've had over a year of disruption and strikes at UK airports - which has led to some passengers arriving many hours before their flight departure time to ensure they don't miss it.

The worry isn't misplaced; during the height of 2022's travel chaos, one in seven travellers told us that they'd missed a flight because of long queues. This year has been better, although strikes caused longer queues at security and lost luggage at some airports, and there continues to be a risk of further strikes. 

Advice from some airports on how early to arrive before your flight changed in 2022, when they increased the recommended time for short-haul flights from two to three hours. But when we recently contacted the UK's major airports we found that had changed again. See below for what they told us. 

For more independent travel advice and recommendations, subscribe to Which? Travel

How long before your flight do airports advise you to arrive?

Most airports have now dropped the advice to arrive three hours before a short-haul flight. In fact several told us they needed passengers not to arrive too early for their flight because the check-in desk may not be open and it adds to congestion at airport security. 

What time should I get to Heathrow Airport?

Heathrow told us passengers should arrive two hours before a flight for short-haul trips and three hours before for long-haul flights.

What time should I get to Gatwick Airport?

Gatwick Airport told us passengers should check in at the time advised by your airline, which is generally two hours before short-haul flights and three hours before long-haul journeys.  

What time should I get to Stansted Airport?

At the time advised by your airline (typically two hours before short-haul flights and three hours for long-haul flights).

What time should I get to Luton Airport?

No earlier than the time advised by your airline - typically two to three hours before your flight.

What time should I get to Manchester Airport?

Follow your airline’s guidance on how early you need to be at the airport before your flight. This is usually two hours for a short-haul flight, or three hours for a long-haul flight.

What time should I get to Edinburgh Airport?

When check-in desk opens (usually between two and three hours before the flight, depending on the airline).

What time should I get to Birmingham Airport?

In line with check-in desk opening times, which is different for each airline, so please check with your carrier.  However, this is usually two hours for short-haul flights and three hours if you're off on a long-haul trip.

What time should I get to Bristol Airport?

At the time advised by your airline (which can be two or three hours before departure).

See our best and worst airports rankings to find out which airport nearly 7,000 passengers rated top.

Is it worth paying for fast track security?

When you buy your flight you’ll typically be offered fast track security clearance for around £5 per person. You can also buy direct from the airport. This means you get to zoom past the main queue and get through security more quickly.

However, our research suggests that it's only worth buying fast track if you're flying at peak time, from an airport where queues are typically bad anyway. When we asked the major airports for security queue data in summer 2023, they told us that the majority of people get through security in under 15 minutes. 

Check our advice to find out whether it's worth paying for fast track at Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester and other airports.

What happens if I miss my flight because of long airport queues?

Unfortunately you’re unlikely to be able to claim from your airline if the delay is outside their control. If you follow the airline’s advice, though, and arrive at the airport in good time, you might be able to claim on your travel insurance. It will depend on your policy.

Find out more on what rights you have if you miss your flight because of disruption at the airport.