How long before flight gate closes?
Discussion
Calling experienced flyers!
I have to catch a flight, BA LHR to Nassau, tomorrow and the gate closes at 10:10am. I have checked in on-line and have one piece of baggage to drop off. What time should I get to the airport to be able to drop off, get through security and have half an hour for a stiff Bloody Mary before I get to the plane.
Cheers.
I have to catch a flight, BA LHR to Nassau, tomorrow and the gate closes at 10:10am. I have checked in on-line and have one piece of baggage to drop off. What time should I get to the airport to be able to drop off, get through security and have half an hour for a stiff Bloody Mary before I get to the plane.
Cheers.
Depends on the terminal.
I always used to arrive at check-in one hour before departure time. A couple of missed flights have made me revise that to an hour and a half, and this can be tight sometimes. If you want to do some shopping I'd advise getting to check-in two hours before your flight!
I always used to arrive at check-in one hour before departure time. A couple of missed flights have made me revise that to an hour and a half, and this can be tight sometimes. If you want to do some shopping I'd advise getting to check-in two hours before your flight!
You tell me how long the security queue is going to be at 9am tomorrow, and I'll tell you how long you need 
What I mean by that is; leave a shed load of time. No, a bit more than that.
It's far nicer to be waiting in an airport with nothing to do, than rushing to a gate worrying if you're going to make it or not.
What I mean by that is; leave a shed load of time. No, a bit more than that.
It's far nicer to be waiting in an airport with nothing to do, than rushing to a gate worrying if you're going to make it or not.
croyde said:
Knew I had that coming. Quick responses, thanks folks.2 hours sounds good. Is it going to the US where you have to be there 3 hours before?
My biggest problem is the uncertainty of traffic when driving to the airport. Can do it in 50 minutes, but it often takes 3 hours!!!
Cheers all. I'll probably get a Taxi from SW London around 0630 and get brekky and a Bloody Mary at the airport. I was going to treat myself to a hotel nearby but the only one that is connected to Terminal 5 is the Sofitel and the cheapest room is over £220 for the night. I'd expect the receptionist to sleep with me for that and throw in a dinner.
it changes by airline but gate usually closes about 30mins prior to take off. i know this as my BA inbound flight to LHR [from Nassau incidentally] got in late so i only had 40mins transit time. they said i wouldn't make it and refused to let me try. cue a 10hr delay.
tbh the breakfast at the wetherspoons in T5 is decent and the food [and everything else] on BA is s
te so i'd treat yourself.
tbh the breakfast at the wetherspoons in T5 is decent and the food [and everything else] on BA is s
te so i'd treat yourself. stuttgartmetal said:
Worst Im off to the Bahamas post EVARR.
i'm going back next monday I normally arrive around 4 hours before, which allows for check-in/bag drop and security, a leisurely bit of grub and a drink or two before the flight, and some slinking around the Duty Free shops. Time soon ticks by, and as said, it's much nicer to start your holiday at a leisurely pace, rather than a rushed panic.
shakotan said:
I normally arrive around 4 hours before, which allows for check-in/bag drop and security, a leisurely bit of grub and a drink or two before the flight, and some slinking around the Duty Free shops. Time soon ticks by, and as said, it's much nicer to start your holiday at a leisurely pace, rather than a rushed panic.
4hrs 
Dependent on many things I'll target 1-2hrs before max. Even 2hrs has me bored stiff. I've flown out of Heathrow 5 times this year & I dn;t think it's taken more than 15mins on any time to getting out of the car to the other side of security.
Keithyboy said:
. . . still got security queues to take into account - bags or not, online or otherwise 
I'm still an advocate of leaving plenty of time - less stress 
pleasure yes, business no. have you seen the clooney film where he has his entire check in procedure down pat? that's me. I'm still an advocate of leaving plenty of time - less stress Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff