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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

How early is too early to arrive at the airport?

206 replies

ikeepdancingonmy · 05/08/2026 07:00

I’m self confessed anxious traveller.

I’m travelling to France at the end of the month, the Friday before the bank holiday. I live about an hour and a half to two hour’s drive from Bristol airport. My flight is at 18:30, and easyJet says to arrive at 15:30.

I’m thinking of leaving the house between 11:30 and 12:00, because of the fact it’s the Friday before the bank holiday. Is that totally insane? AIBU to do this? Will I just be stuck at the airport, or grateful I’ve had the extra time?

OP posts:
Enoughofpeopleenough · 05/08/2026 07:06

Far too early. You don't need to be there 3 hours before let alone 4 or more hours.

Original poster
ikeepdancingonmy · 05/08/2026 07:06

Culpeper · 05/08/2026 07:05

That’s loads of time. Too much. You don’t even need to arrive at 3:30 for a flight to France. I’d leave at 2:30.

It’s 3 hours before. Leaving at 2:30 would mean potentially not arriving at the airport until 5/5:30, and bag drop closes at 5:30.

OP posts:
Original poster
ikeepdancingonmy · 05/08/2026 07:05

LittleGreenDuck · 05/08/2026 07:05

Are you travelling South down the M5 from the Midlands direction? Always busy travelling that way on a Friday afternoon. I’m a super early arrivals person too and I’d always rather hang around at the airport and know I’m there, than hang around at home and risk being delayed.
Easyjet luggage drop won’t be open until three hours before the flight.

North.

OP posts:
Ibi · 05/08/2026 07:05

I think 1200-1230 would be fine. I’ve not been to Bristol airport. But I imagine there will be somewhere to eat, so have your lunch there. If you’re anxious, then get there for the time that suits you, it’s only you who has to wait around, so it doesn’t matter what time you get there!

Culpeper · 05/08/2026 07:05

That’s loads of time. Too much. You don’t even need to arrive at 3:30 for a flight to France. I’d leave at 2:30.

LittleGreenDuck · 05/08/2026 07:05

Are you travelling South down the M5 from the Midlands direction? Always busy travelling that way on a Friday afternoon. I’m a super early arrivals person too and I’d always rather hang around at the airport and know I’m there, than hang around at home and risk being delayed.
Easyjet luggage drop won’t be open until three hours before the flight.