If your family is planning a trip abroad in May, it might be wise to pay attention to the latest airport arrival advice from airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2 and TUI. Airports are expected to be packed during the school holiday period, and with fluctuating jet fuel prices concerns, many travellers want to be extra prepared for potential delays, longer queues and last-minute schedule changes.
The rules have remained mostly the same in recent months, but some airlines have specific requirements for different types of passengers or groups. Here is a breakdown of what each major carrier recommends for the May half-term.
Ryanair
Ryanair advises passengers to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure to allow enough time for check-in, bag drop and security. The airline also says passengers must be at the boarding gate at least 30 minutes before departure time. Even if you have booked through an online travel agent, you will still need to verify your booking at the airport, and you are also told to arrive at least two hours early.
EasyJet
EasyJet recommends checking their live updates webpage before your flight to check for disruptions. Passengers flying with the airline are warned on their website that airports can become especially busy during school holidays, and to allow extra time for traffic, train disruptions and queues. The airline warns that bag drop at most UK airports closes 40 minutes before departure, although some airports and destinations may close earlier at 60 minutes. Twilight bag drop services are available the evening before flights that are scheduled for the morning.
Jet2
For Jet2, you should arrive at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure, or earlier, since the airline's check-in desks generally open around two-and-a-half hours before flights. Jet2 closes check-in desks 40 minutes before departure. Travellers are urged to check its latest travel information page at least 12 hours before flying for updates on delays or disruptions. Like some others, the airline also offers its Twilight Check-in service at selected UK airports, allowing customers on morning flights to drop off bags the night before.
TUI
TUI's standard check-in opens at least 2.5 hours before short- and mid-haul flights, but for long-haul flights you can check in 3.5 hours before departure. The company warns that arriving earlier than this will not allow passengers to pass through security sooner, and that those travelling with hand luggage only and who have already checked in online can go straight to security after arriving at the airport. For groups travelling together on the same booking, TUI advises that only one person needs to go to the bag drop with all passports, visas, boarding passes, and luggage.
For all airlines, general advice is to keep travel documents easily accessible, check flight updates online before leaving for the airport and prepare for longer queues during peak travel periods such as the May half-term.
