How early should I arrive at the airport? Brits divided over how much time to give themselves before a flight – but most agree THIS is cutting it too fine

Although flight delays and cancellations have become a routine part of travelling, many Brits still turn up hours early ‘just to be on the safe side’.

In general, most airlines recommend arriving at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight, and at least three hours before an international flight.

That said, there are many factors that can mess up your trip, and given the chaotic summer of raging traffic and overrun border controls, many have had to rush to the gate.

According to a survey by YouGov, thousands of Britons are prepared to do extra preparation before they leave.

Thousands of Britons are prepared to do extra prep so they have time before they fly away, according to a new survey

The survey found that 34 per cent of Britons arrive right on time, with two hours left before their flight, giving them plenty of time to roam duty-free.

Of the nearly 4,000 adults, 15 percent would allow themselves an extra half hour and arrive 2.5 hours earlier.

And if we were to be on the safe side, 22 percent of Britons would allow themselves three hours at the airport.

Figuring out when to arrive at the airport is a balancing act, with most people agreeing that they don’t want to arrive late. Too much time at the airport can be unnecessary and expensive.

Some take bigger risks, and 9 percent of people give themselves 90 minutes less time, while three percent arrive just an hour early.

Meanwhile, only three percent of people would give themselves three and a half hours, and even fewer, two percent, would give themselves even longer.

And the last thing vacationers need is to get to the airport only to find out they can’t board the flight. So Britons should be prepared to know when their passports are running out.

While most people would agree that they don’t want a last-minute hassle to board their plane, only 5 percent of people would allow themselves more than three hours at the airport

Some risk takers leave just 90 minutes or less before a flight, with 3 percent admitting to giving themselves just an hour

Because British passports are valid for ten years after being issued, many Brits assume they are ready for your dream holiday, but this is not always the case.

Fortunately, the YouGov survey shows that most people know the year their passport expires (33 percent), and many more people know the exact month their passport expires.

However, a shocking 31 percent admitted to not knowing the date, or even the year, of their passport expiration.

But in some places your passport doesn’t have to be expired to get a vacation ban, and in some countries your passport must be valid for another three or even six months at the time of your trip.

Despite this, the survey found that 84 per cent of Britons are aware and only 16 per cent admit they are not informed, including 34 per cent of 12 to 24 year olds.

The investigation comes after last month’s chaotic weekend, in which two million holidaymakers went abroad.

During busier seasons, many airlines advise passengers to allow enough time to avoid delays.