The big summer getaway is under way, with families looking forward to a well-earned break. But we all know that airports haven’t been the ideal environment for young or old recently.
Firstly, there were the snaking queues and long waits to get through security. Then, many airlines cancelled flights in an effort to make sure their other flights could get away on time.
It’s been a tale of staff shortages, frustrated passengers and a great deal of hanging around. Locally, at Cardiff Airport and Bristol Airport, some passengers have endured long waits.
Read more: M4, M5, M32, and A38 live updates as slow-moving convoys disrupt summer getaways
All in all, it’s been a summer of disruption and confusion at many UK airports. And there has often been conflicting advice on the best time to arrive at the airport.
So just how long before your flight should you arrive at the airport? And are there any time-saving tips?
The official advice from Cardiff Airport is to arrive at least two hours before a short-haul flight and four hours before a long-haul flight. If you are parking off-site, you might want to allow extra.
However, the airport website says: “Please note that every airline has its own recommendations so do check with your airline before you fly.” It adds: “During rush hour it’s advisable to allow extra time to account for for road delays and parking your vehicle.”
Check-in desks usually open two to three hours before departure, so you can drop off your hold luggage. But it is worth checking whether your airline offers a night-before luggage drop.
At Manchester Airport, for example, Jet2 allows you to check in your luggage the evening before (from 4.30 to 9pm) as long as your flight is due to depart before noon the next day. That could save you valuable time – time that you could spend shopping or eating and drinking.
In general, Manchester Airport advises you arrive three hours before your flight. Again, it says you should confirm this with your airline.
At Bristol Airport, the official advice is to arrive at least two hours before a scheduled flight and three hours before a charter flight. But check with your airline for the latest advice.
If you are travelling from London Heathrow, the airport advises three hours. However, Virgin Atlantic, which operates from Heathrow, just advises at least two hours.
Other airport time-saving hacks include:
- Check-in online
- Buy a fast-track security ticket (if available)
- Choose a late-night flight (most take off in the morning, meaning airports tend to be busy at that time)
- Weigh your cases at home, to avoid having to sort overweight bags at the airport
- Familiarise yourself with the airport layout before you go
- Consider Meet and Greet parking, so you don’t have to spend time parking.
Other than that, don’t forget to enjoy yourself. You are on holiday, after all!
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