Travellers can avoid unnecessary waiting at airports this spring and summer by knowing exactly when to arrive for their flights, especially with the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) checks in place. Travel specialist Kate Donnelly advises that arriving four to five hours before departure is 'absolute nonsense', as most European airports only open bag drop two to three hours before departure.
Donnelly explains that even those with hand luggage will have to wait for their gate to be announced, making early arrival pointless. She recommends arriving a minimum of three hours before your flight to allow time for security and border control, which may be slower due to EES.
Check-in desk opening times vary by airline and route. For long-haul flights, desks typically open earlier for additional security and document checks. Airlines such as Jet2, easyJet, TUI, British Airways, and Ryanair offer twilight check-in services at select airports, allowing passengers to drop bags the night before early departures.
The EU's EES, launched on October 12, 2025, requires British citizens travelling to the Schengen area to register biometric details upon arrival. This replaces manual passport stamping and may cause longer queues at border control. Travellers are advised to check directly with their airline for specific check-in times.
