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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To arrive at the airport at 5am for a 6:20am flight?

221 replies

CroccyWoccy · 12/04/2024 20:39

Trying to figure out logistics for an early morning flight. Can’t get to the airport before 5am without staying the night before. Flight is 6:20am. Only flying with hand luggage, will have checked in online.

Is this doable or do I need to stump up for a hotel?

OP posts:
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5
Sagittarius · 12/04/2024 20:47

I can't comment on that aiport specifically, but I thought the norm was min 2 hours before departure. I think it's cutting it fine and I wouldn't risk it, but then again I'm in the get to the airport early camp.

Shylo · 12/04/2024 20:47

CroccyWoccy · 12/04/2024 20:42

It’s Stansted and yes I’d be relying on getting the first Stansted Express train of the day.

Getting to stansted at 5 you’d be fine if you pay to fast track security - it can still be very busy first thing and I’ve also paid to fast track because that’s where it goes wrong . you’ll need to whizz through and not shop but I reckon you’d be ok

what I’d be less confident about is the stansted express - it’s not overly reliable

Bloom15 · 12/04/2024 20:46

Could you get a taxi and get there a bit earlier? I wouldn't trust public transport

Pearsplums · 12/04/2024 20:45

It depends on what you mean by “getting to the airport” at that time. I would want to be joining the security queue an hour before the departure time.

Notimeforaname · 12/04/2024 20:45

Well it depends how important this trip is. Would you be ok with the chance of missing it due to not giving yourself enough time? I wouldn't risk it.

Footinturf · 12/04/2024 20:44

I wouldn't, I was in Stansted a few weeks ago and it was super duper busy and security took a while

Anotherillnes · 12/04/2024 20:44

Don’t if you rely on public transport.

Longma · 12/04/2024 20:44

I'd be more worried about replying on the train than the 100 minutes to,get to the plane.

Flossyflop · 12/04/2024 20:44

This thread title has given me anxiety but I am always super early 🤣

Security queues can sometimes take 45 mins and you need to be at the gate 30 mins before.

notacooldad · 12/04/2024 20:43

Just seen your update.
I only know north west airports!

Longma · 12/04/2024 20:43

Which airport?

Can you get fast track through passport control?

notacooldad · 12/04/2024 20:43

Liverpool or Leeds Bradford I would say yes.
Manchester, just about if it is not school holidays.

AhBiscuits · 12/04/2024 20:42

Don't rely on the train with those small margins. Stay over.

Aussieland · 12/04/2024 20:42

Where are you flying from/too? How reliable is the transport and is there a chance it will be late? It seems pretty reasonable to me but I am in Adelaide and our air travel is v v easy!

AhBiscuits · 12/04/2024 20:42

How are you getting there?

Original poster
CroccyWoccy · 12/04/2024 20:42

It’s Stansted and yes I’d be relying on getting the first Stansted Express train of the day.

OP posts:
quietlysad · 12/04/2024 20:42

At that time of the morning I would say you would be fine. Suppose there’s always that risk though. Probably not that helpful sorry!! If it wasn’t a massively expensive flight I would take the risk

travelallthetime · 12/04/2024 20:41

short haul fine. long haul no

CaputDraconis · 12/04/2024 20:41

It depends which airport. If it is a biggy like London Gatwick or Stansted then no way you won't even be through security before your flight takes off.

Small one like London City it is doable.

LlynTegid · 12/04/2024 20:41

It depends on how you are getting there. I would not trust a train to be there for 5am, given alleged late finish of engineering works on a few occasions.

PuttingDownRoots · 12/04/2024 20:41

Which airport? Heathrow would be different to Southampton

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