You can usually get away with being fashionably late to a party or gathering but airlines and airport security are unlikely to be as forgiving as friends and family.
Planning your trip to the airport beforehand can save a lot of hassle in the long run and making it to the airport in a timely manner is important if you want to start your trip away with the minimum of fuss.
When planning your trip to the departure lounge remember to leave plenty of time to get to the airport, account for any likely traffic jams, especially if travelling during rush hour.
If you are flying at a busy time of year, such as the festive season, or even just at a busy time of day then make sure you take into account longer check-in and security lines.
There are a few handy ways to help yourself get to the airport in time meaning you can relax before your flight instead of dashing around and arriving at the airport in a stressed out state.
If you have a car you might want to drive yourself to the airport and park either at the terminal or off-site.
This is a good way to have complete control over your schedule as you are not depending on anyone else to make it to the terminal on time.
Depending on how long you are going away for, airport paring can be costly so you might want to consider this before setting off.
You could take a taxi to the airport meaning you don't have to spend time looking for a parking space and then getting yourself to the terminal.
At most airports, taxis can drop you off right in front of the terminal building so it's just a hop, skip and jump to the check-in desk.
Public transport is a cost effective means of getting to the airport and many cities have dedicated airport buses and trains to get you there quickly.
Whatever method of transport you choose you always have the risk factor of unexpected occurrences such as traffic jams, punctures or breaking down.
One way to avoid the hassles associated with travel is to stay at an airport hotel where you will be nearby the terminal building and simply walk or get a shuttle service to your check-in desk or departure lounge.
You can find airport hotel options for most cities throughout the United Kingdom so you shouldn't be stuck for choices.
Staying in close proximity to the airport is handy if you are worried about sleeping in or missing any public transport links and is particularly convenient if you have an early morning flight.
As you cut down on travel time you can then spend more time sleeping or enjoying a leisurely breakfast before heading for departures.
Many airport hotels also offer parking in addition to accommodation, usually for a discounted price, so you can take your car and avoid paying a premium for a parking space.