With the summer holidays set to be one of the busiest travel periods, TUI has issued advice to passengers on how early they should get to the airport.

Airports across the UK will welcome thousands upon thousands of Brits jetting off abroad for a sun-soaked getaway during the summer, with July and August set to be the busiest months to fly. Planes are expected to be fully booked, while airports will be busier than usual with longer queues as airlines cope with soaring demand.

Among those will be TUI, a major airline that flies from more than 20 UK airports and specialises in package holidays. And to ensure that customers have as smooth a journey as possible, TUI has issued some guidance on how long holidaymakers should allow at the airport.

How early should I arrive at the airport?

In advice to customers, TUI said: “You can use check-in opening times as a guide, even if you’ve checked in online. 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.”

What can I do if I’m travelling in a group or with family?

For passengers travelling as a group, including families, TUI confirmed that only one person needs to drop bags off at the desk. To do so, they must ensure they have the following:

• All boarding passes – if you’ve checked in online
• All passports and any visas
• All bags to be checked in

Those travelling as a group with flights to the USA and P&O Cruises flights to Malta won’t be able to check in as a group. However, checking in online can help speed up the process at the airport, while many passengers can also make use of the TUI self-service bag drop on the day of departure.

Where can I use the self-service bag drop?

The self-service bag drop opens at the same time as the flight check-in time, and is available at the following UK airports:

• Aberdeen Airport
• Birmingham Airport
• Bristol Airport
• Cardiff Airport
• Gatwick Airport – North and South Terminals
• Glasgow Airport
• Leeds Bradford Airport
• London Luton Airport
• Manchester Airport – from Terminal 2
• Newcastle Airport

Can I check my bag in the day before my flight?

In a bid to ease the travel stress even further, TUI also outlined that customers can check in their bags the day before through their dedicated service, as long as the flight is eligible. This service is available if:

• The flight has a TUI Airways TOM or BY flight number
• The customer is flying before midday
• Or departing from one of their eligible airports

You can check your airport’s eligibility through the TUI website. The airline also warned that those using this bag drop service the day before their flight must ensure they take their passport and travel documents with them.

Meanwhile, if you’re travelling without checked-in luggage, the process can be even quicker. TUI said: “If you’re just taking hand luggage with you on your flight, and you’ve checked in online, you can make your way to security as soon as you arrive at the airport.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com