Probably a thick question...

[damaged]

I've never been to an airport before. &i'm due to fly out tomorrow at 130pm. I've done online check in, & printed our bording passes.

just wondering what time we should head of to the airport?

[MichelleP1]

If you have done online check in I would get there 2 hours before your flight is due which will give you plenty of time to get through security etc. If you are flying Virgin there is a separate online check in queue which is usually much much shorter than the usual check in desk - head for that and drop your bags off and you're away!

Have a fab time.

[speedwayfan]

I would guess that because you have been able to print off your boarding passes that you are travelling BA. Each airline will have their own guidelines as to the time you should arrive at the airport.

If you only have cabin baggage with BA you can go straight through security so around an hour before is OK. If you need to drop off checked luggage around 2 hours before as the previous poster said - BA also have a 'fast bag drop desk' for this.

Have a great time.

SF

[BevS97]

if it's your first time in an airport, then I would give yourself an extra hour. Just because if you aren't familiar with everything, then it may take a bit longer and you are more likely to get lost etc. I would rather be there too early than have a panic trying to get through security etc.

First you will need to drop off your bags, you can go to the quick bag drop.
Then, go through security, this can take anything between 5 minutes to an hour. Its probably going to take something like 15 minutes.

then check the screens in departures and see which gate your flight leaves from, work out which way you have to walk to get to that gate, and then relax, do some shopping, have something to eat etc. But head to your gate promptly at the time shown on the screen or on your boarding pass. It can be quite a long walk to the gate from the main shopping area.

have a great trip!