The big summer getaway starts this weekend, as schools break up and families look forward to a well-earned break. But we all know that airports haven’t been the ideal environment for families recently. Firstly, there were the snaking queues and long waits to get through security. Then, many airlines canceled flights in an effort to make sure their other flights could get away on time. It’s been a tale of staff shortages, frustrated passengers, and a great deal of hanging around. Locally, Manchester Airport passengers have endured long waits to check in and get through security.

If you are traveling from London Heathrow, the airport advises three hours. However, Virgin Atlantic, which operates from Heathrow, just advises at least two hours.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport recommends passengers arrive at the airport no later than two hours prior to departure. Again, it might be best to check your airline’s website for the latest advice.

Jet2 says that check-in desks open at least two and a half hours before the flight time. But the airline offers a very useful time-saving hack with its night before check-in service at Manchester Airport and Leeds Bradford.

That means you can check in your luggage the evening before (from 4.30 to 9 pm) as long as your flight is due to depart before noon the next day. That could save you valuable time – time that you could spend shopping or eating and drinking.