So when are you supposed to arrive at the airport? It's a question we get asked a lot.
Our advice is that you should get here in time for your airline's check-in desk opening - and this varies depending on what airline you're flying with.
For instance Air Canada and Delta are among the airlines who open their desks four hours before flight times, while easyJet and Ryanair desks are open at least two hours before departure. Take a look at the screens when you enter the check-in hall for information on which check-in desk or zone you should go to.
We’d always suggest you check-in online where possible (this means you can head straight for security), but if you’re dropping bags off these are the times you need to know about.
Remember not to arrive too early as you won't be able to check your bags in if your check-in desk isn't open.
*please note times can vary and are subject to change by the airline.
Airline | Opens | Closes |
Aegean Air | 2.5 hours before | 40 minutes before |
Aer Lingus | 2.5 hours before | 45 minutes before |
Air Baltic | 2 hours before | 40 minutes before |
Air Canada | 4 hours before | 60 minutes before |
Air France | 2 hours before | 40 minutes before |
Albastar | 3 hours before | 45 minutes before |
Atlantic Airways | 2 hours before | 40 minutes before |
Balkan Holidays | 2 hours before | 40 minutes before |
British Airways | 3 hours before | 45 minutes before |
Brussels Airlines | 2 hours before | 40 minutes before |
Delta Airlines | 4 hours before | 1 hour before |
easyJet | 2 hours before | 40 minutes before |
Edelweiss Air | 2.5 hours before | 40 minutes before |
Eurowings | 2 hours before | 40 minutes before |
Airline | Opens | Closes |
Finnair | 2.5 hours before | 45 minutes before |
Freebird | 2 hours before | 30 minutes before |
Iberia | 2 hours before | 45 minutes before |
Jet2.com | At least 3 hours before | 45 minutes before |
KLM | 2 hours before | 40 minutes before |
Loganair | 2 hours before | 30 minutes before |
Lufthansa | 2.5 hours before | 40 minutes before |
Norwegian | 2 hours before | 40 minutes before |
Qatar Airways | At least 3.5 hours before | Up to 1 hour before |
Ryanair | 2 hours before | 40 minutes before |
Airline | Opens | Closes |
SAS | 2.5 hours before | 45 minutes before |
SunExpress | 2.5 hours before | 45 minutes before |
Transavia | 2 hours before | 1 hour before |
TUI | 3 hours before | 45 minutes before |
Turkish Airlines | At least 3.5 hours before | 1 hour before |
United Airlines | 3 hours before | Up to 1 hour before |
Virgin Atlantic | 4 hours before | 50 minutes before |
Vueling Airlines | 2.5 hours before | 40 minutes before |
WestJet | 4 hours before | 1 hour before |
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