This Christmas UK travel hubs are bound to be busy as festive fliers look to make their way to loved ones - and different airlines recommend arriving at the airport at different times to ensure an easy take-off.
While airports which were overstretched and overwhelmed in the spring and summer seem in much better shape now, the winter break will be a test of whether they've been brought back to pre-pandemic levels of efficiency.
Just last month Heathrow estimated businesses at the airport still need to recruit and train as many as 25,000 people.
Make sure to check with the airport you're flying out of for specific advice as well as following that from individual airlines below.
easyJet
Check-in for easyJet opens online 30 days before the flight leaves and closes two hours before departure.
On its website the budget aviation company has a list of countries and the length of time at the airport you should leave before head there.
Most destinations suggest arrival between two or three hours before.
"All timings are based on your flight’s scheduled departure time," the website reads.
"Unless we tell you otherwise, these timings still apply even if your flight is delayed, as we always do what we can to make up any delay."
Jet2
Jet2's check-in desks generally open at least 2 hours 30 minutes before scheduled departure times, and close 40 minutes before.
You should always double-check the check-in opening times at whatever airport you're flying from, the company advises.
At some UK airports Jet2 offers its Twilight Check-in service, meaning you can drop your bags off at the airport the evening before your departure if your flight’s scheduled before noon.
British Airways
"Give yourself extra time to get through the airport, particularly if you’re travelling during busy periods, such as school holidays," BA recommends.
Check-in for the airline opens 24 hours before departure.
Customers are advised to head straight through security as soon as they've dropped off their bags, as this can take longer than normal during busy periods.
BA says recommended airport arrival times vary airport to airport, but that at London Heathrow Terminal 5 security closes 35 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure time, so you must be through before then.
Wizz Air
Check-in is available from 30 days up to three hours before the scheduled departure time if you have purchased a seat during your booking, or 48 hours before it you haven't.
Baggage drop off usually closes 40 minutes before scheduled departure time, although this varies at some airports, with details on Wizz Air's website.
Wizz Air charges for checking-in in person at all but five airports, including Moscow and Agadir, where online check-in isn't available.
Ryanair
The budget airline recommends that customers check-in baggage as early as possible, with the bag drop desk open two hours prior to the scheduled flight departure time.
The desk closes "strictly" 40 minutes before the scheduled time of departure.
"If you miss this deadline your booking could be cancelled without refund and you could be prevented from boarding the plane," Ryanair warns.
"It’s important that you make it to your boarding gate in good time, at least 30 minutes before your flight departure time.
"Boarding closes 20 minutes before departure. Please have your valid travel document and boarding pass ready at the boarding gate."
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.
Arriving any earlier than this won't mean you can check in or pass through security early.
