Getting to the airport on time can be stressful. You never know how long the queues for check-in or security will be and want to get to the gate on time.

After spending so much time planning and lots of money to find the perfect holiday missing the plane is your worst nightmare. Just like other modes of transport, if you miss boarding you’ll have to shell out for an all new flight.

While some issues are unavoidable, planning ahead and leaving plenty of time can ensure you get your bum in your plane seat before take-off. But, when you should arrive at the airport can vary.

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The general rule of thumb is to arrive three hours before your flight takes off. This leaves ample time for security, a bit of shopping and food and then to head to the gate.

However, the advice from each airline differs. You should always check the recommended timings well before your holiday to avoid panic and disappointment.

EasyJet

UK's 'most overlooked beach' has golden sands, a castle and no crowds. The budget airline emails customers with advice on when they should arrive at the airport, depending on the location, the length of flight and other variables including weather and potential delays.

If you're travelling with hand luggage only you can check-in online between 30 days and two hours before your flight. Those with checked luggage or who are having difficulty checking in online should do so at the airport at least two hours before the flight departure time.

EasyJet’s main hub is Gatwick where check-in opens two hours (for UK and Ireland flights) or three hours (for European flights) before departure time. The airport recommends arriving at least two hours before flights to allow for plenty of time to check-in and pass through security.

Ryanair

The airline advises passengers to arrive at the check-in or bag drop desk at least two hours before they are due to fly, with the service closing 40 minutes before departure. If you are checking in online, be sure to do so two hours before your flight is due to depart as Ryanair will charge you around £50 if you leave it later than this.

Make sure to check your emails for any updates, as Ryanair does regularly give updated arrival suggestions based on various factors. The airline’s main hubs are Dublin and London Stansted, with the former advising customers to arrive 2.5 hours before short-haul flight departures, and the latter two hours before.

British Airways

BA has different advice for the different airports it flies from, but the general rule is arrive no earlier than two hours before short-haul flights are due to depart, and three hours before long-haul.

Check-in closes 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time and you should pass through security at least 20 minutes before that point. Be at your boarding gate no later than 15 minutes before your plane is due to take off, BA advises.

Passengers can check in online and print your own boarding pass to speed things up, up to 24 hours before your flight. You can also check in and print baggage labels at the airline’s airport kiosks on arrival.

TUI

Standard check-in opens at least two-and-a-half hours before departure for short and mid-haul flights, and at least three-and-a-half hours before departure for long-haul flights. The airline warns that arriving any earlier than this won't mean you can check in or pass through security early.

Customers can drop off any bags well before check-in closes – usually 45 minutes before departure, but an hour before latest is advised.

Wizz Air

The airline says that if you are not checking a bag, you must be at your boarding gate no later than 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. If you have pre-booked assistance, you must arrive at the airport two hours before then.

Check-in starts 2 hours and closes 40 minutes before take-off. In some cases, the airport check-in desk opens or closes earlier, so it's worth checking emails or looking up specific airport rules online before your journey.

Virgin Atlantic

The airline recommends that you arrive at least two hours before your flight is due to leave, with online check-in open from 24 hours up until 70 mins before departure. In-person check-in closes 60 minutes before flights take off.

Virgin has specific advice for different airports which can be found here. Those heading out from its uk hubs – Heathrow, Belfast, Edinburgh, Manchester and Glasgow – should arrive two hours before departure.

Jet2

The airline's check-in desks generally open at least two and a half hours before scheduled departure time, with customers advised to arrive at the airport in "good time". Check-in desks will close 40 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

If you’re travelling hand-luggage-only, you can check in online between 28 days and five hours before your departure, via the airline's website or app.

• Travel rules can change quickly so always check with your airline before travelling if you have any questions.

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