How Early to Arrive at Heathrow, Gatwick & Stansted Airports

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How Early Should You Arrive at London Airports? Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted & More

Table of Contents

The #1 Thing That Can Ruin Your Trip Is Timing
How Early Should You Arrive at UK Airports?
When to Arrive at Heathrow Airport?
Gatwick Airport Timing Guide
Arrival Tips for Stansted, Luton, and London City
Domestic vs International Flights: What Changes
Flying at 5 AM or 6 AM? What You Need to Know
Expert Tips to Avoid Delays
Frequently Asked Questions

The #1 Thing That Can Ruin Your Trip Is Timing

If you have ever cut it close at the airport, you know the stress. London’s airports are some of the busiest in the world, and each one runs a little differently. Whether you're flying to Glasgow or Dubai, showing up too late can mean missed flights, long queues, or last-minute sprints to the gate.
Getting your timing right matters. It saves you stress, helps avoid delays, and gives you time to breathe before boarding.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly when you should arrive at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and London City Airport. You’ll also get practical tips for early flights, domestic vs. international timing, and how to handle peak travel periods.

How Early Should You Arrive at UK Airports?

Across the UK, the general rule is:

1.5 to 2 hours early for domestic flights

2.5 to 3 hours early for international flights

But arrival time depends on a few things.

Are you checking a bag? Did you already check in online? Are you flying during peak hours like Monday mornings or Friday evenings? Is your airline strict about gate closing times?

Hand luggage and online check-in can save time, but not always. Security lines still take time, and you never want to be behind a school group at 6 AM.

For most travelers, arriving 2.5 hours before your flight is a safe bet, no matter where you're going.

Heathrow Airport: What Time Should You Arrive?

Heathrow is the biggest airport in the UK, with five terminals and nonstop global traffic.

If you're flying short-haul, arrive 2 hours early. If you're on a long-haul or transatlantic flight, give yourself 3 full hours.

Terminal 5, used by British Airways, is often the busiest. Security lines there are longest between 6 and 9 AM. Terminal 2 tends to move faster, but queues still build up during weekends and holidays.

You can check live security times using the official Heathrow app before you leave.

If you're checking bags, plan for delays. Most airlines close their bag drop desks 60 minutes before takeoff.

Gatwick Airport Timing Guide

Gatwick has two terminals: North and South.

EasyJet mostly flies from the North Terminal. British Airways, Wizz Air, and others use the South Terminal.

Airport staff recommend arriving:

2 hours before short-haul flights

3 hours before long-haul flights

Check-in desks usually open 3 hours before departure and close 1 hour before.

Security can be quick or painfully slow, depending on the day. Friday nights and early mornings are the most crowded.

If you're flying during peak hours or on a weekend, give yourself extra time just in case.

Stansted, Luton, and London City: Know the Differences

Stansted

Stansted serves mostly budget airlines like Ryanair and Jet2. It’s efficient but crowded.

Arrive at least 2 hours early.

3 hours if you’re checking a bag or flying early morning

Security lines can stretch out quickly between 4 AM and 8 AM. If Fast Track is available, it’s worth the upgrade.

Luton

Luton is similar in layout and traffic, with most flights from Wizz Air and easyJet.

Aim for 2.5 hours before departure.

Transport to Luton takes longer, and queues at security move slower than at Stansted. Plan extra time for getting there, especially if using public transport.

London City Airport

London City is smaller and more efficient.

For domestic or short-haul European flights, 90 minutes is usually enough.

For longer or multi-leg flights, give yourself 2 to 2.5 hours.

Security is tight, and boarding gates often close earlier than expected. Don’t assume it will be quick just because the airport is small.

Domestic vs. International Flights: What Changes?

People often assume domestic flights need less time, but that’s not always true.

Airlines like Ryanair and easyJet don’t wait. If check-in closes or the gate shuts, you’re not getting on.

If you're flying with hand luggage only and have checked in online, you can sometimes arrive just 90 minutes before departure.

But for most domestic routes in the UK, 2 hours is safer, especially during holidays or weekends.

Flying at 5 AM or 6 AM? What You Need to Know

Early flights are common, especially from budget terminals like Stansted or Luton.

For a 6 AM flight, you need to be at the airport by 4 AM.

That means leaving home around 3 AM, earlier if you're far from the airport.

Public transport options are limited before 5 AM, especially outside central London.

Plan ahead by:

Booking a minicab or private transfer the night before

Checking if your airline offers bag drop the evening before

Using night buses or trains like the Heathrow Express (runs limited early service)

Security at 4 AM can take just as long as it does at 9 AM, because multiple airlines stack flights around the same time.

Expert Tips to Avoid Delays

Always check in online and download your boarding pass.

Pack your liquids in a clear, resealable bag.

Use Fast Track if you’re flying during peak hours.

Check your terminal and gate before leaving home.

Use live updates from airport apps to monitor queue times.

Avoid checking bags if you can

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Is two hours early enough for Heathrow?

Yes, if you're flying short-haul with hand luggage only. No, if you’re checking bags or flying long-haul.

2) Can I arrive late if I check in online?

Only if you have hand luggage and arrive during off-peak hours. It’s still a risk, especially with gate closing times.

3) What if I only have hand luggage?

That saves you time at check-in, but security and boarding still take time. Arrive 90 to 120 minutes early.

4) When do check-in desks close? Most airlines close check-in and bag drop 40 to 60 minutes before departure. Always confirm with your airline.

5) What time should I arrive for a 6 AM flight?

Arrive by 4 AM. Plan your transport the night before to avoid stress.

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