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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Not to be at the airport 2 hours before my flight

310 replies

Iambouddicca · 30/06/2025 09:27

Flying to Europe from Bristol. Do I really need 2 hours - travelling light with just an underseat bag on easyJet… just a single traveller too.

I’ve not flown much recently ( and not since Brexit/covid) so I’ve not got a feel for this. Is an hour enough - honestly?

OP posts:
Original poster
Iambouddicca · 30/06/2025 09:37

I was hoping an hour might be enough…

OP posts:
ARichWomansWorld · 30/06/2025 09:37

We were travelling yesterday, there was a nasty accident unfortunatley and were delayed by an hour as the motorway was shut.

If you leave last minute for any travel arrangement its such a risk.

Original poster
Iambouddicca · 30/06/2025 09:36

Thank you - I was participating looking at Bristol so would be really helpful if anyone knows that airport

OP posts:
Somuchtodotoolittletimetodoit · 30/06/2025 09:34

Yes. Especially Bristol. The security queues can be horrendous and its prime holiday season. It will be busy.

feellikeanalien · 30/06/2025 09:33

Most of the delays are going through security and passport control. Not necessarily on the way out but certainly on the way back. When we flew recently the quickest part was actually checking hold bags in. Security and passport control took much longer. It also depends what time of day you fly.

It is a pain hanging around the airport but the flight won't wait if you are delayed coming through passport and security checks.

My19thNervousNameChange · 30/06/2025 09:32

Sure. Great idea. Get there ten minutes before. I'm sure it will be fine.

YABU. What if the queues are horrendous? Staff shortages? Any number of shit stuff can go on delaying things but they'll still shut your gate at the prescribed time and you'll be back here moaning that you missed your flight 🙄

MidnightPatrol · 30/06/2025 09:32

I sometimes find the budget airlines want to close the gate what feels like about an hour before the flight departs.

Which means even with loads of time, making it there can be a challenge.

I assume Bristol airport is fairly small - but even if you have say 90 mins - 30 mins to get through security etc could be tight if it’s busy / they choose your bag to search etc.

Sunseeker83 · 30/06/2025 09:31

Depends on the airport. I fly very often from London airports and use fast track security and I arrive between 50- 60 mins before and have never had an issue. Flew recently from Birmingham and it would not have been enough, the security line was out of control. Think you need some solid advice from people who use Bristol airport regularly

nellly · 30/06/2025 09:29

Yea when does the gate close? which airport? What’s the average time through security there? It’s a gamble honestly depending on those factors

DuckBee · 30/06/2025 09:28

Well Ryan air gates close 40 mins before the flight.

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