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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to ask if people are arriving at airports four hours early?✈️

111 replies

Netcurtainnelly · 20/07/2026 13:54

Can you post here whether you are turning up to the airport 4 hours early this Summer for check in please? I ve just read it might be necessary.🤔😭😱 Before making a decision?

Holiday and Check in Post.♥️
Want to hear what it's really like.

OP posts:
Crikeyalmighty · 20/07/2026 14:37

We nearly always do night before at hotel or Airbnb nearby - unless it’s evening flight

rubyslippers · 20/07/2026 14:31

possibly but this would only be when you’re leaving certain destination countries

notimagain · 20/07/2026 14:29

Nope.

There's generally no need ex-UK.

Leaving Europe for the UK is a case of "it depends"..no need at all at the regional airport we use in Europe but it's not a major holiday destination...

ShetlandishMum · 20/07/2026 14:11

We did travelling to Europe this summer as National Express arrived 4 hours early. Couldn't hand over suitcases before 1.5 hours of departure. BA.
It's wasn't a choice but waste of time.

Cantwaitforwinter · 20/07/2026 14:06

I’ve never arrived more than 2 hours before a flight and I’m still often stood around like an idiot.

Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies · 20/07/2026 14:05

Well, I would… because I need to allow a couple of hours for delays - to get to any airport by road requires a stretch on the M25. Our normal trip to Gatwick, for example, takes 1.5 hours. Last time we went, it took 7 hours (yes, we did miss the flight). If all goes well, the extra time we allow for the journey means we have 3.5 to 4 hours at the airport. Which is considerably less stressful than worrying about the sign saying ‘Congestion Ahead’.

PropertyD · 20/07/2026 14:02

I think you mean when returning from Europe. The queues at immgration to LEAVE the country you have just been on holiday to can be huge.

PartoftheBand · 20/07/2026 14:01

No. I've already been on my summer holiday but arrived approximately two hours in advance and it was absolutely fine.

ColdAsAWitches · 20/07/2026 14:01

Of course not. Why would I?

LuckyHazelFox · 20/07/2026 13:55

Not if they are flying to Cape Verde 😉

Popstarrrrr · 20/07/2026 13:55

Absolutely not.