Quick question - How early to be at the airport - HELP!

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Hello - i am going on my first holiday abroad in 5 years and i will have a toddler in tow - feeling super overwhelmed and nervous and overthinking everything. Flight is at 7.50am on a Saturday morning from Luton.

Thinking of getting to the airport for 5.15am (parking next to terminal so short 2 minute walk to the terminal), bag drop then through security. Getting to the airport for 5.15am will be plenty of time won't it?

@saraclara @Heartfullofcheese I think I'll get there early then if it's been bad. Good point about fast track security, is it worth pre booking or shall I just get it on the day?

@Singleandproud I'm only about 20 mins away so going to drive

If you want fast track, book it in advance because I've seen it sell out, especially if there's publicised problems with security.

However, you could get there on the day and find that the normal queue isn't that bad and you'll feel you needn't had bothered.

I haven't flown from Luton in a little while, but the security queue used to be unbelievably bad, which can be quite stressful. However it is actually possible to buy a security 'fast track' in advance which is essentially a queue jumper. Used to cost about £10 per person, so not nothing, but not loads in the grand scheme of the holiday (might be more now).
If you're anxious and want to feel certain you'll have enough time, it's always worth a look.

My other tip is always leave longer for car parking than you think you'll need. Most recent trips have been Gatwick rather than Luton, but once you factor in parking, waiting for the bus if there is one, getting to the terminal with bags/buggy/car seat, it's always an extra 20-30 mins I didn't fully factor!

Are people getting a bit mixed up with what an international flight is? Flights to Europe are international flights, long haul flights are intercontinental.

OP, as has been said, Saturday mornings will be busy, so arriving a good 2 hours before is sensible. Why not get fast track security passes if you're feeling a bit worried? They're between £4 - £8 each, so not too expensive. That'd help with peace of mind.

That's an it depends, TBH I can't see any reason arriving early for Longhaul unless something like a physical visa check is needed.

On the aircraft side of things these days some shorthaul types are pretty much the same capacity as some long haul types and on occasions you see widebody aircraft types used routinely on midhaul routes.

Certainly where I worked the target time for gate closure/aircraft doors closed was the same, longhaul or shorthaul.