Productivity has become a bit of a buzzword in recent years, and whether you’re flying for business or leisure, you’ll probably want to squeeze every drop of time out of your trip. Depending on your style and budget, this will look different for different trips and different travellers.

For some, time-saving might include booking a private charter to get to a meeting nice and early. For others, it could be reserving a spot in the best lounge so that you’re even closer to the gate to maximise time spent relaxing. So, if you’re all about getting the most out of your time, take a look at our 10 time-saving tips for Brits flying out of the UK’s main airports.

1. Fly Privately for Maximum Efficiency

First thing’s first: private jet hire is the ultimate time-saving tip. There’s no denying that private jet charter is the elite method of travel, and it’s no surprise. You can turn up just 15-30 minutes before your scheduled departure instead of 2-3 hours before. You can also customise your departure times and drive directly to your Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) of choice. Over 10 trips, you could save over 24 hours by choosing the more efficient form of flying. Over a year, that’ll add up to days saved. The business advantages to saving days over your competitors are incredible – it’s like time travel!

2. Check-In Online

Whether you’re flying privately or commercially, completing the online check-in always saves you at least a few minutes of time on each flight. If you don’t have checked luggage, you can go straight to baggage drop or security upon arrival with your boarding pass in hand.

But remember – if you go on holiday, you’ll often need to check in to your return flight while you’re away, so make sure to find a spot with Wi-Fi so that your return trip is stress free.

3. Take Advantage of Fast-Track Security

Many airports, including Heathrow, offer fast-track security lanes that can save you significant time for less than £15. If you’re travelling during busy periods like Christmas or the Summer Holidays, it’s well worth securing your fast-track pass as this could save you hours before departure. Having the choice between more time at the bar or duty-free versus standing in security queues to start your holiday feels like a no-brainer. Take advantage of this great time-saving tool!

4. Pack Light

Travelling with just cabin luggage can be a game-changer. You’ll skip the check-in counter entirely and avoid waiting at baggage claim upon arrival. This saves time on either end of your trip whilst also guaranteeing against potential ‘lost luggage’ headaches. If you must check a bag, use self-service bag drops available at many UK airports for added convenience.

If you’re flying privately, this is a headache you won’t have to face. You can take on as much luggage as the plane will hold and unload it all the moment you arrive.

5. Use Meet-and-Greet Parking Services

Driving to the airport is often the most convenient option, especially when you’re travelling with luggage or on a tight schedule. However, traditional parking options can add unnecessary time and you’ll often find yourself miles away from the terminal. Meet-and-greet parking services offer a premium alternative that could mean the difference between enjoying a snack in the departure lounge and missing your flight altogether.

At airports like Gatwick, Heathrow, and Manchester, meet-and-greet services allow you to drive directly to the terminal. A professional valet meets you at a designated drop-off point and parks your car securely while you proceed straight to check-in or security. This eliminates the need to search for a parking spot or wait for a shuttle bus from long-stay parking.

6. Book Lounges for a Streamlined Experience

Airport lounges aren’t just for luxury – they’re excellent time-savers too. Escape the crowded terminal, access priority boarding, and enjoy food, drinks, and Wi-Fi in peace. Lounges like Heathrow’s British Airways Galleries or Gatwick’s No1 Lounge are conveniently located near security or gates for added efficiency. Manchester Airport even has a new private terminal that you can access for less than £100. Here, you can catch up on work in peace before a dedicated staff member alerts you that it’s time to board.

7. Time Your Arrival Wisely

As I’ve mentioned already, flying privately is the best option here. You just need time for your speedy private check-in, which should take no more than 15-30 minutes. When flying commercially, from Manchester to London, for example, 90 minutes should give you plenty of time to catch your flight. For international flights, most airports recommend arriving between 2 and 3 hours before your departure time. This gives you more than enough time if the airport is busy.

Arriving too early can be as inefficient as arriving too late, as poor WiFi speeds could hinder your ability to get on with work while you’re waiting.

8. Apps, apps, apps!

Download airline apps for check-in, boarding passes, and flight updates. Navigation apps like Waze or Google Mapscan help you avoid traffic on the way to the airport, even updating data in real time to ensure you’re always on the fastest route. Checking out the best travel apps to download could save you hours on your next trip. 

9. Travel Off-Peak

Early morning and midweek flights are less crowded, reducing wait times at security and check-in. For private jet users, empty-leg flights offer lower prices due to often travelling off-peak. If you’re a flexible traveller, take advantage of this by travelling when others are sleeping or working t.

10. Pre-Book Everything

From parking to fast-track security and lounge access, booking in advance saves time and money. There are a whole host of providers that can offer packages to simplify your trip, allowing you to avoid last-minute hassles on the day of travel.

Time is money…and freedom…and happiness!

These 10 tips are designed to make flying out of the UK’s major airports as smooth and time-efficient as possible. Whether you’re boarding a commercial flight or chartering a private jet, a little preparation goes a long way in making the most of your holiday or business trip.