What time should you get to London airports before your flight?

You’ve booked the accommodation, organised the airport transfers, and argued with your mates over the itinerary. Now the holiday is finally here. So after all that planning and admin, do you really want to risk missing your flight?

We didn’t think so. Most airports advise arriving two to three hours before your departure, depending on the destination. To make it easier for you, below we have advised what time you should arrive at each London airport for your flight, giving you ample time to waltz through security stress-free and grab a pre-holiday pint in ’Spoons. 

Here’s when you should arrive at each London airport, based on the airports’ official advice.

NB: All suggestions below include enough time to drop bags. 

Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Long haul

Heathrow recommends arriving three hours before your flight if travelling out of Europe. 

Short haul

For domestic journeys and flights within Europe get there two hours ahead. 

Find more information here. 

Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Long haul 

Check-in opens three hours before scheduled departures. Aim to arrive then.

Short haul

Within Europe Gatwick recommends two to three hours before. For UK and Ireland flights its two hours. 

Find more information here.

Stansted Airport (STN)

Long haul 

Get there three hours ahead. Here’s what Stansted says: ‘If you’re flying long haul or with airlines like Jet2, TUI, or Thomas Cook, give yourself three hours to spare to help avoid any last-minute rush.’

Short haul

For Europe and UK flights, plan to arrive two hours before the flight. 

Find more info here. 

London City Airport (LCY)

London City only has one terminal, and it’s fairly small, so you don’t need to get there as early as other airports. 

Long haul

As a small business-oriented airport, London City doesn’t offer long haul flights. 

Short haul

City asks for passengers not to arrive more than two hours before their flight, otherwise the airport will be too crowded. Ninety minutes ahead is usually plenty of time to arrive London City airport. 

Find more info here. 

Southend Airport (SEN)

Long haul

Southend doesn’t currently operate any long haul flights. 

Short haul

London Southend airport recommends arriving at least two and a half hours before every flight. 

Find more info here. 

London Heathrow Airport has unveiled a huge multi-billion-pound plan to add up to 10 million more passengers.

Stansted Airport has submitted plans to boost passenger numbers to 51 million.